How to shop ethnic

Let's agree that if you like to cook - especially if you enjoy using your kitchen to explore the world through food - you're going to appreciate shopping at ethnic markets.

You'll most easily find authentic ingredients, from spices to proteins to produce, at ethnic markets.

Let's also agree that simply walking into many of the Valley's ethnic markets can be a tad intimidating for many shoppers.

While many ethnic markets around Phoenix are relatively small, even many of these can present cultural challenges.

Store signs may well be in different languages, products and labels can be strange and confusing, and not only other shoppers but also many clerks will speak another language.

But if all you want to do is get family dinner on the table at a reasonable cost per person, ethnic markets will also offer one of the best ways to keep your food costs within your budget.

Many produce departments offer typical "American style" fruits and vegetables along with ethnic varieties, much of which will be at lower prices that your local American behemoth offers.

You'll also find many products you already use on these markets' shelves (think of soy sauce, pastas and grains, vinegars, and more).

The bonus is that you'll also find easy ways to introduce world flavors into typical American-style family dinners with minimal "eee-ewww! what's that?" reactions from pint-sized picky diners.

A beginner's guide to ethnic market shopping

If you're not familiar with ethnic markets, don't be nervous. If you love Italian food, start with one of the local Italian delis.

If you've tried and liked Middle Eastern food, you'll find more than half a dozen different markets focused on foods from almost every country in the region - from Afghanistan and Greece to Syria and Turkey.

1. If at all possible, scout ahead. Schedule a brief foray when you're not necessarily in dire need of powdered sumac or fresh tortillas.

2. Take note of the market's overall offerings; you might be surprised to find cases of fresh breads, cookies and other pastries for sale

3. Be sure to check out the meat and seafood departments. You may find some cuts that are unfamiliar; you might also discover familiar cuts at great prices

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions! (Last time I visited a Ranch Market, for instance, a very helpful young woman behind the cheese counter gave me a brief introduction, complete with tasting, to Mexican-style cheeses.)

5. Don't be intimidated by signs or labels in foreign languages (see point 4). While many workers and most customers might speak another language, remember you're all there to shop for something everyone needs. It's a great leveling introduction.