Frida Mexican Store: Where to Find Authentic Ingredients and Prepared Foods in South Carolina

What Frida Mexican Store offers

Frida Mexican Store is a specialty grocer stocked with ingredients, prepared foods, and household goods imported from Mexico and used in Mexican cooking. The store carries fresh and dried chiles, masa for tortillas, specialty oils, spices, and canned goods you won't find in most conventional supermarkets. Beyond groceries, Frida also operates a prepared-food counter where you can order items like tamales, carnitas, and other traditional dishes to take home or eat on-site.

The store functions as both a market and a casual eating spot, making it useful whether you're shopping for a specific ingredient or looking for a quick meal. Staff members are familiar with the products and can help you locate items or suggest substitutions if something is out of stock.

Key Takeaways

• Frida carries Mexican ingredients—fresh and dried chiles, masa, specialty spices, and canned goods—that are difficult to find in standard grocery stores.
• The store has a prepared-food counter serving tamales, carnitas, and other traditional Mexican dishes ready to take home.
• You can eat at the counter or take food with you, making it convenient for both shopping and quick meals.
• Staff can help you find specific ingredients or suggest alternatives if an item is unavailable.

What to expect when you visit

Frida is organized by product type: fresh produce near the entrance, dried goods and canned items on shelves, and the prepared-food counter toward the back or side. The store is typically smaller than a full supermarket, so items are easier to locate once you know the layout. Prices are competitive with other specialty grocers, though some imported items cost more than their domestic equivalents.

The prepared-food counter operates during regular store hours. You can order ahead by phone if you want a large quantity or a specific item, or you can order when you arrive. Most prepared foods are ready within 15 to 30 minutes if ordered fresh. The counter also sells items that are already prepared and waiting, so you can grab something immediately if you're in a hurry.

Ingredients you'll find here

Frida stocks both fresh and dried chiles—ancho, guajillo, pasilla, and others—that are central to Mexican cooking. The store carries masa harina (corn flour for tortillas and tamales), Mexican crema, queso fresco, and other dairy products. You'll also find specialty oils, vinegars, and spices like Mexican oregano and cumin in larger quantities and at lower prices than you'd pay at a standard grocery store.

Canned goods include Mexican brands of beans, hominy, tomatoes, and chiles in adobo sauce. The store also carries chocolate for mole, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), and dried herbs like epazote. If you're making tamales, pozole, or other traditional dishes, Frida is a one-stop shop for most of what you'll need.

Prepared foods and the counter

The prepared-food counter makes tamales, carnitas (slow-cooked pork), chile rellenos, enchiladas, and other dishes. Tamales come in several varieties—chicken, pork, cheese and rajas (roasted peppers)—and are sold by the dozen or in smaller quantities. Carnitas are typically sold by the pound and can be used in tacos, tortas, or eaten on their own.

Prices for prepared foods are reasonable; a dozen tamales or a pound of carnitas usually costs between $10 and $20, depending on the item and current prices. The counter also sells fresh tortillas, both corn and flour, made in-house or sourced from a local producer. If you're short on time, you can grab a prepared plate with rice, beans, and a protein, or build your own from the counter offerings.

Location and hours

Frida Mexican Store operates in South Carolina, though the exact location and hours vary. Before visiting, call ahead or check for current information about where the store is located and when it's open. Some locations may have extended hours on weekends or close on certain days, so confirming ahead saves a trip.

The store is typically located in neighborhoods with larger Latino populations, making it accessible to both regular customers and those passing through. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby.

How to use Frida for meal planning

If you cook Mexican food at home, Frida lets you buy ingredients in the quantities and quality you need without overpaying for small packages at a supermarket. A single visit can stock your pantry with dried chiles, spices, and canned goods that will last for months. For weeknight dinners, you can pick up prepared carnitas or tamales and add fresh vegetables or salsa at home to round out the meal.

The store also works well if you're hosting a gathering and want to serve authentic Mexican food without spending hours cooking. You can order tamales or other prepared items in advance and supplement with store-bought sides, or use the prepared foods as a starting point and add your own dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order prepared foods ahead of time?

Yes. Call the store to place an order for tamales, carnitas, or other prepared items, especially if you want a large quantity or a specific variety. Most orders are ready within a day or two, though some items may be available the same day depending on what's being made that day.

Do they sell fresh produce?

Frida carries some fresh produce, particularly items used in Mexican cooking like cilantro, jalapeños, and avocados. Selection varies by season and availability. For a full range of fresh vegetables and fruits, a standard supermarket may have more options, but Frida is useful for specialty items.

What payment methods do they accept?

Most specialty grocers accept cash and card, though it's worth confirming when you call or visit. Some smaller stores may prefer cash or have a minimum for card purchases, so asking ahead prevents surprises at checkout.

Are prices higher than a regular grocery store?

Prices on imported and specialty items are typically higher than mass-market supermarkets, but competitive with other specialty grocers. Buying in bulk—like a large bag of dried chiles or a case of canned goods—often costs less per unit than buying small quantities at a conventional store.

Can I eat at the store or do I have to take food to go?

Most Frida locations have a small seating area or counter where you can eat prepared foods on-site, though some may be takeout only. Call ahead to confirm whether seating is available at the location you plan to visit.