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Grocery shopping in San Juan del Sur takes a bit of time and effort. One stop shopping is unheard of. It’s not always easy to find everything you want or need.
If you’re new to town the task of grocery shopping can actually be a bit overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Shop with ease in San Juan del Sur with this comprehensive list of where to shop for what.
PALI
400 meters east of the UNO gas station on the way out of town ~ Open Monday to Saturday 8 am – 8 pm & Sunday 8 am – 6:30 pm ~ Credit cards accepted
The Pali (owned by Walmart) is the largest grocery store in San Juan del Sur. Here you’ll find the basics and essentials; mostly what locals shop for. For example: Pali sells white rice, but not brown rice. They sell lactose free milk, but not almond milk.
The Pali is a good place to go if you need to stock up staples and sundries. They have a small housewares section with a few miscellaneous items like plastic containers, brooms, mops, clothes hangers, etc.
TIP: The aisles at the Pali are narrow. The store is often crowded. Lines at the check out can be long. For a better shopping experience at the Pali go with a relaxed attitude and plenty of patience.
MISCELÁNIA SÁNCHEZ STORES
See below for locations & hours ~ Credit cards accepted
The Miscelánea Sánchez stores are our go to shops for any imported food items we want to buy.
Items like sesame seeds, coconut oil, brown rice, quinoa and extra virgin olive oil can be purchased here. Planters peanut butter, Heinz ketchup and Kraft mac & cheese are part of the regular inventory. If you want imported cheeses like cheddar, feta, gorgonzola and parmesan this is the place to go.
Miscelánea Sánchez also carries a good selection of spices.
Pricing of imported items here is similar to the large grocery store chains in Granada or Managua. Regular items like bread, milk, butter, etc. are priced pretty much the same as they are at the Pali.
The Miscelánea Sánchez stores are individually owned and operated by the “Sanchez sisters” – Gloria and Silvia.
Gloria’s store is located next door to the municipal market. She is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7:30 pm and from 9 am to 6:30 pm on Sunday.
Silvia’s store is situated 1/2 block south of IKAL Restaurant. She is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm.
TIP: If you don’t see a particular item you’re looking for at either store speak to Gloria or Silvia. If they don’t already have it on the shelves they may be able to source the item(s) you’re looking for.
MUNICIPAL MARKET
1 block North of central park ~ Open Monday to Saturday 8 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday 8 am – 2 pm ~ Cash only
There are a handful of small fruit and vegetable stands in the municipal market in the center of town. Doña Lola is our preferred vendor there. In addition to fruits and vegetables Lola also sells chia, fresh cocoa and flax seed. Here you can also buy various household items such as dishes, glassware, plastic containers, garbage cans, etc.
TIPS: Potatoes and onions are purchased by weight. Most all other produce at the market is purchased per piece. When buying items like pineapples and avocado market vendors will ask if you want your produce para hoy (for today) or para manaña (for tomorrow). Produce tends to go bad more quickly here than it does in Canada or the US. To avoid waste buy only what you plan to eat within the next couple of days.
FRUTAS Y VERDURAS GUEVARA
1/2 block west of central park ~ Open Monday to Saturday 8 am – 5 pm & Sunday 8 am – 1 pm ~ Cash & credit cards accepted ~ WhatsApp +505 8894 9622
Frutas y Verduras Guevara is the largest produce market in San Juan. Here you can find fresh herbs like basil, dill, turmeric, parsley and culantro. They often stock a variety of greens such as kale, bok choy and arugula. Stock is replenished every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
NICA NATURALS
Between the Art Warehouse & San Juan Park ~ Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm & Sunday 9:30 – 12: 30 & 1:30 – 5:30 ~ WhatsApp + 505 8121 5685
Nica Naturals is San Juan’s go to for local, organic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free products. Here you can find everything from chickpea flour to natural bug spray to organic greens. For your shopping comfort Nica Naturals is air conditioned.
CARNES SAN MARTIN
50 meters west of the Uno gas station ~ Open Monday to Saturday 8 am – 5 pm & Sunday 8 am – 12 pm ~ Cash only
We prefer to buy our meat at Carnes San Martin. Since most of the product is stored at the back of the shop be prepared to know what to ask for when shopping here.
TIPS: When buying ground beef we recommend the “super” blend. Chicken breasts are sold as a double breasts. Beef and pork tenderloin can both be purchased as filets that are usually between 2 and 5 pounds. If you’re someone who enjoys quality deli meats unfortunately you won’t find them here … or anywhere else in San Juan del Sur. You can find a good assortment of deli meats at Pricesmart in Managua.
FISH MARKET
South end of town on the beach road next to the marina ~ Open every day 7 am – 5 pm ~ Cash only
~ Fish Market: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
For fresh fish and seafood the fish market (acopio) is the place to go. Our preferred vendor is Acopio San Juan. Each vendor has a white board in front of their shop with a list of fish and seafood they have available from that morning’s catch.
