Newcomers · Groceries and food
A taste of home, and help when you need it.
Ugali, chapati and sukuma can all be made here. This guide covers what we have confirmed so far, and it grows as wakenya tell us where they shop.
Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything.
1. Cooking Kenyan food here
- Ugali: look for white maize meal or white cornmeal. We haven't yet confirmed a Thunder Bay shop that stocks the Kenyan brands. If you know one, tell us and we'll add it.
- Sukuma wiki: collard greens and kale are sold in most big supermarkets.
- Chapati and mandazi: all-purpose flour works.
2. Halal meat
Thunder Bay Masjid's guide for Muslims new to the city says there is no dedicated halal butcher in Thunder Bay. It says halal meat is sold at Walmart, Superstore and Maltese Grocery, and names the Sufra, Zabiha Halal and Mina brands. Check the label yourself.
Source: Thunder Bay Muslim Religious Association, "A Muslim's Guide to Living in Thunder Bay"
3. Shops and markets
- Maltese Grocery, 301 Pearl Street: meat, produce, deli and specialty foods. Open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (maltesegrocery.ca)
- Thunder Bay Country Market, Dove Building at the CLE grounds, 425 Northern Avenue: a farmers' market open all year, on Wednesdays 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (thunderbaycountrymarket.com)
Looking for Kenyan or African food sellers and caterers? Check our Kenyan and African businesses directory.
4. If money for food is tight
There is no shame in it. Many newcomers use food banks while they wait for a first paycheque. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit keeps an up-to-date list of every food program in the city.
- Food banks: for most of them you register once by calling 211.
- Free meals: the health unit's list includes Shelter House (420 George Street) and St. Andrew's Dew Drop Inn (292 Red River Road).
- Students: Lakehead's student union and Confederation College each run a food bank for students.
- Cheaper fruit and vegetables: Roots Community Food Centre and the Good Food Box.
Source: Thunder Bay District Health Unit, "Where to Get Food in Thunder Bay". Days and hours change, so check the latest list or call 211.
Where do you buy maize meal, nyama or spices?
Tell us the shops, butchers and restaurants you trust. We check each one before it goes on this page, and Kenyan-owned food businesses can be listed in our directory too.
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