Love this cute little market. They're very kind only place. I will get my palm oil from. I should try other things. Looks like they have great spices, etc. very cute place. read more

I took a little adventure and walked around the "Only On Apache" commercial corridor doing some promotions for RAIL CDC's small business grants. I happened upon this awesome little mom no' pop run by Florence and her husband. They are originally from the motherland, Ghana. They opened up this shop to offer authentic African and Caribbean foods, items and clothing. Florence welcomed me loudly with a big smile, giving me a personal tour if the store and it's unique items such as smoked shrimp, fufu, matching hair wraps / face mask combos, real Shea butter, black soap etc. We talked a bot and realize that we have friends im common. Small world. I would recommend everyone come in and take a gander at all the cool items, authentic American herbs and food items. She is the #1 provider of authentic Shea butter and has legit black soap. This business is a great asset to the community and Florence is active in improving the area. ...... I have been in community economic development (neighborhood level economic development) since 2012, helping start ups and small businesses to grow from surviving to thriving. My focus areas are commercial and cultural business districts, generally around public transit. I've assisted over 1000 businesses in all areas of technical assistance, access to capital and direct grants. read more

See all

What a cool little market! It's one of those mom and pop places that are harder to find these days. With an emphasis on African foods and goods, they seemed to be stocked with a good variety of grains, mixes, oils, and frozen vegetables. I didn't even know you could eat the fruit from a baobab tree until I came here! I was in search of dende oil and egusi to try out some recipes. The gentleman at the store was friendly and showed me to the areas where both were located. They didn't have anything labeled specifically as dende oil they did have red palm oil which looked and seemed close to what I was searching for. I've never tried dende oil myself to say whether the red palm oil I bought was the same thing or not, but it taste delightful in some moqueca I made that day with the oil. I'm excited to try the egusi in some egusi soup. They had whole and ground egusi in various containers. I'd definitely go here again to do some fun food browsing. read more

See all

A nice spot for any African spices, foods, clothes, and more. I was greeted by two people when I came in and they were very friendly and willing to help out if I needed anything. They have aisles of seasonings!! Any type of seasoning you could think of especially Ghanaian or Nigerian spices were easily found here. I bought some suya seasoning (the one that's their brand) and OMG was it good!! Spicy af lol but full of flavor. They also sell handmade clothes here and beautiful African decor that I may have to go back and pick up. read more

Ako International Market - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

See all

I really love shopping here! The owners are humble & very kind. They work with you no matter what, aunty Flo especially! They always have everything! read more

The best experience. Florence is so sweet. She guided me to different products I have never tasted. The tamale was so filling. It had a fermented flour and I added salsa to make it wet. Delicious in every bite. Best in soups and stews. Ill be back. read more

Ako International Market - Alligator pepper - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

See all

Great little African grocery and sundries store. You can find everything from spices and canned goods to hair care products and cloth. On this trip we bought goat meat and seasonings to make Jollof. We also found Suya Powder and Gari. We also bought the homemade Shito, it is very tasty but not very spicy (hubby loves spice). We had trouble finding the items on our own, so if you come for something specific ask for help. Most of our shopping came from the back room. Was disappointed not to find kenkey on this trip. All in all if you are in the Phoenix area and need African supplies, here is the place to be. read more

Great selection of spices, and wholesome food items from around the world. I go there to buy African and Caribbean ingredients to cook with. The shop has very nice energy, with delicious homemade food in the freezers. The owner Ako is very gentle and sweet. She gave me recipes and recommendations with cooking. Will always come here to shop for food, clothes and fabrics, and lotions/soaps. Very good prices and our money goes to support good-hearted and honest people. My favorite place in Tempe and Arizona! read more

I needed an African outfit for a meeting and I was attending, so of course I used Yelp and I found this place. It was incredible! There was a guy that helped me out and he even let me sample a lot of food and some of the African spices. After I left I told a lot of people about it because the clothing there is gorgeous, the food is exotic and the spices are very unique to Africa. I also ended up buying some goat meat and an outfit and several slpices and I love all of them. If you are looking for African attire or African spices or certain African meat and fish then I highly recommend this store! It's a gem!! read more

We met Florence today - wonderful owner of this market in Tempe. We will be back as we are now family:-) highly recommend - we even got Elijah his Maize Cerelac produced in Ghana, yeah!!! read more

See all

She has everything. We've known her since she opened and love her. Her friendly gesture and and heart-warming welcome is the reason I always go to her. If an item is bad, she will apologize and replace. Live in gilbert but don't mind making that trip thou there are other African stores near me. read more

Great variety of African goodies and they are the real MVPs for being open on Sundays!! The best yam I've had in years cane from this market!!! The different ingredients that they have definitely make it a go to!! read more

After visiting this place 3 times, I am here to give my review. The first time visiting was actually okay because the owner was there and she was friendly plus interactive. They have a thing at this store where you have to use hand sanitizer and wear gloves which is cool and fine by me because we are at a all time high here in Arizona. I am not sure if the man that works there is the owners husband or relative, but he was very rude to me. I don't know if it is a culture thing but I was better off visiting somewhere else for multiple reasons. The first and the last visit was the worse. This man is very condescending with the way he was speaking and acting toward me as a woman. I will never visit here again. The owner is very nice and if she worked here all the time I would come, but the guy..no way. They have lost my business behind his unprofessional behavior. I will take my business elsewhere read more

Nice place, the owner is very helpful. They took the time to show me each and every items they sell. Will recommend it...

Florence is a great lady wonderful and very helpful at helping me find something new and exotic her new handbag collection is awesome.

I am always happy to visit Ako. Flo is a wonderful person, as is her son and the other family members who help run this place. Flo is always more than willing to talk about the many products they have available and is a very welcoming lady. Amongst the products I always come back for is the wonderful African DuDu Black Soap which is the best all natural soap I have ever tried. Complete my purchase with some African peanuts, some Dutch-made Nido powdered milk and what meat pies they may have available, and I am ready for a great day. The Shea butter and home made black soaps are also great. If you are looking for a quality all natural soaps, do try what they have here! I always look forward to my regular visit to Ako. read more

Very nice shop for finding African food. They had all the main ingredients I needed. Very convienient location as well. Highly recommend for any Africans looking for food and supplies read more

Very nice and clean and has a huge selection of African products.

Amazing place... all African/ Caribbean spices, treats, & more. I finally have a place to shop for my needs. Thankfully this hidden treasure is a mile from me. I visit often. Staff is very friendly..... I love this place. read more

This place is fantastic for African spices and goods. They have many items available. Their suya spice is excellent. Staff is welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a good place to find African products! read more

I love this place.The lady that works here is super nice and the store has almost any item you need ...from black soap to Amala and yams.