~ Acopio San Juan: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
You can also buy delicious fresh made ceviche here. It is sold in single serving sizes and also by the pound.
TIP: For the best selection of fish and seafood visit the fish market in the morning.
RÚSTICO BAKERY AND DELI
In Hotel Estrella facing the beach ~ Open every day 8 am – 6 pm ~ Cash only
There are a handful of bakeries around town but for fresh bakery bread we like Rústico Bakery and Deli. Compared to other locally owned bakeries the bread at Rústico costs a bit more but the product quality is better – and in our opinion – worth the extra cost. The “pan especial” is one of our favorites. Here you’ll also find homemade hummus, chimichurri, fresh baked cookies, kombucha, wine, coffee and more!
TIP: For a quick and easy to go snack try their focaccia bread.
DISTRIBUIDORA SAN JUAN
50 meters East of El Timón Restaurant; next door to Dale Pues ~ Open Monday to Saturday 8:30 am – 6 pm & Sunday 8:30 am – 2 pm ~ Free in town delivery ~ WhatsApp or Text +505 8814 5595 ~ Cash only
~ Distribuidora San Juan: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
For the best deal on beer and soda you’ll want to head to one of the distributors in town. Our go to is Distribuidora San Juan. Buying bottled beer at the distributor saves 30%. Buying Coca Cola in glass bottles also saves a bunch.
TIP: The 5 gallon bottles of water (bidones) are sold here. They also sell the stand the bottles sit in.
FARMER’S MARKET SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Every Saturday morning at Buen Gusto Restaurant you will find vendors selling various items such as smoked meat, organic greens, fresh bread and baked goods, ready to eat take away food, handmade jewelry and more.
TIP: Plan to arrive early. During high season some vendors sell out quickly.
For more information on the market visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farmersmarketsanjuandelsur/
HIDROPONÍA NICARAGUA PRIMAEVO
Deliveries to San Juan every Wednesday 8 am – 6 pm ~ Place your order via email primaevo505@gmail.com or WhatsApp +505 8256 4877
~ Fresh Greens from Hidroponía Nicaragua Primaevo: Tola, Nicaragua (Photo courtesy of Hidroponía Nicaragua Primaevo)
Once per week Primaevo Nicaragua delivers fresh hydroponically grown greens to your door. Offerings include kale, Swiss chard, bok choy, mustard greens, arugula. Mixed gourmet lettuces, amaranto, basil and Italian cilantro are also available. Other organic produce and healthy snacks and goodies can also be purchased for delivery.
TIP: If you pay with cash you will receive a 5% discount.
A BIT ABOUT OUR GROCERY SHOPPING HABITS
Our grocery shopping habits in Nicaragua are much different than they were in Canada. Instead of buying a week’s worth of groceries at one time we tend to pick up a few things every other day. We mainly buy food as we plan to eat it. And as a result have zero waste.
On average we spend between $300 to $350 USD per month on groceries. For a look at what this gets us you can check out this day-to-day spending report that is part of our 2021 Cost of Living Report.
Hopefully the information and tips we’ve provided in this article help make your San Juan del Sur grocery shopping experience a more enjoyable one. Happy shopping!
Do you also live in San Juan del Sur? Share your grocery shopping tips in the comment section below.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 20, 2012. It has since been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness and republished on November 16, 2020.
Money you quoted is that Canadian funds or Nica money?
Hi Ken,
All prices quoted are in US dollars.
Elisha
Coffee ? Coffee ? Coffee ?
The coffee we buy is called “Cafe Premium Segovia”. It’s a nice blend that we get at the grocery store.
One pound costs for $3.38 USD, which is 80 cordobas.
Excellent post.
Glenn
Great post E!! Made me crave some ceviche and try that bread place. When we come visit you guys we’ll have to get some 🙂 miss you xo
I’ll have to pull out my grocery list and see what we pay here…..I don’t even know?? I best get that figured out if I’m going to retire soon 😉 Sounds like my kind of menu.
Great post. We were just in San Juan de Sur in December – we are looking for property for investment and to retire in Nica.
We visited Sanchez market and agree it had a nice variety and we will definitely visit the bakery the next time we are there.
Thanks for a very informative blog!
If you are looking for property send me an email with what you are looking for.
Nicagmac@gmail.com
Living here, you get the inside scoop on some great deals.
Cheers,
Gordon
This is a great breakdown. Very straight forward and super helpful. Does Pali sell whole wheat bread?
Thanks guys!
Pali does sell Pan Integral. You can also find it at any of the local bakeries. Panaderia Alemana sells specialty baked goods that remind of us home.
Gord – Elisha,
Does Nicaragua have large grocery stores? Supermarkets? If they do, what are they called? I have only seen the Pali stores, and they are very small.
Yes, Nicaragua has large grocery stores – La Union, La Colonia and Maxi Pali.
