Lee Lee International Supermarkets (Peoria)
Located at 7575 W Cactus Rd, the Peoria location of Lee Lee International Supermarkets is a massive, 60,000-square-foot culinary map of the world. While many specialty markets focus on a single region, Lee Lee is a true "international" destination, famously divided into aisles by country and region—ranging from Vietnam and Thailand to the Middle East, Holland, and France.
The Cactus Road Highlights
The "Country-Coded" Aisles: This store is uniquely organized for the global explorer. One aisle might be a deep dive into British teas and biscuits, while the next features Filipino bagoong or Brazilian snacks. It is widely considered the most organized and comprehensive international pantry in the West Valley.
The World’s Largest "Sauce Library": If a sauce exists, Lee Lee likely stocks it. Their liquid seasoning section is legendary, spanning entire aisles of soy sauces, fish sauces, hot sauces from every continent, and rare European vinegars. It is the primary "emergency" destination for local chefs looking for specific, non-commercial ingredients.
The "Bakery of Many Cultures": Near the entrance, the in-house bakery offers more than just bread. It is a hub for fresh Banh Mi, Chinese egg tarts, and a variety of French-style pastries. It’s the perfect spot to grab a $6 or $7 lunch that rivals anything you'd find in a dedicated café.
Live Seafood Hub: The seafood department features an impressive array of live tanks. It is a local destination for live tilapia, Dungeness crab, and lobsters, where the "tank-to-bag" freshness is the primary draw for the Peoria and Sun City communities.
The "Gadget" Gallery: Beyond food, the housewares section is a treasure trove. It’s where you go to find specialized mortar and pestles, massive rice cookers, and authentic clay pots that you simply can't find at standard big-box retailers.
Why It’s Unique
Lee Lee Peoria is defined by its "Educational Layout." Unlike smaller, more crowded markets, the wide aisles and clear signage make it incredibly approachable for "international cooking beginners." It is uniquely diverse; it serves as a community hub not just for the Asian diaspora, but for European expats and adventurous home cooks alike. It provides a "clean-and-bright" shopping experience that rivals high-end American grocers while maintaining the competitive pricing and authentic inventory of a traditional market.
Insider Tip: Check the refrigerated produce section for pre-peeled and chopped lemongrass or fresh-shucked jackfruit. It saves hours of prep time for complex Southeast Asian dishes. Also, the frozen dumpling section is one of the largest in Arizona—look for the "hand-made style" bags from local West Coast suppliers for the best quality.
Essential Information
Address: 7575 W Cactus Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Vibe: Massive, clean, and incredibly organized. It feels less like a grocery store and more like a global bazaar designed for the modern suburban cook.
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