Grocery shopping in Lilongwe can be a real adventure! With a bustling city comes a diverse range of supermarkets, each offering its own unique shopping experience. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a new expat, finding the perfect place to stock up on essentials can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to Lilongwe’s top grocery stores.
We’ve scoured the city, read countless reviews, and weighed up factors like product diversity, freshness, customer service, price, family-friendliness, and convenience to bring you this comprehensive list. But remember, everyone’s shopping style is different, so this is just our take on the best spots in town. We encourage you to explore these supermarkets for yourself and discover your own favorite!
So, let’s dive in and discover the best places to find your fresh finds in Lilongwe!
1. Food Lover's Market Kanengo
The Most Diverse and High-Quality Offering
We know, it’s a little cheeky to put our Grocery store in the number one spot but that’s because we’ve dedicated ourselves to offering exceptional groceries that cater to every taste and dietary preference. From the freshest local produce and premium cuts of meat to the most trusted local and international products.
We understand the importance of catering to diverse lifestyles, and our shelves are stocked with options for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant customers. Our commitment to quality shines through in almost all areas: excellent, above-and-beyond customer service, multiple convenient payment options, and a large and secure parking lot where you don’t have to worry about people getting into your car or other illegal activity. Moreover, we don’t stock knock-off or expired products.
While we strive for perfection, we recognize that there’s always room for improvement and welcome your honest feedback. A few customers have pointed out that our product range may come at a slightly higher price point as we do focus on premium quality products. We also close a little bit earlier than some other supermarkets so that our wonderful staff members can safely find transport home.
We hope you will give us a try and join the large and growing community of loyal Food Lovers in Lilongwe
2. ShopRite at Gateway Mall
The Stable Staple
Shoprite at Gateway Mall offers a wide variety of products, making it a convenient one-stop shop for many. The store is strategically located within the mall, providing easy access and ample parking. While customers often praise the store’s selection of food items and pleasant atmosphere, it’s important to note that stock availability can sometimes be inconsistent.
To optimize your shopping experience, consider visiting on Saturday afternoons after 11am when the store is typically well-stocked. While the store generally offers a smooth shopping experience, it’s advisable to have cash on hand as card payment systems might encounter technical difficulties.
Despite these minor inconveniences, Shoprite at Gateway Mall remains a popular choice for its convenient location and diverse product range.
3. Chipiku Food Store on Paul Kagame Road
Cheap and Cheerful
Chipiku Food Store offers a convenient no-frills shopping experience compared to larger supermarkets. Chipiku is a popular choice for many resident as customers appreciate the store’s ability to stock essential items at affordable prices
However, like many popular stores, Chipiku can experience busy periods, leading to longer checkout lines and limited parking spaces. While the store often provides a hassle-free shopping experience, customers occasionally mention challenges in accessing timely assistance from management when issues arise
Despite these minor inconveniences, Chipiku Food Stores remains a reliable option for daily shopping needs. Its commitment to supporting local businesses is evident in its product selection, making it a preferred choice for those seeking fresh and affordable Malawian products.
4. SANA Cash and Carry on Kenyatta Road
The Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Sana Cash N Carry on Kenyatta Road has become a familiar sight for many Lilongwe residents. Its convenient location makes it a go-to spot for quick grocery runs and household essentials. The store offers a range of products designed to cater to the daily needs of the local community.
While Sana Cash N Carry provides a convenient shopping experience, some customers have noted a limited product selection compared to larger supermarkets. This might be a drawback for those seeking a wider variety of goods. Additionally, maintaining consistent product quality across all items has been a point of feedback from some shoppers.
Despite these areas for improvement, Sana Cash N Carry remains a valuable asset to the neighborhood. It fills a gap in the market by offering essential products at accessible prices.
5. Game Store in Old Town
The Everything Store
Game Store in the Game Complex is a shopper’s paradise, offering a vast array of products from electronics and groceries to home appliances and sporting goods. The convenience of finding everything under one roof is a major draw for customers.
While shoppers appreciate the store’s wide selection and competitive prices, some have expressed concerns about service quality. Instances of poor customer service, particularly in departments like electronics, have been reported. Additionally, the absence of mobile money payment options might inconvenience some customers. The parking lot is spacious but some shoppers have complained of encountering some petty thieves and persistent people asking them for money.
Despite these challenges, Game Store remains a popular choice for many due to its extensive product range and strategic location within the Game Complex.
6. Chipiku Plus in City Centre
Convenient Location and Offering
Chipiku Plus City Centre has established itself as a go-to grocery store for many residents due to its convenient location and wide range of products. The store offers a good selection of fresh produce, beverages, and other essential items, making it a practical choice for quick grocery runs.
Customers appreciate the store’s efforts in maintaining a well-organized layout, allowing for a pleasant shopping experience. The availability of parking, although sometimes challenging during peak hours, is a plus point for many shoppers. Additionally, the store’s commitment to providing accurate change, even for small amounts, has been positively noted by customers.
However, some customers have raised concerns about the quality of certain products, particularly fresh meat. Reports of spoiled chicken have surfaced, emphasizing the need for improved quality control measures. The store’s ready-to-eat food options have also received mixed reviews, with some customers praising the convenience while others expressing dissatisfaction with the taste and freshness.
Despite these challenges, Chipiku Plus City Centre remains a popular choice for many due to its accessibility and basic product offerings. Addressing the issues related to product quality and food preparation would significantly enhance the overall customer experience.
7. Food Lover's Market at Gateway Mall
Convenience in Location and Food Offering
Food Lover’s Market at Gateway Mall is another popular choice for Lilongwe residents seeking a premium grocery shopping experience within one of Lilongwe’s most accessible and patronized malls. It also boasts a large and safe parking space with a convenient petrol station.
Customers often praise the store’s clean environment and impressive selection of fresh produce, including imported fruits and vegetables that can be hard to find elsewhere in the city. The bakery section is also a standout, offering a delightful range of breads, pastries, and other baked goods.
As with its counterpart in Kanengo, shoppers have noted that prices can be a little higher than other supermarkets. Some customers have also noted inconsistency in quality of fruits and vegetables. While the store often stocks imported produce with a perfect appearance, a few items have been found to be rotten upon arrival home. Additionally, while the store offers a good variety of products, the service from staff could be more attentive.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Food Lover’s Market Gateway remains a popular destination for many, particularly those who prioritize convenience and a wide range of options.
8. ShopRite Old Town
Lilongwe's Original Supermarket
Shoprite Lilongwe offers a wide range of products, making it a convenient one-stop shop for many residents. Its central location and spacious layout contribute to a pleasant shopping experience. In addition, Customers appreciate the often praise the competitive prices.
However, the store has its challenges. Cleanliness is a recurring complaint, with some customers noting a drop in hygiene standards compared to the other Shoprite at Gateway Mall. Additionally, the quality of certain products, particularly meat, has been questioned. Some customers have also reported issues with customer service, ranging from rudeness to a general lack of care. Another common criticism is the inconsistent availability of bread, which can lead to wait times as long as 40 minutes.
Despite these drawbacks, Shoprite Lilongwe remains a popular choice for many due to its convenient location and competitive pricing. However, improvements in cleanliness, product quality, and customer service would significantly enhance the overall shopping experience.
9. City Supermarket at City Mall
The No-Frills Supermarket
City Supermarket in City Mall offers a compelling mix of affordability and product variety. Customers often praise the supermarket for its competitive prices, especially compared to other options in the city.
The bakery section, in particular, has garnered positive feedback, despite some inconsistency in bread quality. However, the supermarket’s customer service leaves much to be desired. Many customers have reported feeling watched and scrutinized by management, creating an unpleasant shopping experience. It’s essential to double-check your bill, as some customers have reported discrepancies, especially regarding discounted items.
While the supermarket is clean and offers a decent range of products, it lacks that extra something to make it a standout destination. Customers often describe it as “average” in terms of product quality and selection. They also do not sell alcohol or pork.
Ultimately, while City Supermarket is a convenient option for basic grocery needs, it may not be the first choice for those seeking a premium shopping experience.
10. Golden Peacock Supermarket at Golden Peacock Mall
The Chinese Connection
Golden Peacock Supermarket offers a vast array of cheap products from China under one roof. Their food offerings are limited with a focus on household products and stationery.
The store’s focus on Chinese merchandise, including food items with Chinese descriptions, can be a barrier for some shoppers. While some customers praise the affordable prices, others have expressed concerns about the quality of certain items, particularly fresh food. Customer service is another area where Golden Peacock could improve. Reports of indifferent or even intrusive staff have dampened the shopping experience for some.
Despite these shortcomings, Golden Peacock Supermarket remains a popular choice for many.
