With our next trip to Playa del Carmen (Playa) a week away, I’ve started to make my grocery list for our stay at Luna Encantada Condos. Grocery shopping to me is akin to vacuuming – BORING. But grocery shopping in Playa is a totally different experience!
I have pretty well stuck my foot through the door of every supermarket in Playa. MEGA, Wal-Mart, and Soriana are the three main supermarkets and it’s like walking into the Twilight Zone. Suddenly you are transported back home to your local Wal-Mart where everything looks the same; same familiar layout, same departments etc. These stores carry every little thing your heart desires and things you didn’t even know your heart desired!
You can find brand items like Kellogg’s, Kraft, General Mills, Yoplait, etc. Frosted Flakes are called “Zucaritas” and my kids roll their eyes when I say “Zucaritis” over and over in a bad Mexican accent!
I am a big fan of MEGA; it’s a very big, clean, well-stocked and organized store. It has a fantastic bakery with every pastry you can imagine, fresh rolls, bread, cakes and pies, etc. It is THE one place to avoid if you’re on a diet! Their fresh fish and seafood section is a veritable feast for the eyes, and they make fresh tortillas, salsa and guacamole to go. They have a large take-out section with choices such as marinated chicken, shredded pork, wings, BBQ chicken all to be had for a very reasonable price. There’s even a fruit salad bar for takeout! (I will drop over to DAC to choose their very fresh and colorful produce too.)
The cash registers calculate everything in both US dollars and Pesos, so if you pay in dollars you will get a fair exchange rate. Change is given back in Pesos. (Don’t forget to tip the grocery bagger; they work hard for their living). Most of the large supermarkets take major credit cards and open at 7 a.m. daily.
Here’s a brief list of stores with addresses:
- Wal-Mart – 30th & 8th. Has groceries, clothing, pharmacy, hardware & toy section, beer and liquor, bakery, deli, etc.
- Mega – 30th & Constituyentes. Fresh bakery, seafood/fish, meat & deli, take-out, clothing, pharmacy, electronics & toys, beer/liquor.
- Soriana – Highway 307. Large grocery store, international foods, clothing, souvenirs, beer/liquor, etc.
- Chedraui – Highway 307 south of Juarez. Chedraui is reasonably priced & well stocked with all amenities, including many US brands. Sam’s Club – Highway 307. Has everything but usually in bulk. Spirits, meats, etc.
- DAC Vegetable & Fruits – Between Constituyentes & 20th. Very fresh produce with small organic section, meat & dairy & international canned goods. Small café with excellent smoothies!
- Oceano – 34th & 35th. Fresh fish & seafood; cooked on the spot for takeaway.
- Hope to see you in the grocery aisles on my next shopping adventure!
“Playa Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Condos & Villas!) salgal@playabeachcondo.com (PS- Click on the feed and visit my ongoing blogs!)