Camme's International Food and Grocery: Caribbean Ingredients and Prepared Foods in South Carolina

What You'll Find at Camme's International Food and Grocery

Camme's International Food and Grocery is a Caribbean specialty market stocked with ingredients, prepared foods, and imported goods you won't find in mainstream supermarkets. The store carries fresh produce, frozen seafood, spice blends, canned goods, and ready-to-eat dishes that reflect the cooking traditions of Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and other Caribbean islands. If you're cooking Caribbean food at home or looking for a specific ingredient from your home country, this is where you'll find it.

The prepared food section offers hot meals and sides—think rice and peas, fried plantains, stewed chicken, and saltfish cakes—made fresh and ready to take home. The store also stocks Caribbean beverages, baked goods, and specialty items like cassava bread, ackee, and various hot sauces that form the backbone of island cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Camme's carries both raw ingredients and prepared Caribbean dishes, so you can cook at home or grab a meal ready to eat.
• The store stocks items from multiple Caribbean nations, not just one island's cuisine, giving you access to a wider range of regional flavors.
• You'll find frozen seafood, fresh produce, and imported canned goods alongside spices and seasonings that define Caribbean cooking.
• The prepared food section changes daily, so calling ahead or visiting regularly helps you catch specific dishes before they sell out.

Ingredients for Cooking at Home

The dry goods and canned section holds staples like pigeon peas, kidney beans, chickpeas, and coconut milk in various brands and sizes. You'll find plantains—both green for frying and yellow for sweeter preparations—alongside yams, dasheen, and other root vegetables that anchor Caribbean meals. The spice selection includes everything from curry powder and allspice to thyme bundles and hot pepper varieties.

The frozen section focuses on seafood: salt cod, mackerel, and other fish used in traditional dishes like ackee and saltfish or fish cakes. You'll also find frozen okra, callaloo, and other vegetables that may be harder to source fresh depending on the season. The refrigerated case holds fresh herbs, coconut cream, and specialty dairy products used in Caribbean cooking.

Prepared Foods and Hot Meals

The hot food counter operates during regular store hours and prepares dishes daily. Typical offerings include rice and peas, macaroni pie, stewed chicken, oxtail, goat curry, and fried plantains. Sides like coleslaw, green salad, and cornbread round out the menu. Prices are reasonable for prepared food, and portions are generous.

Because the menu rotates based on what's made fresh that day, the best approach is to call ahead if you're looking for something specific, or visit during peak hours (lunch and early evening) when the selection is fullest. Many customers stop by after work or on weekends to pick up dinner without cooking.

Beverages and Baked Goods

The beverage section includes Caribbean sodas, juices, and drinks you won't find in chain stores—brands like Ting, Sorrel, and various tropical fruit juices. You'll also find Caribbean beer and rum if you're looking to stock your bar or cook with these ingredients.

The bakery items include hard dough bread, coconut bread, and other baked goods made fresh or imported from Caribbean bakeries. These breads pair well with prepared meals or work as a base for sandwiches using Caribbean meats and spreads.

Shopping Tips and Store Layout

Camme's is organized by category, but the layout is compact—most shoppers can navigate the entire store in 15 to 20 minutes. The prepared food counter is usually near the front or back, depending on the location. Staff members are familiar with the inventory and can point you toward specific items or suggest substitutes if something is out of stock.

Prices are competitive with other specialty markets, though some imported items cost more than their mainstream equivalents. The store accepts cash and card. Parking is typically available on-site or nearby, depending on which Camme's location you visit. Hours vary by location, so calling ahead is wise if you're making a special trip.

Why Camme's Matters in South Carolina's Food Scene

Specialty markets like Camme's preserve access to the ingredients and flavors that connect people to their cultural heritage and home countries. For South Carolinians with Caribbean roots, the store offers a direct link to the foods they grew up eating. For others curious about Caribbean cooking, it's a place to explore authentic ingredients and taste prepared dishes made by people who know the cuisine.

The store also supports the broader South Carolina Caribbean community by providing employment, gathering space, and a reliable source for goods that might otherwise require travel or online ordering. In a state with a growing Caribbean population, markets like this one are essential infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know what I'm looking for before I go, or can I browse?

You can absolutely browse. The store is small enough to walk through comfortably, and staff can explain unfamiliar items or suggest how to use them. If you're new to Caribbean cooking, visiting with an open mind and asking questions is a good way to discover new ingredients and dishes.

Are the prepared foods made fresh daily?

Yes, most items are made fresh during store hours. The menu changes based on what's prepared that day, so availability varies. Calling ahead or visiting during lunch or early evening gives you the best selection.

Can I order prepared food in advance?

Many specialty markets take phone orders for prepared food, especially for larger quantities or specific dishes. Call the store directly to ask about ordering ahead for a particular meal or event.

What if I can't find a specific Caribbean ingredient?

Staff can often suggest a substitute or tell you when an item might be back in stock. Some specialty ingredients may need to be ordered, which takes a few days. Building a relationship with the store helps—regular customers often get priority access to hard-to-find items.

Is the store cash-only?

Most Caribbean specialty markets accept both cash and card, though policies vary by location. Calling ahead confirms payment methods and current hours, especially if you're visiting for the first time.