There’s a new place in Cherry Hill to stock the pantry, satisfy a sweet tooth, and slow down over a freshly brewed cup of Turkish coffee.
Marmara International Market & Cafe is now open at 2083 Route 70 East in Cherry Hill, bringing an extensive selection of Turkish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Greek pantry products to the area.
The family-owned specialty market and cafe is owned by Murat Aykiri, who gives the new shop an especially welcoming feel. Have a question about something unfamiliar on the shelves? Just ask. Aykiri is warm, friendly, and happy to explain the products — and he also makes an excellent cup of Turkish coffee.
More Than a Mediterranean Grocery Store
Marmara is the kind of place where you can easily spend some time browsing.
The grocery selection includes frozen and shelf-stable foods, pantry staples, snacks, sweets, beverages, and other specialty products representing Turkey and the greater Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. The store also carries personal care products and a smaller assortment of imported merchandise, including Turkish coffee pots and accessories, clothing, bags, and miscellaneous items.
According to Marmara’s website, the market focuses on products sourced from Turkey and the Mediterranean, including regional cheeses, olives, groceries, and bakery items.
But you’ll definitely want to leave some room for something sweet.
Turkish Coffee, Simit, Baklava and Plenty of Turkish Delight
The cafe side of Marmara is already serving fresh Turkish coffee along with baked goods and desserts such as simit, baklava, börek, cakes, pastries, and cookies.
And, naturally, there’s plenty of Turkish delight… and nazar.
Since the store is still in a “soft opening” phase, they don’t have everything just yet! Even more specialty desserts are on the way, including those eye-catching, fruit-shaped pastries that almost look too pretty to eat. Plus, they are open to ideas, and will listen to feedback.
There is a small seating area at the front of the market, so you don’t necessarily have to take your treats home. Grab a Turkish coffee and pastry and enjoy them right there.
For now, the cafe is focused primarily on coffee, tea, baked goods, and sweets. Murat mentioned that savory prepared foods are planned but aren’t expected to begin for at least another month if all goes well. We’ll have more on what’s coming to the food menu in the future.
In the meantime, Marmara’s opening adds another interesting international food destination to Cherry Hill and another opportunity to discover ingredients and specialties that may not be readily available at traditional supermarkets.
Whether you’re already familiar with Turkish and Mediterranean foods or simply curious to try something new, give Marmara a visit. Browse the shelves, pick up a few treats, and definitely make time for a cup of Turkish coffee.
Marmara International Market & Cafe
2083 Route 70 East (Marlton Pike East)
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Open daily, 7:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
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