Playa del Carmen Grocery Stores: Where to Buy?

Playa del Carmen offers a wide variety of shopping centers in the city's tourist area that cater to different needs and budgets.

Playa del Carmen Grocery Stores. When visiting Playa del Carmen, we'll inevitably need to go shopping at some point.

Whether for snacks, beach toys for the kids, snorkeling gear, food for the apartment you rented on Airbnb, batteries, a flashlight, or to stock up the minibar in your room, sometimes a 7/11 or an OXXO just won't cut it.

This post will explore the most popular shopping centers in the tourist area. To make navigation more accessible, click on the links below to directly go to the section about the shopping center you're interested in.

• Walmart Playa del Carmen: All Roads Lead to Walmart

• MEGA Soriana Playa del Carmen: Tuesday and Wednesday Offers!

• Chedraui Selecto: Gourmet Grocery Store in Playa del Carmen

• DAC Playa del Carmen: Your Market Choice

Walmart Playa del Carmen: All Roads Lead to Walmart

For some strange reason, or perhaps due to remodeling, the distinctive Walmart letters have not been visible lately. However, make no mistake, this is Walmart.

This is, without a doubt, the number one shopping center on my list for several reasons. It is one of the oldest large grocery stores in playa del carmen, an international franchise.

It holds a special place in my heart because it was the first place I visited when I first arrived in Playa del Carmen 20 years ago.

As soon as I got off the ADO bus, just a few blocks away, I went to Walmart to buy something to eat and some beers to celebrate that I had arrived.

Your One-Stop Shop for Everything

Walmart Playa del Carmen sells everything from car tires to motorcycles, tools, garden supplies, and more.

Walmart Playa del Carmen has everything, from daily food, fruits, and vegetables to clothes, toys, and electronics. You can even purchase a SIM card for your phone from the most popular companies.

The tools section has been a lifesaver for me multiple times on Sunday evenings when I needed to buy a hammer and some sandpaper, but no hardware store was open.

They also offer sporting goods, car tires, motorcycles, and a pharmacy and dietary supplements section.

Tuesday Discounts on Fruits and Vegetables at Walmart

Don’t miss out on Tuesday discounts in the fruits and vegetables section. I always take advantage of these days to buy grapes and some other vegetables at great prices.

Every Tuesday, Walmart's fruits and vegetables section offers discounts. If you love grapes like I do, this is the perfect day to shop because you can find great deals.

Often, a kilo of grapes costs less than 30 pesos. If you're a vegetarian, Tuesday is the best day to grocery shop at Walmart.

Walmart's Best-Kept Secret: Excellent California-Style Sushi

You can build your own sushi platter with fresh ingredients at Walmart Playa del Carmen. Every day from 7 AM to 1 PM, a lady prepares rolls in the fruits and vegetables section.

Many people don't know this, but Walmart sells one of the best California-style sushi, fresh and prepared every morning in the seafood section.

This sushi is as good as any sushi restaurant in Playa del Carmen, and you can even assemble a tray at a much more economical price and with more significant portions.

Walmart's Ideal Location in Playa del Carmen

The location of Walmart in the heart of the downtown area is ideal, which is why all roads lead to Walmart.

This grocery store in Playa del Carmen is located in the heart of the tourist area, so choosing Walmart as my first option on this list was very easy. The store is open every day of the year from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Additionally, the large number of secure ATMs inside, with banks like Santander, Bancomer, and Inbursa, is very convenient. Another convenient feature is the availability of accessible bathrooms, which is an excellent benefit for shoppers.

As if that were not enough, Walmart sells many of the same crafts and souvenirs on Fifth Avenue but at much more affordable prices. Basically, Walmart has the solution to all your problems.

If you need a taxi, a taxi stand is always in the parking area below. There are also many free parking spaces if you have a rented vehicle.

The shopping center has smaller businesses in the checkout area, including a Subway, a beauty salon, and a yogurt ice cream shop at the entrance.

For these and many other reasons, Walmart is the number one grocery store in Playa del Carmen.

A Hot Experience for All the Wrong Reasons

In recent years, Walmart has needed more air conditioning, which is very uncomfortable and disappointing. Proper air conditioning is essential in a shopping center in a tourist area.

I have noticed in recent years that the store's air conditioning needs to be improved.

Whether to save on electricity costs or due to some deficiency, Walmart is quite warm, unlike other shopping centers like Mega Soriana Playa del Carmen, which feels very relaxed.

