Food resources
Food plays an important role in getting settled in a new place and staying connected to culture and community. From grocery stores and farmers markets, to community gardens and food security programs, Victoria offers a rich variety of options to help make healthy, culturally diverse food more accessible. Explore helpful information on connecting to food resources and supports during your time at UVic.
Grocery shopping
Grocery shopping is an essential part of student life, but it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve compiled information to help you find the fresh food and ingredients from around the world, from major supermarkets to local markets to specialty stores.
Grocery stores
Whether you're searching for South Asian spices, East Asian staples, Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) goods, or Latin American produce, explore our map, filter by cuisine, and discover nearby stores that carry the foods you love.
Looking to save money on groceries? Some tips:
- Many stores offer weekly deals that can help you stay within budget
- Check out printed flyers in-store or visit grocery store websites to find current promotions
- Download price comparison apps like , to track discounts and find the best deals on items from your grocery list
Farmers markets
Farmers markets are a great way to experience local culture while accessing fresh, seasonal, and often organic produce directly from growers and makers in the community. Visiting farmers markets can be a fun way to discover new ingredients, support local businesses, and connect with the community. Farmers markets are seasonal and schedules can change, so always confirm dates and opening times before you visit.
Check out the farmers markets near you!
Finding ingredients
Want to cook a meal from your home country but not sure where you can find the ingredients? Check out the following list of common grocery items from international cuisines, along with the local grocery stores where you can find them.
While we've highlighted where to find specific grocery items in local stores, many major grocery chains in Victoria also carry a wide selection of international ingredients, often in their International or World Foods aisles.
| Ingredient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Banana Leaves | ABR store, Filipino Mart, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Mexican House of Spices |
| Cassava (fresh) | Fairway, H-Mart, Island Afrikan Supermarket |
| Jackfruit | Fisgard Market, H-Mart |
| Kaffir lime leaves | Fisgard Market, H-Mart |
| Mung beans | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Saanisunny Asian Market |
| Perilla leaves | Fairway Market, H-Mart |
| Plantains | Island Afrikan Supermarket, most major grocery stores |
| Tomatillos | Mexican House of Spices, most major grocery stores |
| Ube (purple yam) | Fairway Market, H-Mart |
| Ingredient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Biltong | Fernwood General Store, McLennan’s Meat and Seafood, Haus Sausage Co. |
| Halal meats | Ajwa Meats & Groceries, Damascus Food Market, Duaa Supermarket, Noor Foods Market, Quadra Village Butcher Shop, Vicart |
| Lap cheong (Chinese sausage) | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Weidu Market |
| Paneer | Ajwa Meats & Groceries, Fraserview Meats & Indian Grocery, H-Mart |
| Quail eggs | Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang Grocery |
| Soy milk (fresh) | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart |
| Ingredient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Galangal | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart |
| Molokhiya | Damascus Food Market, Quadra Village Butcher Shop, Vicart |
| Puto | Fairway Market, ABR store, Filipino Mart |
| Salted vegetables | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang grocery |
| Tamale wrappers | Fairway Market, Mexican House of Spices |
| Wonton skins | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Sakura Japanese Sushi & Grocery, Tai Sang grocery, Weidu Market |
| Ingredient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Annatto seeds | ABR Store, Filipino Mart, H-Mart, Mexican House of Spices |
| Molokhiya | Island Afrikan Supermarket, Mexican House of Spices, Whole Foods Market |
| Curry leaves | Ajwa Meats & Groceries, Fraserview Meats & Indian Grocery, H-Mart |
| Masa Harina | Mexican House of Spice, most major grocery stores |
| Mung beans | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Saanisunny Asian Market |
| Teff | Bulk Barn, Whole Foods |
| Z |
| Ingredient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Chili oil | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang grocery, Weidu Market |
| Doenjang | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang grocery, Weidu Market |
| Fish sauce | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang grocery, Weidu Market |
| Gochujang | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang grocery, Weidu Market |
| Oyster sauce | Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart, Tai Sang grocery, Weidu Market |
| Perilla oil |
Fairway Market, H-Mart |
| Sambal |
Fairway Market, Fisgard Market, H-Mart |
| Tahini |
Ajwa Meats & Groceries, Damascus Food Market, Duaa Supermarket, Noor Foods Market, Quadra Village Butcher Shop, Fig Medditeranean Deli |
| Tamarind paste |
ABR Store, Fairway Markets, Filipino Mart, Fisgard Market, Fraserview Meats & Indian Grocery, H-Mart |
The table above features a selection of frequently requested or used international grocery ingredients. For a more comprehensive list, consult this PDF. Please note, this information was last verified in 2024 and some availability may have changed.
