Under the Median: 6 Reasons You Should Be Shopping at Ethnic Stores

For many years I looked at ethnic markets with a degree of trepadition. New situations can be unsettling.

I thought:

the quality of food would be inferior.

the store employees would be unfriendly.

I would be unable to understand the native accents of the employees.

I would be seen as an interloper, because I was not of their heritage.

the prices would be substantially higher than those at traditional stores.

I was wrong! - very, very wrong!

Here are 6 reasons why I am so glad that I got over my self-imposed fear factor and ventured into
ethnic food stores.

1. Your money stays local!

Local ethnic markets are often most often owned by people who live, work, and raise their families right in your hometown. They care deeply about creating a friendly atmosphere that keeps you coming back.

I grew up in a very small town, population 1800. There was a very real sense of treating your neighbor like they were family. That same feeling exists in ethnic grocery stores. When you shop there, they learn your first name, know what products you like, and give you personal treatment. It's all about relationships!

In my area, we have a large diversity of ethnic market choices:

Mediterranean
Mexican
Indian
Asian

2. Owners may offer a special case price.

I paid $4.00 for the entire case!

It is not uncommon for ethnic stores to offer customers a discount on the purchase case lots of products. Unlike larger stores, where corporate policy mandates, the extent to which local managers can service customers, at a small grocer, the owner is often the person to whom you are speaking. If they can give you a better deal, they often will.

A case of red lentils I purchased at a discounted price.

On the flip side of the coin, I go out of my way to stop in frequently just to see what my ethnic stores have on hand. I want locally owned stores to stay in business!

3. Fresh shipments arrive weekly from big city markets.

Organic Parsley and Cilantro for 50¢ a bunch!

I became very aware of the time and day of the week that my local stores receive their new shipments of merchandise.

I know that at around 3pm every Thursday, the Mediterranean Mart will be brimming with brand new merchandise, produce, and fresh flatbreads from Chicago's bakeries and markets.

The produce is not only fresh, it is often priced less than mass market competitor grocery stores.

As a bonus, items left on the shelf from last week may be offered at a discount.

4. You'll save money!

Here are just a few items that I found on the shelves at great prices on a recent visit to Mediterranean Mart.

Love this thin, fancy pasta for just $.99!

Fresh figs, only available for a short time each year

Organic hummus, stocked at the request of customers

Speciality items are often substantially cheaper than the very same item from a traditional grocery store. Regional spices are nearly always less than those from traditional grocers.

I often get new spices to try, because they are so inexpensive

The first time I entered the Mediterranean Mart, it was to find garam masala. I needed this savory spice mix for a recipe and had heard from others that one could find spices for great prices at this locally-owned shop.

Small section of the spice selection at Mediterranean Mart

Upon entering, I was greeted by the ultra-friendly owner, Sieed immediately showed me the spice section, patiently explaining each specialty blend, giving me ideas on how they were used in his native country. The prices were fabulous and, to a food geek like me, an undeniable bargain.

Some of our favorite shelf stable items from Mediterranean Mart

Not only did I discover a love for a whole host of Middle Eastern spices, I also found items that are staples in my kitchen.

5. You just may find some new favorite foods and flavors.

I had hardly tasted a red lentil before I started frequenting the Mediterranean Mart. We quickly grew to love their flavor and their ease of preparation.

Here's a recipe for Mediterranean Red Lentil soup that may quickly become one of your family's most requested meals, too!

6. You'll make new friends!

Ethnic grocers love to share their knowledge with customers! They will go out of their way to insure that you are happy with your purchase and know how to use it once you get it home. Not only that, you quickly become friends! Sieed is so aware of our family's buying patterns, that we recently stopped in to get dates. Before we could even inquire about the availability of our favorite, dried fruit, Sieed asked the 15 year old sous chef, "Are you ready for a new box of fresh dates?"

That's not just being a good businessman; that's the mark of a true friend!

Your turn!

Do you shop at ethnic stores? Have you had a good experience? In which ethnic markets do you find the best deals? I'd love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments.