International Foods — Local services in Austin

I would give 3.5 stars just due to price points on their meats and dairy. My wife misses home foods from Albania and Kosovo. I looked this place up and it seemed to have decent ratings. It is a large store with a lot of ethnic foods, especially from India and Pakistan, none of which I was familiar with. Something my wife really wanted was Albanian sudjuk. The issue with their pricing is that a lot of things are not labeled and it's not until you get to the register that you are paying for $18 a lb for meet. I don't know anywhere in the US you spend that kind of money per pound for meet that is imported from countries whose currency is very poor compared to the dollar. My wife's family went to Albania not too long ago and that meat was maybe $3-6. How in the world is this stuff imported here then costs $20? The economics don't make sense to me and I feel people charge for having authentic traditional food such as this meat. Also some cheeses were $20-$30 for feta. That's ridiculous. I get it, traditional food and all that. But let's be honest. America is the land of dreams and opportunities. How are essentially second and third world cultures coming here, opening up business and then charging 500% on what things actually cost in their country just to make their profits. Capitalism at it's finest but seriously, I am cultured enough to know the prices are outlandish.

I walked out paying almost $100. I respect all cultures but I know $100 in Turkey or Kosovo goes a long way in those countries compared to the US dollar, so how many people are actually spending that much money in an international market that are from those countries? I will admit I was probably the only American in this store with my Mediterranean spouse. I wasn't expecting to spend that much at all....

I'm extremely picky about where I shop first of all and if I have a bad experience I will never return, simply based on principle. I live very close to this little grocery store and one day about a year-and-a-half ago I popped in to get some ingredients for making dolmas for the first time.

Not only was the older gentleman very helpful with finding the ingredients, but he was also educational and taught me traditional ways, tips and tricks to have my dolmas most turn out great and not dry. They turned out fantastic by the way. Even my Lebanese friends were devouring them, asking me how I made them. And I don't think they were just being nice either. Score!

I have going here every since and always prefer their medjool dates over anywhere else. They are amazing, very fresh and perfect!

Their fenukgreek is also really fresh when it is in season too.

Every time I need a particular spice or a hard to find ingredient for cooking Mediterranean or Indian food, this is definitely the place that I go to. They are all extremely helpful, personable, friendly and professional. And so...

Perfect little local grocery store with fresh produce and a great selection of different international food items.

Some of my personal favorites are their very fresh baked baklava, olives, 🫒 dolmas, Nan breads, cheese, yogurt and olive oils.

If you're a hooka fan or a tea person they also have a variety of teas and hookas and affiliated items too.

What makes this place a real 💎 gem and special is their exceptional customer service. The owner Mr. Mike was always extremely helpful and super friendly!

He even helped me (years ago) pick out all the correct spices and ingredients for making meat stuffed dolmas the first time. Also giving me incredible instructions on how to wrap the grape leaves where they wouldn't tear or break and they turned out simply amazing. (Apparently he's a great cook / chef too!) 😉

I am grateful and I do genuinely enjoy popping into this little jewel, and am always greeted with smiles.

I am a very loyal customer, I have always had a wonderful experience here, and would highly...