I'm now in Northern VA where there are TONS of ethnic food stores. One I went to last night had a lot of Arabic writing and I only saw 1 white guy come in, the rest were Indian or Middle Eastern. I got a lot of stuff and paid in cash. Is there anything I should avoid doing in a store like this?
2007-01-10 03:43:22 · 7 answers · asked by Finish Reading Ugly Rennaissance 4 in Food & Drink ➔ Ethnic Cuisine
I live in Los Angeles where there is a LOT of diversity.
You simply treat the ethnic stores the exact same way you do your own chain grocery store.
There aren't any customs you need to adhere to.
2007-01-10 04:37:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A long list of tips, hope it helps you.
First of all smile and say hello when you enter the store if you pass the staff. Make sure to make eye contact. Take your ethnic cooking book with you so you don't end up with the wrong stuff.
Take your time, smell and looks are important. If something looks old (wilted or dry) don't buy it. Herbs are different. Dried herbs should smell and look fresh even if they are dried. Colors of vegetables are sometime not bright green but if they feel firm they are fine.
Don't worry about touching fruits and taking your time picking the best. Just make sure you wash apples etc before eating. Just don't do it with any unpacked stuff, like say fresh feta cheese.
If you are in front of a counter to be served, be picky, smile and politely point to the piece you fancy. Be persistant and clear but smile and say thank you, they will respect you next time you go in.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, advice or even have them help you pick the right piece of dried codfish when in doubt. You will be surprised how much the ethnic guys knows even if they are not the main cook at home. And most of the ethnic people really value customers.
If there's to much writting (in any language) on the package, with lots of E nummers you know its artifically enhanced.
Enjoy the experience and go for the strange looking fruits, some are amazing and if they are from the countries were the fruit is from originally you know they will have picked the best selection.
Good luck and you know you are at the right store if ethnic people are there to shop.
sent from ethnic Amsterdam - Holland - Europe
2007-01-10 12:28:45 · answer #2 · answered by BF S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can think of is try not to act uncomfortable. The first time I was in a Latino store, I felt horribly out of place. Then I just reminded myself that it was a grocery store just like any other and did my shopping. Luckily I can read a fair amount of Spanish, but I can't speak it, so I didn't try with the cashier or they'd start saying stuff I couldn't reply to. I just paid quietly with a smile and left. Now it doesn't seem so daunting any more.
2007-01-10 12:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd say just buy your goods and pay for them and be polite just like any other store! An ethnic one should be no different. If you are in the USA...the store workers may have strong accents but should **hopefully** also be able to speak English!!
2007-01-10 11:47:53 · answer #4 · answered by Rach 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing to avoid. You don't have to be afraid of paying in cash only. Ask questions if you need help and enjoy shopping at the diverse places.
2007-01-11 11:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by sa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be polite. If you're looking for something in particular or if you have any questions, ask them just as you would in any other store.
2007-01-10 15:30:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you behave any differently?! Just be respectful and courteous!!!!
FYI there are plenty of white guys who are arabs!
2007-01-13 22:05:28 · answer #7 · answered by Coco 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