It's a shame because if they do this to save on electricity, it's at the expense of a good customer experience.

Walmart Playa del Carmen: Final Thoughts

There is a Subway for hungry shoppers, a salon for a last-minute haircut or manicure, ATMs, and even a bank in the aisles near the checkout area.

Walmart Playa del Carmen holds a special place in my heart as one of the city's oldest and most comprehensive shopping centers. Over the years, it has become an international franchise offering various products and services.

From everyday essentials to unique offerings like California-style sushi, Walmart meets diverse needs at competitive prices.

Its central location in the bustling tourist area, along with convenient amenities such as ATMs and ample parking, makes it a top choice for locals and visitors.

However, recent issues with inadequate air conditioning have tarnished its otherwise stellar reputation, highlighting the need for improvements to enhance customer comfort and satisfaction.

Additionally, during peak hours, there are often long lines and slow service despite the availability of self-checkout options.

It's essential to differentiate this particular Walmart downtown on Avenida 30 between Calle 8 and Calle 12 Norte in the Centro neighborhood from other locations further from the tourist area.

Check out the location here: Walmart Playa del Carmen

MEGA Soriana Playa del Carmen: Tuesday and Wednesday Offers!

This shopping center in Playa del Carmen is surrounded by banks, barbershops, cyber cafés, restaurants, cell phone stores, and much more.

Mega Soriana Playa del Carmen is a very popular shopping center in the downtown area, located just a block away from Walmart.

It is one of the largest grocery stores in Playa Del Carmen, with everything you could need; here, you'll find excellent deli meats, wines, snacks, electronics, a restaurant, bathrooms, and ATMs.

Unlike its neighbor, Walmart, the air conditioning here works well, which is much appreciated.

Fond Memories from the Past and Excellent Variety of Electronics

The appliances section is large and very diverse, with various TV models and brands, sound systems, consoles, batteries, and everything related to electronics.

This grocery store in Playa del Carmen brings back fond memories for me. With one of my first paychecks working as a bartender at the famous restaurant La Cueva del Chango, my brother and I bought a 40-inch TV at a great price.

Back then, 20 years ago, TVs weren't flat and light like they are today; that TV was a monster.

We had to pay someone with a pickup truck we met in the parking lot to take it home, carry it to the third floor, and maneuver it through the apartment door. It was quite a feat.

At that time, we shared the apartment with two couples, one English and his Mexican girlfriend, and one Dutch and his Mexican girlfriend. I still remember the huge surprise it caused when we walked in with such a massive TV. Good times!

Don’t Miss Mega Soriana Tuesday and Wednesday Offers

The Tuesday fruit and vegetable specials are fantastic; I always take advantage of buying grapes and some vegetables on these days.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday is a discount day in the fruits and vegetables section at Mega Soriana in Playa del Carmen. Mega Soriana has always been known for its extensive selection of high-quality fruits and vegetables.

These are some of my favorite days because I take the opportunity to buy several kilos of grapes and enjoy a feast. Often, you can get a kilo of grapes, which are usually expensive, for less than 30 pesos during these discount days.

Cheese and Cold Cuts Galore

For those with the most discerning palates, the cold cuts section offers a wide selection, including salamis, cheeses, hams, and even legs of ham, at excellent prices.

The cheese and cold cuts section deserves special mention. It offers various cheeses, sausages, hams, and delicacies for the most discerning palates.

You can even find a delicious leg of Serrano ham at very reasonable prices.

Complement your cold cuts with some of the artisanal bread from the bakery, and take advantage of the extensive and well-stocked wine and spirits section to complete your gourmet experience.

Mega Soriana’s Extended Hours and Surrounding Amenities

Mega Soriana Playa del Carmen closes at midnight, which makes it very convenient for people with a tight schedule. Additionally, on the ground floor, there is a wide variety of stores and massage chairs.

One of the advantages of this supermarket in Playa del Carmen is that it opens at 8 a.m. and closes at midnight, which makes a big difference.

For example, I work in a hotel from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., so I can’t go to Walmart after work. However, Mega Soriana is always open.

On the ground floor are several stores selling souvenirs, cell phones, an optician, and an ice cream and snack shop.

Additionally, there is a dog grooming salon, a store with an extensive catalog of products exclusively for women, a GNC supplements store, and massage chairs for those who want to relax before or after shopping.

Access to Local Businesses, Restaurants, and More

Across the street, you’ll find legendary restaurants like El Fogón Playa del Carmen, Don Sirloin, and HC de Monterrey, and very close by, El Nativo, renowned for its juices.