Restaurants
With one of the highest numbers of restaurants per capita in the country, Victoria is full of restaurants and cafes that represent a global community. Explore the city using this map to find your next favourite spot for dining out.
Community gardens
A community garden is a shared space where people come together to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as host social gatherings and learning opportunities. In Victoria, these gardens are often located in neighborhoods, schools, and public green spaces. You can engage with community gardens by renting a plot (waitlists can be long), volunteering, or attending events.
Check out a community garden near you!
Food security resources
Navigating finances as a student can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing food costs. Fortunately, there are several affordable food resources available to support you. From on-campus programs like the UVic Food Bank and Meal Share, to local food banks, and student discounts at participating businesses, students have access to a wide range of options to help make nutritious food more accessible.
If you are experiencing food insecurity, we encourage you to reach out to the International Centre for Students (ICS) for support and guidance on available resources.
Student discounts
By presenting your ONECard at checkout, you can receive a discount from these local businesses. For businesses not on this list, you can always ask if a student discount is available.
On-campus resources
- Multifaith Centre’s Shared Meals programs
- UVic Family Centre Community Food Market
- UVic Meal Share program
Community resources
Please note: These resources are open to the wider Victoria community and serve diverse populations. We encourage you to learn more about what they offer and eligibility before connecting with these services.
Food banks and pantries
Community meals
Student food stories
International students have shared stories about their favorite dishes, cultural traditions, and the memories that bring comfort and joy while studying at UVic. Read about their experiences and discover how food creates meaningful connections to culture and community in Victoria.
Pedro Barras
"The thing I enjoy doing the most, when I am not studying or volunteering with GC, is going to all the different food places in Victoria. I love the fact that even though I am really far from home I still get to enjoy some food from my home country."
Muskan Lonial
"Hailing from the Northern parts of India, Dal Makhani is a simple yet profound concoction of black lentils and beans, simmered to perfection with a medley of spices that warm you from the inside out. No matter where life takes me, a bowl of Dal Makhani is all it takes to feel like I’m home again."
Aman Palod
"Half a world away in Victoria, I find comfort in a humble dish that always makes me nostalgic for home: poha. These flattened rice flakes, mixed with robust Indian spices, diced onions, a dash of lime, and a sprinkle of coriander, bring back memories of lazy mornings in my hometown of Indore. The best part? The crispy noodles, or ‘sev,’ sprinkled on top, adding a perfect crunch to every bite. It’s comforting to know that no matter how far I go, a taste of home is never too far away."
Ana Paula Bertho
"I’m originally from Brazil. Moving to Canada has allowed me to explore different cuisines. A dish called phở from the other side of the planet would steal my heart and stomach. Now, my comfort meal consists of a dessert I’ve known for my whole life and a soup that warmly reminds me how food has the power to nourish bodies and souls."
Gwen Tongco
"When I first arrived in Victoria, I was terribly homesick, looking for the familiar taste of home. Within my first week, my mom and I stumbled upon a small Filipino restaurant called Benjamin’s Cafe. I ordered Lomi, a warm and hearty noodle soup, and with just one spoonful, it felt like home wasn’t so far away after all. Now, I return to Benjamin's whenever I miss home and try out their menu!"
Juli Murakami
"Yakiniku is a Japanese style of grilled meat, it not only tastes great, but also great for bringing friends together. It is enjoyed on a grill, with different types of dipping sauces. Meat is usually bite-sized pieces, and we usually have them with vegetables. I’ve made some great memories having yakiniku with friends, both back in Japan and here in Victoria. This photo was from a yakiniku night we had while camping on Salt Spring!"
Acknowledgments
The ICS would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the development of the Food Resources page. From the initial vision of students at the Gustavson School of Business, who aimed to support easy access to culturally authentic groceries and restaurants in Victoria, to the ongoing contributions and feedback from the Global Community Student Advisory Council, GC Work Study students, and the broader UVic community, this guide has grown into a valuable resource for many.
We would also like to express our appreciation to the students of the Geography 330 class (Fall 2023), who enhanced the guide by creating interactive Google Maps to make exploring food resources across the region even more accessible.
The information on this page is current as of November 2025 and is subject to change.