A unique market from the owners of a local restaurant has been bringing some Bangladeshi influence along a block of India Square since opening their doors earlier this year.
Hilsa Grocery recently completed its re-location into a newly renovated space at 822 Newark Avenue. The business, named after a fish that frequents Bangladesh’s Chandpur District, offers a wide variety of products that can be hard to find and features meat products that are 100% Halal certified.
The endeavor comes from the family behind Korai Kitchen, a Bangladeshi restaurant that quickly became one of Jersey City’s hottest eateries when it opened in 2018. Their experience owning Hilsa Grocery’s old location at 745 Newark Avenue plus catering gigs was the catalyst for the family’s creation of Korai Kitchen.
The market describes itself as the “most trusted destination for imported Bangladeshi fish and spices as well as locally sourced Halal meats.” Besides hilsa, their seafood market offers fresh fish including pomfret or shorputi to go along with some frozen options.
The butcher at Hilsa Grocery uses all parts of the animals, with whole chickens and goats available for purchase. Pre-cut and ground versions of the proteins can be purchased, and the market’s pantry includes everything from rice varieties to pure ghee (or clarified butter) to mustard oil for chefs looking to recreate authentic Bangladeshi dishes.
Hilsa Grocery’s inventory is complemented with a selection of imported snacks, cookware, and even some health and beauty products. The market’s new website allows customers to place an order online for pick-up or delivery and the business is currently open daily from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
