Where to Find Mangoes, Soursop and Caribbean Produce in Brooklyn
More than 20 years of support deserves more than a simple thank-you.
So Big Mac turned this year’s Labay Market Customer Appreciation Party into a whole Caribbean fete, with free food, music, ice cream and plenty of people celebrating a store that has spent more than two decades bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Brooklyn.
Labay Market is a Black-owned Caribbean grocery store founded by Grenadian McDonald “Big Mac” Romain. From mangoes and soursop to dasheen, skin up, cane and other hard-to-find favorites, the market gives people a place to find the foods they miss from home.
This celebration brought out longtime customers, first-time visitors and plenty of people ready to eat. Big Mac said serving the community is a privilege, and after more than 20 years of people continuing to show up for Labay, the appreciation clearly goes both ways.
Have you been to Labay Market? What keeps you coming back, or what would you want to try first?
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Visiting Labay Market in Brooklyn offers not just access to tropical fruits like mangoes and soursop but also a deep connection to Caribbean culture and community. As someone who has frequented similar Caribbean markets, I can share how these stores are cultural hubs that bring a taste of home to those far from the islands. The freshness and quality of the produce like dasheen and cane sugar you find here reflect traditional Caribbean farming and food practices. One memorable experience included chatting with staff who shared cooking tips for skin up, a root vegetable that's not commonly found in mainstream grocery stores. They emphasized the importance of sourcing authentic ingredients to prepare dishes that honor Caribbean heritage. This type of personal interaction enriches the shopping experience beyond just purchasing food. The Labay Market’s customer appreciation party highlights how stores like this foster community spirit with festivals featuring music, food samples, and shared stories. For new visitors, trying soursop is a must — its unique flavor, both tangy and sweet, works wonderfully in juices, desserts, and teas. Mangoes are another star item, often used fresh or in preserves to bring tropical sweetness to everyday meals. Finding such a variety of Caribbean produce and staples in Brooklyn can be challenging, so having a store that has stood the test of time is invaluable. It supports the cultural identity and culinary traditions of Caribbean immigrants and Caribbean-American families. It also educates newcomers curious about these unique ingredients. If you’re exploring Caribbean food culture in Brooklyn, Labay Market is a destination worth visiting. Don’t miss out on sampling the ice cream and chatting with long-time customers who share their recipes and stories. This vibrant community setting is why many people keep returning — it's not just about shopping, but celebrating heritage and connection through food.
