Jungle Jim’s International Market is one of Ohio’s most iconic food destinations, known for combining grocery shopping with an over-the-top, immersive experience. It is often described as part international market, part theme park.
The business was founded by James “Jungle” Jim Bonaminio in 1971, starting as a modest roadside produce stand in Hamilton, Ohio. His focus on fresh produce and customer interaction quickly set him apart.
As demand grew, Jungle Jim expanded beyond produce into international foods, specialty items, and hard-to-find ingredients. What began as a small operation steadily evolved into a regional attraction.
The original Jungle Jim’s location is in Fairfield, Ohio, and it remains the flagship store. This location is famous for its sprawling footprint, maze-like layout, and elaborate themed décor.
After decades of success with one location, Jungle Jim’s expanded to better serve the greater Cincinnati area. This led to the creation of a second store in Clermont County.
Jungle Jim’s International Market Eastgate opened in 2012 in the former bigg’s space near Eastgate Mall. The opening marked the brand’s first major expansion beyond Fairfield.
Shoppers at Jungle Jim’s can find products from more than 70 countries, ranging from imported snacks and spices to specialty meats and cheeses. The selection is intentionally vast and often surprising.
Beyond groceries, Jungle Jim’s incorporates entertainment elements like animatronics, themed villages, and live seafood tanks. These features reinforce the brand’s reputation as a destination rather than a standard supermarket.
The Eastgate location was designed using lessons learned from the original store, resulting in a more modern and open layout. Aisles are wider and navigation is more intuitive.
While Eastgate shares the same playful spirit, it feels less chaotic than Fairfield. Many shoppers describe it as easier to shop while still offering plenty of visual fun.
Eastgate carries the same extensive international selection, including rare sauces, global snacks, and specialty beverages. The inventory closely mirrors Fairfield with occasional unique displays.
Signature visual elements, like creative hot sauce installations and themed sections, give Eastgate its own personality. It balances whimsy with functionality.
The store also hosts tastings, promotions, and community events tailored to the eastern Cincinnati suburbs.
Cheese lovers will find an unparalleled selection with around 1,400 different cheeses from dozens of countries, including unusual and artisanal cheeses not typically available in U.S. supermarkets.
The produce department often features exotic fruits and vegetables — think rambutan, dragon fruit, and other hard-to-find items — that can turn a trip to Jungle Jim’s into a tropical tasting.
In the meat and seafood sections, adventurous eaters can encounter things like alligator or camel meat and other unique cuts that reflect global eating traditions, though availability varies by season.
Jungle Jim’s has a vast Asian noodles section in its international department, where you can explore everything from Thai rice noodles to Japanese soba and Chinese vermicelli, reflecting the diversity of Asian cuisines under one roof.
Jungle Jim’s truly lives up to its name as an international market by offering products from more than 70 countries around the world, with aisles organized by region so you can explore Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and beyond.
Bakery items such as pepperoni and jalapeño bread are local go-tos, and quirky finds like pickled quail eggs or insect candies have become cult favorites that people buy just for the experience.
Grade: A
