Urbana’s Ashar African Market opened a Chicago store last month. Located at 5723 N California Street, Ashar Market in Chicago stocks freshly leafy vegetables, rice, chicken, goat, beef, turkey, and fish in addition to offering butcher service. It’s awesome to see a little piece of Urbana in Chi-town.
The original Ashar Market opened in December 2017 in the plaza at the corner of University and Cunningham Avenues. The independent grocery specializes in West African groceries and sells a variety of pantry goods, housewares, and party stuff like greeting cards, gift bags, and cool sunglasses. Read Tias’ interview with one of the co-owners here.
On my visit, I spotted lots of rice, flour, frozen meat, sweet drinks, clothing, stickers, coffee, combination locks, and more.
I bought a heavy, ten-pounds of jasmine rice ($17) and one pound of crushed peanuts ($5) — both great prices. At my house, rice and peanuts are pantry staples because my kids’ favorite dinner is peanut chicken with coconut rice; these big bags will last a long time.
Take a look at Ashar Market’s online store of pantry goods and more.
Follow African grocery on Facebook for more updates, and if you’re up in Chicago, check out the big city location of our Urbana Ashar Market.
Ashar African Market
510 N Cunningham Ave
Urbana
M-F noon to 8 p.m.
Sa 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Su 1 to 8 p.m.
5723 N California Ave
Chicago
M-W 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Th 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
F+Sa 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