The location is excellent because if you can't find what you need at this grocery store in Playa del Carmen, you'll probably find it at the many businesses nearby.

Plus, some of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, like El Fogón, Don Sirloin, and El Nativo, are just across the street.

Cybercafés, cell phone repair shops, and barbershops are located along Avenida 30. It's easy to find a taxi or park your car in the large, free parking lot.

There’s also a VIPS, a popular fast-food restaurant in Mexico, and two banks—a Santander inside the parking lot and an HSBC on the other street.

Mexican Tacos for the Most Daring

Next to the shopping center are numerous taco stands and Mexican street food vendors, which are very popular with locals in the evenings.

For the more adventurous tourists, street taco stands nearby offer an authentic taste of Mexico City-style street food in Playa del Carmen.

Especially popular at night and frequented by locals, these stands provide an authentic local experience.

However, the hygiene conditions may be better, and you might face the wrath of Montezuma the next day. (Don't forget your Pepto Bismol, lol).

MEGA Soriana Playa del Carmen: Conclusion

You can also enjoy a delicious pastry and hot coffee at the café next to the bakery area.

MEGA Soriana Playa del Carmen is one of the largest and most complete shopping centers in the tourist area.

In many ways, it is similar to Walmart, as you can find almost anything here, from souvenirs to take home to car tires and household maintenance items.

What sets this shopping center apart is that it is less crowded than Walmart. The air conditioning is very effective, which is much appreciated. Their Tuesday and Wednesday fruit specials are an excellent way to save money.

Its location, surrounded by barbershops, banks, restaurants, cell phone stores, and more, makes it a fantastic option for shopping in Playa del Carmen.

The convenient hours from 8 AM to 12 AM, free parking and bathrooms, and two dining areas (a café and a food court) make it an even more attractive choice.

Checkout the location here: MEGA Soriana Playa del Carmen

Chedraui Selecto: Gourmet Grocery Store in Playa del Carmen

Chedraui Selecto is conveniently located at the corner of Avenida 10 and Calle 34. Within the same shopping center, you'll find a hotel and a variety of restaurants offering different cuisines, adding to the area's vibrant atmosphere.

As a local in Playa del Carmen, I highly recommend Chedraui Selecto. This supermarket has become one of my favorites, situated on Avenida 10 and Street 34, next to Deportivo Mario Villanueva Madrid.

Chedraui Selecto focuses solely on high-quality gastronomic products, catering to those with a refined palate.

Unlike a typical shopping center, this store doesn't carry hardware or gardening sections—likely not even batteries. Instead, it stands out with its impressive variety of cold cuts and cheeses, a large bakery section, and an immaculate produce area.

Unmatched Food Court

The shopping center's main attraction is the food court, which offers a wide variety of international cuisines. Customers can also request the chefs to cook the steak they purchased from the butcher section.

The food court is remarkable, resembling an international restaurant rather than a typical food court.

It includes sections for Oriental cuisine, offering delicious sushi and Asian dishes, areas for pizza and pasta, Mexican food, and even a salad bar. And if you bought a beer from the store, you can enjoy it with your meal.

What makes it unique is the opportunity to select a premium cut of meat from the butcher section and have it grilled to perfection at no extra charge in the restaurant area. Pretty cool, right?

Bakery to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The bakery section is equally impressive, with several distinct areas. One section is dedicated to sweet bread, another to pastries and cakes, and a third to artisanal bread like baguettes and, my personal favorite, bagels.

If you love bakeries, this place is a paradise. The bakery section is extensive and indulgent, with several areas dedicated to a mouthwatering array of items.

From sweet pastries and artisanal baguettes to bagels (one of my favorites) and a selection of delicious cakes, there's something to satisfy every craving.

The freshness and quality of the bread and pastries are truly exceptional.

Why Chedraui Selecto Stands Out in Playa del Carmen

The wine and liquor section is impressive, offering many options. In addition, the quality of the deli meats and cheeses is excellent.

The cheese and cold cuts section at Chedraui Selecto is genuinely exceptional. This store stands out for its gourmet offerings, featuring the finest selection of cheeses, salamis, Serrano hams, olives, and other delicacies.

Everything pairs perfectly with the incredible range of wines and spirits available. It's nearly impossible not to find a liquor that suits your taste here, with options that exceed any liquor stores in Playa del Carmen.

