Bendite Market international Market — Local services in Bend

My excitement about an international market coming to Bend comes from my love of cooking asian food, mostly Thai and Chinese. Doing it right means getting the right ingredients, many of which are not regularly available in our local grocery stores. Unfortunately, this place does nothing to make that better. Half of the stuff in there isn't international, just random stuff you'd find in any convenience store. Of the stuff that IS international, 90% is snacks and pre-prepared items. There is little to nothing in the way of actual ingredients you would need to make your favorite asian dishes. Additionally, it's really disorganized. I saw the the same items in completely different aisles all over the store, so looking for anything is kind of confusing. Lastly, as others have mentioned, I don't think anyone is a fan of not having items priced on the shelves. If you're into asian cooking, pretty much any grocery store in Bend has a far better selection of the items you need. And for the stuff you can't find, online is still the only way. Or go to the valley/PDX. But hey, if you just want a six pack and a bag of some obscure foreign version of salty junk food, then this...

My first ever written review! I was saving it for the right moment and I feel as though this is certainly the right moment. This market is incredible in its already unique kind of way, with products from around the world which at the time seemed only accessible via World Market. It's not a typical market where you walk in and their greetings is as morbid as the atmosphere itself, quite the opposite! Nothing flashy, it felt like a warm, local, friendly, and welcoming kind of place. I got to meet the owner last night and it seems he has genuine interest of making his store a convenient and friendly place, whether for local residents living there or people passing by. Although, it does make for a convenient of being right upstairs from them! Hearing from a lot of locals about how convenient it would be to have a market right downstairs, now that there is finally one, I would be appalled if this place doesn't see enough...

Stopped in today for the first time. Was excited to get some kaffir lime leaves which I have never seen around bend... They also have fermented shrimp paste for those who enjoy making their own kimchi 😁. The fellow working was very friendly and said as they grow they want to bring in product that people want so let them know so they can order it. That will come in handy when I finally run out of my Costco sized package of fennigreek leaves I...