Food, Drink shopping in Middle East
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Al-Hoda Supermarket
This is good for provisions or picnics, or if you're just hankering after Western goodies, such as chocolate or bikkies. It also stocks shampoo, sanitary towels and - usually - nappies.
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Honey
Yemeni honey is well known - and justly so. Honey shops are found throughout the capital (including Az-Zubayri St), though the honey sold is not cheap: around YRI2500 for 500g. Beautiful honeycombs (conveniently packaged in sealed metal discs) cost around YRI2000 to around YRI8000 (depending on quality). A decent honey shop in the old city is Tariq Honey Shop, near the Sheba Art Gallery, where the gift of bees is also likely to come with gifts of Islamic literature.
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B
Khayyam Al-Rabie Est
For dates, nuts and nibbles, head straight for the famous Khayyam Al-Rabie Est, which, with its fairy lights and floor-to-ceiling rows of goodies (including over 50 varieties of dates in all shapes, shades, colours, textures), is like an Aladdin's cave for the sweet-toothed.
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C
Elias Hayek
Damascus has no shortage of liquor stores selling beer, arak, spirits, and Syrian and Lebanese wine, in the Christian Quarter of the Old City and the modern town. A central liquor shop is Elias Hayek, on a side street running south off Al-Merjeh.
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Geant
The French franchise has a giant store in Bahrain Mall and is a handy place for self-catering.
There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.
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Al-Jazeera Supermarket
Self-caterers can pick up supplies from this supermarket, which is open from 08:00 to 01:00.
There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.
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D
Alia Supermarket
Self-caterers and would-be picnickers should head to the Alia Supermarket near the Omayed Hotel, which has a good selection of local produce, including the region’s justifiably famous olives.
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E
Sultan Centre
This modern chain of supermarkets has all the wherewithal for a budget picnic. The closest store to the city centre is in Sharq Souq, which has lots of opportunities for a portable pudding that'll blow the budget.
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Central Market
For fruit, spices, vegetables and meat, try the Central Market.
There are also dozens of grocery stores (cold stores) dotted around the residential areas, usually open from about 07:00 to 22:00.
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F
Fish Market
Self-caterers should head for this fish market for fresh Gulf fish, filleted if you ask. Even if you don’t plan to cook, this is a fun place to wander round with a camera.
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Aleppo Dairy Qattib
Across the road from the National Museum, Aleppo Dairy Qattib stocks a range of delicious cheeses, olives and pickles; look for the red-and-white mirrored 'happy cow' sign.
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Giant Stores
There are dozens of grocery stores and supermarkets dotted around town. For a cheaper variety of edible goods, try Giant Stores in the Hyatt Plaza.
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G
Yahsob Spice
Well worth a look - or a sniff - are the perfume and spice shops. Yahsob Spice has a good collection of the latter.
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Liquor Stores
You can get takeaway beer at a couple of Liquor Stores at the northern end of Sharia al-Mutanabi, near the citadel.
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Smith's
If a supermarket's what you need, one of the best Hamra has to offer is Smith's which stocks many American brands.
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Amman supermarket
The Amman supermarket is a good place for basics such as bread, cheese and biscuits, along with toiletries.
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J
Consumers Co-op
If a supermarket's what you need, one of the best Hamra has to offer is the Consumers Co-op .
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K
Le Comptoir
Excellent vintage Lebanese and imported wines can be sourced at Le Comptoir in Achrafiye.
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L
In the City
A gourmet supermarket with locally produced cheeses, vegetables and imported meats.
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Liquor Stores
Among the juice bars there are two Liquor Stores where you can buy Al-Chark beer.
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Fruit and Vegetable Market
For fresh food, there's a Fruit and Vegetable Market 200m north of Bab al-Faraj.
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Fruit Stall
For fresh food, there's an excellent Fruit Stall, 200m north of Bab al-Faraj.
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M
Enoteca
Excellent vintage Lebanese and imported wines can be sourced at Enoteca .
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