Things To Do

Cowley Road International Food Tour

51 Between Towns Road, Oxford, OX4 3LR, GB

Rating: 4.9 ★ (15 ratings)

Details

A kaleidoscope of global flavours awaits you on the Cowley Road International Food Tour, where, in less than a kilometre, the culinary traditions of Ghana, Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Korea, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Brazil come alive. This vibrant artery in East Oxford is a testament to the city's diverse communities, offering a rich tapestry of tastes from aromatic African pepper spices and Cretan honey to the unique tang of kimchi and the comfort of Pão de Queijo. Prepare to encounter ingredients you've never seen and dishes that tell stories of faraway lands, all packed into one of Oxford's most famous and bustling streets. This isn't just a walk; it's an education in international gastronomy, a chance to discover the sheer variety that makes Cowley Road a true foodie mecca.

Your journey through this cosmopolitan hub, often starting near The Plain, will introduce you to around 17 to 20 remarkable food shops, delis, and supermarkets, each with its own unique charm and specialty. Led by a passionate guide, you'll delve into the history of East Oxford and hear the stories of the shopkeepers who are the heart and soul of this international food scene. The tour is a sensory explosion, from the sight of colourful, unfamiliar produce to the taste of exotic herbs and spices like asafoetida and the unique flavour of bergamot Turkish delight. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for global cuisine and perhaps a bag bulging with new discoveries, ready to explore these culinary treasures further.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Share this:

OR WhatsApp Facebook Email

Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Comments

Rakesh Roshan
10 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Perfectly placed for us and so many varieties to choose from. So Handy to have our own local Asian grocery store in Oxford. Saving on my trips to London as found everything to have been so reasonably priced. Thank you TApan and Mansi
MAHESH SAKHARE
13 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Counter person 5 star,
Grocery available on upstairs,
You can get most of the stuffs l that required for cooking indian curries, snack and frozen food also available,
Did not found vegetables ( onion, patato).
You can get indian rice cooker and few pans,
I found golgappa , pani puri,
Cow ghee from patanjali.
Idali rice, ashirwada atta, amany mor options
Bubble Apostoli
9 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Very friendly staff. Great selection of well priced grocery products on offer upstairs. Recently the Indian mangos were delicious!
Kanika Jain
8 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
I recently discovered this amazing store that offers an incredible selection of products. Not only is it an off-license liquor shop, but it also has a wide variety of world foods and Indian groceries. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they really know their products. They helped me find some amazing wines and spirits that I had never tried before, and also recommended some delicious Indian snacks and spices that I absolutely loved. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the products. The store is clean and well-organized, making it easy to find what I was looking for. I was impressed by the variety of products available and appreciated the convenience of being able to buy everything in one place. They had world food varieties from USA, Thailand, Indian, African, Pakistan and many more. Overall, I had a great experience shopping here and will definitely be back to explore more of their offerings.
Rama Chandra Khandavilli
14 Jan 2026
4.0 ★
The person working the counter is super helpful and always gives a refreshing welcome. He cheerfully pointed us upstairs to some good Asian foods and even though the collection still has room for improvement, the foods available are good enough to satisfy most of the "Missing home" cravings.

The icing on the cake is the Chaat shop outside, "Oxford Chaat station"! I even missed a bus just to have an oportunity to try the chaat and they did not disappoint! They were even kind enough to ask how spicy I wanted my food and made it very yummy and refreshing to street food deprived souls. The chaat station being outside also appeals to most Indians missing street food and honestly the taste and price are totally worth it! I have tried "Aaloo tikki chat" and "Bhel puri" and honestly it has been a while I had something good! Loved them! Very happy with the place!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Join 10,000 subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Oxford again!