A WORLD OF GOODS: The International Markets of New Orleans By Kimmie Tubre
The world has never been more exposed to different cultures than it is today. The internet, especially social media, allows us to visualize going on safaris in Africa, while also walking the cobblestone streets of Europe. We have full access to how people live and celebrate around the world. In fact, social media has completely changed how we see other places. With all of this exposure, international interests and travel have risen in the last decade. As a result, the interest in foods from various countries may be one of the most popular things of this generation. International in New Orleans From ramen to chicken tikka masala, curious patrons are not only trying new foods in restaurants, but also cooking them in their homes. In a city where most of the traditional dishes are influenced by Creoles and Cajuns, it can be rather difficult to find the ingredients needed for a particular foreign recipe. While the majority of grocery stores in the city have international aisles, they tend to stick to the cultures that are most relevant to the city’s demographic. What if you’re from Eastern Europe, India, or the Mediterranean? Where can you go to get specialty spices, a variety of fish oils, or vegetables not typical to the region? New Orleans is actually more diverse than most give it credit for. Our history is rooted in African, French, and Spanish cultures, but it is also influenced by the Irish, Italian, and Native Americans who contribute to our one-of-a-kind culture. With that said, we also have heavy influences from our large populations of Hondurans and Palestinians, and we certainly cannot forget the Vietnamese. When we think about culture and food in the city, we should remember that there are also places and shops that represent these cultures.
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International Markets of the Metro Area One of the most familiar places to find a diverse variety of international items is the International Market in Metairie. Set up like a large international warehouse, this market is mostly known for its variation of Indian and Middle Eastern groceries and goods. But you can also find a wide array of items from other regions of the world, from the Mediterranean to West Africa, Jamaica, Europe, and Asia. The International Market is a place where the smell of exotic spices hits your nose as soon as you enter the door. But food isn’t their only foreign asset. You can also find gifts and household goods. The International Market is a popular destination for people seeking to cook, shop, and find ingredients from many different cultures. While the diversity here seems to be unmatched, there are also other markets that are a bit more specific.