Fresh Produce and Other Delicacies

The fruit and vegetable area looks immaculate, with perfectly arranged produce that appears fresh, flavorful, and vibrant.

The fruit and vegetable section is another reason to visit. The produce always looks fresh and vibrant, with each item meticulously arranged to highlight its quality.

The attention to detail is evident in how the fruits shine, and the vegetables are displayed. Unlike Mega Soriana and Walmart, Chedraui Selecto focuses more on gourmet food and delicacies.

Don't expect to find tools or sporting goods here—this is a local gourmet destination.

Location and Parking at Chedraui Selecto

The parking is underground and can be accessed from Avenida 10, where the shopping center begins. Although parking is free, a minimum purchase of 150 pesos at the store is required to validate it.

Chedraui Selecto is conveniently located at Avenida 10, at the corner of Calle 34, next to the Estadio Armando Villanueva.

This prime location makes accessing various parts of Playa del Carmen easy.

The store operates from 7 AM to 11 PM, giving you ample time to explore its extensive offerings.

Parking is free if you spend at least 150 pesos on products. If you don't reach that amount, there is a fee of 25 pesos per hour. Press a button when you enter the parking lot, and you will be charged once you leave.

Present your receipt at the exit to verify your purchase and avoid extra fees. With a generous two-hour parking allowance, you'll have plenty of time to shop comfortably.

Chedraui Selecto Playa del Carmen: Conclusion

Conveniently located in Playa del Carmen's bustling tourist zone, this supermarket offers superior-quality food, making it a must-visit for both tourists and locals.

In conclusion, Chedraui Selecto, true to its name, caters to a discerning clientele seeking the finest grocery shopping in Playa del Carmen.

This Playa del Carmen shopping center excels in food quality, bakery goods, fresh produce, and an impressive selection of wines and liquors. The food court offers an array of international cuisines, and the attentive staff enhances the experience.

While prices may be higher than those of Walmart or Mega Soriana, the quality justifies the cost. The center is located in a prime tourist area and provides free underground parking, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and ATMs.

Additionally, the surrounding area features several popular restaurants in Playa del Carmen, including taquerias like Los Chilacos, Costeloa Brazilian Churrascaria, a beauty salon, and a naturalist restaurant, making it a fantastic shopping destination.

Checkout the location here: Chedraui Selecto Playa del Carmen

DAC Playa del Carmen: Your Market Choice

DAC Playa del Carmen is the top choice for those who prioritize first-quality ingredients and are conscious of their health, aiming to avoid ultra-processed foods.

When you visit DAC Verduras y Frutas in Playa del Carmen, you'll experience a unique atmosphere. As a key player in the Playa del Carmen market, the store offers a wide range of international products and fresh local fruits and vegetables.

Many restaurant owners and chefs shop here due to the quality and variety of products. It is, without a doubt, the best grocery store in Playa del Carmen.

You can find spices and ingredients that are not available elsewhere. In other words, DAC would be your top choice if you need the best ingredients to host a president or diplomat.

Unmatched Variety and Quality

I adore bread, but as time passes, I've grown more conscious of the impact of processed grains. That's why I appreciate DAC's extensive selection of organic whole-grain bread.

What impressed me the most was their wide range of gluten-free products. From flours and cakes to pancake mixes, DAC is a paradise for those looking for healthy and diverse options.

They also offer a variety of high-quality homemade and organic whole-grain breads. I found exotic products not available elsewhere in the city, like Rosamonte gluten-free yerba mate, perfect for Argentine visitors.

The Taste of Freshness

All the products in the store look vibrant and fresh, with each item perfectly ripe and in its prime state. You will not find any fruit for sale at its best maturity. The vivid colors and optimal ripeness of the produce ensure that everything is of the highest quality.

The freshness of their fruits and vegetables is not just a claim; it's a guarantee. At DAC, they always ensure the produce is ripe and in perfect condition; every fruit shines and is at its peak.

For example, it's the only place where the avocados are consistently ripe and ready to eat, which is often difficult to find elsewhere.

I find it frustrating to buy avocados from other places and have to wait days for them to ripen or deal with ones that are still hard.

This issue is permanently resolved at DAC, reassuring you of the quality and inspiring your culinary adventures.

A Haven for Health Enthusiasts

The restaurant menu is diverse, offering a wide range of dishes. A significant advantage is that they use the freshest ingredients from their store, ensuring high quality. The prices are affordable, and the food is notably flavorful, making for a satisfying dining experience.

