Whether you’re looking for dry or fresh chilies, tomatillos or fresh cilantro, you can get Mexican ingredients in local supermarkets and specialty shops.
By Cinda Chavich
My go-to spot for dried chilies is the Mexican House of Spice on Douglas Street, a shop owned by a Guatemalan family. It’s also a great place to find other spices, epazote, achiote, masa, Mexican chocolate, frozen tortillas and corn husks for tamales.
The Root Cellar often has a selection of dried chilies, and sells big bunches of fresh cilantro and seasonal fresh ingredients like tomatillos.
For fresh tortillas, Adriana’s The Whole Enchilada is a great source. She makes fresh tortillas (and corn chips) daily in her shop in Saanichton — white corn, yellow corn or yellow with added chia and flax seed. Buy direct from her deli or from various supermarkets around the city. She also has daily lunch specials and a catering menu.
The Resource List:
Adriana’s The Whole Enchilada
2140B Keating Cross Rd, 250.652.7767, adrianasthewholeenchilada.com
Mexican House of Spice
2022 Douglas St, 250-388-6602, facebook.com
The Root Cellar
1286 McKenzie Ave, 250-477-9495, therootcellar.ca
This article is from the May/June 2018 issue of YAM.