Since Louisville was largely settled by immigrants from Western Europe, especially German, Irish, English, and French immigrants, the demand for food that tastes like home has always been strong here. Over the last decades, many people of Hispanic, African, Middle Eastern, Russian, Bosnian, and Southeast Asian origin have flooded into Louisville and now call it home. Part of coming to a new country means acquiring new tastes, but having stores that carry what it takes to make native dishes eases the transition.

What if you live in Louisville and want to make foods that remind you of your ethnic roots? What if you want to try your hand at making some of the great ethnic foods you sampled in Louisville restaurants? Given the multicultural nature of Louisville, you should able to find a place that sells the ingredients that you need. When using imports from a local source with the locally produced fruits, meats, and vegetables, you can create your dish with a local flair.

Many local markets such as ValuMarket, especially the Mitscher Avenue branch, carry ingredients for international cooking. Places like Lotsa Pasta on Lexington Rd carries Italian, Asian, and other nationality-theme supplies, plus a selection of homemade Italian food. In addition, Louisville has a great selection of markets that cater to specific international food tastes. Here is a sampling of international markets:

·    African – African Market Millenium on Bardstown Rd. or Darou Salam on Beuchel Ave.

·    Caribbean - Caribbean Delights on Glen Arbor.

·     Chinese – Oriental Grocery, Bardstown Rd. or Chou’s Asian Market on Lyndon Lane.

·     Filipino – Lanceta Oriental Food and Gifts, Breckinridge Lane.

·      Indian – Shalimar on S. Hurstbourne Parkway.

·      Korean – Oriental Supermarket and Gift Shop on Gilmore Lane.

·      Mexican –  Mesa Food on W. Magnolia Ave. or El Noa Noa on Airport Hwy.

·      Middle East - Sumer Food Mart on S. Fourth or Al Watan Bakery on Klondike Lane.

·      Russian – Golden Key International Food on Bardstown Rd.

·      Vietnamese – Binh Phuoc on Third St.

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you'll know that I advocate buying local when you can. This is especially true of locally grown food. When you buy food produced in the Louisville area, you help Kentucky farmers make a living, plus activate the "multiplier effect" that that occurs when local people buy from local businesses who buy from local suppliers. More money stays here. In the case of food, less of your food dollar goes toward transportation to bring in products from afar. In our area farmers markets, you can often talk to the farmer who deduced the food and verify what pesticides were used. Here is a 2012 list of farmers markets in Louisville from the city website.

The matter what should like to cook, you should be able to visit ethnic markets and farmers markets to find what you need. If you want a taste of a writing of essay foods, many of the neighborhood festivals coming up in Louisville over the next few months should introduce you to assume interesting things. Of course, World Fest held on Labor Day weekend, will offer you a more comprehensive opportunity to expand your culinary horizons. Since the Louisville restaurant scene is varied, you will be able to expand your list of favorite restaurants with those representing different cultures as well.

Louisville has it all for those who locate here. As a Realtor® born and raised in Louisville, I appreciate the chance to help newcomers find the perfect home. Call me or check out my website if you are interested in buying (or, of course, selling property in the Louisville area. I'm Jessica Gaines, your hometown Realtor® from Louisville Gaines Real Estate.