Why visit an international food market?

Coincidentally, a few days ago I interviewed the manager of the international market in another thread that describes a wine thief. We discussed why ordinary people, who might be afraid to visit an oriental or international market, should screw up their courage and explore these markets.

I'd like to hear some of your logical reasons why it makes sense to visit and purchase items from such stores, even if you're a meat and potatoes, Miracle Whip kind of person.

Orange flower water.

Price. 99 Ranch sells meat and produce far below Safeway's prices.

I'd like to hear some of your logical reasons why it makes sense to visit and purchase items from such stores, even if you're a meat and potatoes, Miracle Whip kind of person.

I like my international, and local Mexican markets because I can get spices far more cheaply and reasonably fresh. This is especially true at the international market. Another thing is It give me access to EVOO from several countries. I usually just buy the Colavita, or the Bertoalli (sp) but I really do intend to try EVOO from Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece, and all three are available at the International market.

Don't know if this fits as International Market, but strolling Grand Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and shopping at the Chinese markets, has brought me to fishes I still cannot identify by name--but loved when I tasted them. Best reason I can think of to shop there: outrageously interesting selections.

As several other posters stated, you can get fresher herbs, vegetables and some staples at cheaper prices that at your local grocer. Of course they are also great for otherwise hard to find specialty foods.

In my mind an international food market is really for those that are curious about food. I know meat-and-potatoes who are and who aren't interested in exploring the world of food. For those who are, it's a wonderful bridge into other food worlds. It can be a pathway into new ingredients, techniques, flavors and fun. For those not so interested in trying on new foods, it's really the discounted foods one can get at these places.

[Jenise]

Escape from the giant conglomerate corporate brands who own all the shelfspace at supermarket megachains, and the chance to discover, just for example, that Kikkoman is very ordinary soy sauce. There really is a big wonderful world out there beyond Kraft Foods.

Escape from the giant conglomerate corporate brands who own all the shelfspace at supermarket megachains, and the chance to discover, just for example, that Kikkoman is very ordinary soy sauce. There really is a big wonderful world out there beyond Kraft Foods.

BRAVO!!!

Escape from the giant conglomerate corporate brands who own all the shelfspace at supermarket megachains, and the chance to discover, just for example, that Kikkoman is very ordinary soy sauce. There really is a big wonderful world out there beyond Kraft Foods.

BRAVO!!!

Except for the reference to Kraft as Foods

[Jenise]

Except for the reference to Kraft as Foods.

And now we know why they made it part of the name. Kraft Rubber just didn't have the right ring to it.