Looking to rustle up something Asian, Italian, Moroccan, Greek… and wondering where you can go to find the ingredients you will need? Here are some places you can try when planning a round-the-world culinary trip for you and your guests

Italian cooking

The Charleroi Metropolitan Area has a number of places that are 100% Italian:

In Marcinelle and Courcelles, the Sita supermarkets bring you an explosion of flavours: Italian cooked and cured meats, olives, burrata, wines, cheeses, etc. You will be spoiled for choice. Little tip: their website is a good place to get your mouth watering with its exciting recipe ideas.

Also in Marcinelle, the delicatessen Aux Délices de Toscane is the place to go to discover this magnificent region’s specialities. You can also put together delicious gift baskets to go under the tree, or place orders for sumptuous antipasti platters.

A little further west of the Metropolis, the supermarket Supermercato Leonardo in Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont is sure to impress with its wide array of products.

In Montigny-le-Tilleul, call in at the Pastificio Duca Tartufi grocery, specialising in truffle-based products which will delight your tastebuds.

Also, during these times of confinement, visit My Ital Food, an online delicatessen based in Marcinelle. There you will find, classified by region of origin (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Liguria, Umbria, etc.), a selection of luxury artisanal products.

Mediterranean ambiance

Specialising in both Italian and Spanish products, the grocery Mercatino Esperanza E Pino, based in Fontaine-l’Évêque, selects the finest produce that Mediterranean gastronomy has to offer.

The shop also carries some delicious pre-prepared meals as well as many local wines and spirits.

Mediterranean products also deck the shelves of the Reyhan supermarkets, located in Marchienne-au-Pont and Gilly. You will find a wide range of products from Italy, North Africa and Turkey for cooking up your favourite recipes

Flavours of North Africa

The El Halal butchers in Charleroi is the place to go for those who love the spices and flavours of North Africa. Aside from a range of different meats, you will find various typical dishes from the region as well as barbecue platters.

You will also find a wide range of spices and pastries from North Africa and the Middle East.

Journey to the heart of China

If it is an Asian-inspired meal you are looking to try your hand at, you are sure to find the ingredients you need at Bai Chuan in Charleroi.

You will find numerous sauces, fresh produce, and pre-prepared meals as well as tableware and decorations straight from China.

Little detour via Greece

Tzatziki, vine leaves, feta and even taramasalata, if the mere mention of these mezze is enough to make your mouth water, you are sure to find happiness at “L’Agora” grocery in Montignies-sur-Sambre or “Bakaliko” in Marcinelle.

These two groceries are stocked full of high-quality products imported directly from Greece.

Typically Belgian

Finally, the Comptoir des Belges, based in Marcinelle, showcases the many products from right here in our own region. The manager in charge travels the length and breadth of the country looking for the very best the country has to offer: sweet and savoury delights, beverages, fresh produce and pre-prepared meals.

Find all the colours of the Belgian flag and much more.