DAC offers a wide selection of organic products, bulk foods, and vegan options for those who care about health and nutrition.

The store also has a restaurant serving various healthy and delicious dishes. You can choose from huevos rancheros, scrambled eggs, soy scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, pancakes with fruit, or egg and bacon.

Unique options include a vegan burger, tacos de Pescado al pastor, Angus sirloin hamburger, Mediterranean salad, and archery. For fish, there's grilled fish fillet or breaded fish fillet.

The menu offers a variety of chicken options like grilled chicken breast or Cordon Bleu chicken breast, as well as a wide range of other items, including fruit salads, chilaquiles, quesadillas, enchiladas, vegetarian options, burritos and more.

My favorite drink at the restaurant is the refreshing and delightful watermelon juice.

DAC prides itself on using the finest ingredients from the store to create tasty and healthy meals, and it could easily stand alone as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

Incredible Variety of Bulk Products

The bulk section of seeds, grains, and legumes is imposing. The variety available is astonishing. For example, I was delighted to find raw flaxseed priced at just 64 pesos per kilo. The selection is extensive, offering everything you could need.

To provide a glimpse of the extensive range of products available for purchase in large quantities, here's a comprehensive list:

• Flaxseed

• Sunflower seeds

• Jasmine rice

• Broken wheat

• Chile piquín

• Wild rice

• Whole wheat

• Brown rice

• Free-range chicken

• Chia seeds

• White sesame seeds

• Black sesame seeds

• Regular sesame seeds

• Senna leaves

• Arnica

• Curry powder

• Calendula

• Fennel seeds

• Ground turmeric

• Spanish paprika

• Fenugreek

• Radish seeds

• Pitted dates

• Turkish figs

• Crystallized figs

• Hazelnuts

• Artisan granola

• Whole wheat pita bread

• Cooking oil

• Premium quality olive oils

• Preserves and pastas

Their range of bulk products, from seeds and grains to legumes and fruits, is so extensive that it would be impossible to summarize it in a single list.

Service and Attention

While some reviews mention complaints about staff attitudes, my experience was quite positive. The employees were friendly and informative. It's important to consider that the place can get crowded, and the staff works under pressure to attend to everyone.

The staff is friendly and always ready to help you find your needs. While some people might find the cashiers to be moody at times, I had a very positive experience.

The service was excellent, from the security guard who greeted me warmly to the manager and a cashier who provided detailed information about the free-range chicken.

For instance, Mr. Valente made my visit more enjoyable with his kindness and product knowledge.

Prices and Accessibility

The variety of spices, condiments, and canned goods is astounding. Here, you can find seasonings for all types of international cuisines.

Although prices at DAC can be higher than at supermarkets, such as Walmart or Mega Soriana, the freshness and quality are well worth it.

DAC offers various products that are hard to find elsewhere, making the higher prices justified. For example, DAC's prices are reasonable compared to those of similar businesses like Bionatural.

I had been searching for flaxseed for a long time, and to my surprise, DAC offers it at just 64 pesos per kilo. I also appreciate their encouragement of using baskets instead of plastic bags, a more sustainable practice.

A Diverse Selection of Dairy, Cold Cuts, and Vegan Options

The cold cuts and cheese section is extensive. It also features a wide variety of vegan proteins and plant-based meats.

DAC Playa del Carmen features a dairy section with a wide range of milk at very reasonable prices, including oat, almond, and organic options.

They also offer free-range chicken and organic eggs and a dedicated area for cold cuts and cheeses, featuring an array of delicatessen items. Whether vegan or a fan of cured meats, DAC has something for everyone.

Playa del Carmen Grocery Stores: Conclusion

If that weren’t enough, you could buy flowers and plants to grow your spices in your garden. Fantastic!

DAC Playa del Carmen is more than just grocery store; it's a sensory experience celebrating the diversity of ingredients and flavors found in the Playa del Carmen market.

On Avenida 30 between Constituyentes and Calle 22, a block from Mega Soriana and across from Nativo, it's one, if not the best, grocery store in Playa del Carmen for fresh, high-quality products in an authentic Mexican market environment.

In addition to their wide selection of groceries, DAC also sells plants like mint and spearmint for those interested in growing their own herbs and spices in their garden.

The store is open from Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 9 PM, and on Sundays from 7 AM to 2 PM. These convenient hours make it easy to plan a visit, ensuring each trip is a pleasure that feeds both the body and the passion for cooking and wellness.

Checkout the location here: DAC Verduras y Frutas