Do you like a variety of food but you are still watching your budget? Try going to various ethnic grocery stores and you can find some items to add some zip to your cooking or at least try a new side dish.

Case in point, I went to an Indian grocery store the other day to get some things that I thought would be less expensive than ordering them on the internet. I did in fact find what I went for considerably cheaper, but I also looked around the store and found some inexpensive prepacked items that I wanted to try. I bought some Veg Biryani in a package that can be prepared in the microwave or boil the pouch. There were also seasonings that I could use for chicken or other dishes that I wanted to prepare for the same amount as a traditional grocery store.

I didn’t know that there was such a variety of frozen item that I could purchase and cook at home when I wanted, which would cost much less than ordering takeout from an Indian restaurant.

Trying an ethnic grocery store that caters to food from another country will give you a wider variety than the few shelves than your regular grocer. Besides the items will be fresher, especially if you go to a place that has a large clientele. Buying a package of noodles from your local Super Target is convenient but rather bland compared to some of the other foods that you could try on the cheap if you go to authentic markets.

In a couple of weeks I am going to go back and buy some more Biryani, seasonings and sandalwood soap. I haven’t tried the soap but I won’t need to have any air freshener in the bathroom as long as I have a bar of the sandalwood soap in the bathroom. I like the scent very woodsy but also less expensive than air freshener and useful too!