Feeling Homesick? Mi Tienda Latina is the Remedy to your Antojitos!
By: Isabel Byfield
Colombians, Dominicans, Peruvians, all Latinos rejoice! If you are feeling homesick and craving your abuelita’s traditional breakfast or your childhood’s favorite candy, don’t worry – we have you covered.
Latinos in Arizona have a new destination to satisfy their “antojos”. In the heart of Phoenix we found Mi Tienda Latina, a place that will remind you of the barrio feeling of the local convenience stores that you can find almost in every corner of any Latin American country.
Do not let the small aisles (one person can barely fit) fool you. Mi Tienda Latina is packed with goodies from all South America and they include a wide selection from Mexico to Argentina.
Luis and his wife started Mi Tienda Latina 6 years ago and have built a business that feels like a second home to his regulars, They already know which aisle to browse to find their favorite dulce de leche, arepas or cassava. Chatting with Cubans that were looking for the perfect cassava, while a Peruvian mom visiting from Seattle was teaching her grown up son how to shop for the perfect ajies and lúcuma ice cream, really made me feel at home. I also have to highlight the fact that, while the place is not very spacious, it is one of cleanest markets I have ever been to; everything looks fresh and well maintained.
What has made Mi Tienda Latina a success is the fact that they understand that, while Latin American countries have a lot in common, they are each very unique. They know that the Dulce de Leche from Argentina, the Arequipe from Colombia and the Cajeta from Mexico are siblings, not twins; they are all made with milk and sugar, look very similar, but taste different. The good news is you will find them all in one place!
I couldn’t resist the temptation and had to do a mini mercado for myself. I had to bring home some Venezuelan Tequenos, Argentinian Alfajores, Colombian Arepas, soda and chocolate to top it off.
So if you are feeling homesick or running low on the supplies your mom sent from your home country, stop by Mi Tienda Latina and get your fix. Whether it is Brazilian pao de queijo, Argentinian yerba mate, Venezuelan tequeños or Cuban croquetas, you can find several products from your country that will remind you of home while you are away.
Mi Tienda Latina
1811 N. 24th St, Ste E
Phoenix, AZ
602.286.6422
Hours of Operation:
9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.