La Colonia tends to have the best selection and is quite comparable to a grocery store in North America. They carry a lot of imported items such as Philadelphia cream cheese, Heinz ketchup, Lays potato chips, fresh mushrooms, etc. And they generally have a good selection of wine. They also carry a few household items such as blenders, towels, etc. We don’t have a La Colonia grocery store in San Juan, but they have them in Managua, Leon and Granada.
Although Maxi Pali stores are large in size the variety and selection of items they carry is not. Maxi Pali is very similar to Pali, except they carry clothing and housewares and the store is air conditioned.
Don’t forget you can also make a trip to Managua and got a lot of items at PriceMart. We make one trip per visit to Nicaragua to load the house with items we used to bring in luggage.
Hi Elisha and Gordon,
Can you give some suggestions on where to buy wine? You noted La Colonia has a good selection, is there a good place to get wine on the way from Managua to SJDS? Is wine reasonably priced? Where is the best wine store in SJDS?
We have visited Costa Rica for the last couple years and decided to try SJDS Nica. We have rented a house in Pacific Marlin with another couple and are looking forward to the experience!
Thanks in advance,
Mike
Hi Mike,
You can purchase wine at Miscelania Sanchez or Coco’s. At either store you will find a decent selection. We’ve been enjoying an Argentinian Shiraz Malbec. The brand is Character and it costs C$168 ($6.46 USD).
You may want to check the selection at the Duty Free shop in the airport. Alternately you could stop at a La Colonia grocery store in Managua or Granada on your way to San Juan.
Cheers,
Elisha
Hi,
Thinking about retiring to Nica. Can someone give me the price of liquor. Vodka, Rum, etc. For an example here in Mississippi a 1.75 liter of decent vodka is $12.99. Bourbon & Rum are all over the place price wise.
Thanks,
Scott
Yeah only our second day here in SJDS we checked out the Pali we walked there easily from our place in town near the church. On the way home we had a $1 drink at a bar on the beach watching the sun go down, pretty choice.
I prefer prepared frozen food. What are the selections and prices? Thanks.
Hi Jim,
Prepared frozen food can be purchased in the larger grocery stores in Granada and Managua, but there is not a huge selection here in San Juan del Sur. We purchase 95% of our produce fresh from the local markets and fruit vendors. Sorry, but we are not familiar with pricing of the frozen stuff.
Cheers,
Elisha
Elisha / Gordon – great blog/newsletter….can’t wait till we land in January so we can experience first hand all the info you guys are distributing.
Paul C from Toronto
Thanks so much for your amazing blog!!
My hubby and I are based in Portland Oregon USA(originally Scottish and South African)
and have built a home in SJDS. We are heading down there on December 14th for our inaugural stay in the new place. This blog has been a godsend and would love to buy you a beer in thanks when we get there!!!
Thanks
Yvonne and Mike
We just arrived and we will be here for one year. If you can please give a breakdown of restaurants in SJDS. I am used to Nica food being great and cheap. But we may need to eat out often and I can’t seem to find any restaurants that serve Nica food like tamales and baho
Thank you for your shopping tips
Hi Mike,
Welcome to San Juan del Sur!
Sorry, but I’m not sure which restaurants (if any) sell tamales. I do know you can usually get them at the Farmer’s Market at Big Wave Daves on Saturdays though. And as for baho, I don’t know what that is.
Restaurante La Lancha restaurant has an excellent lunch buffet. For $2 USD you get rice, beans, cabbage salad and your choice of pork/fish, fried chicken or jalapeno chicken. They sell out fast though so make sure you get there by 11:45 am or 12 pm at the latest.
Comedor Las Flores also offers nice typical plates of food.
Market food is also a good option for inexpensive meals. Our favorite there is Comedor Nohemy.
El Pollito Pescador also has some great lunch specials. Their jalapeno sauce is my favorite in town!
For more restaurant listings in San Juan you can check the SJDS Directory.
There is also a Facebook page dedicated solely to restaurants in San Juan del Sur. See: https://www.facebook.com/groups/964835303574529/
Cheers,
Elisha
Hi there,
We are coming for a vacation for a month before diving into building homes for people in Ciudad Dario. Is this post up to date? Does the man Dave still deliver and pick up orders for PriceSmart? We were going to try and get there ourselves, but our transportation is taking longer to ship then we thought. If this is so we can skip the trip to PriceSmart.
Thank you.
Hi Naomi,
This post was originally published on November 20, 2012. It has since been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness and republished on November 8, 2017.
Yes, Dave Grace of Big Wave Daves still offers shopping service for items in Managua. He charges $10 USD or 10% of your bill – whichever is more.
Hidroponía Nicaragua Primaevo also offers this service. They charge a service fee is 15% of your purchase and require a minimum order of $60 USD. For complete details visit Primaevo Price Smart Purchase & Delivery Service.
Cheers,
Elisha