When sourcing ingredients to create authentic international dishes, look no further than the International Food Bazaar in San Jose. This expansive market boasts an unparalleled selection, from unique items like pink pineapples to specialized halal meats and an astonishing variety of over 30 types of canned fava beans. The meticulously organized aisles showcase a depth and breadth of products that truly sets it apart as a premier destination for global gastronomy.
And, if you happen to seek an ingredient not currently on their shelves, owner Edward Atoule is eager to hear about it. Even for niche requests like Marmite, a distinctive fermented yeast extract favored by British expats like customer Jill Tindall, the International Food Bazaar is committed to expanding its already impressive inventory.
“Ed told me a long time ago that if there is anything I don’t see here that I would like them to stock, tell him and he will do it,” Jill Tindall shared. “Everything here is just brilliant, and they stock a lot of British things. I have a friend who is Armenian, and I keep telling her she has to come down here and make me buy some of the things that I don’t know.” This personal touch and dedication to customer satisfaction are hallmarks of the International Food Bazaar experience.
A Legacy of International Groceries in San Jose
The International Food Bazaar is more than just a grocery store; it’s a family legacy. Founded in 1979 by Edward’s father, John Atoule, an immigrant from the Middle East, the market initially focused on Middle Eastern foods. Edward, who has been involved in the store since his teenage years, played a key role in its evolution, encouraging his father to expand into the adjacent storefront and broaden their offerings.
“In the late 90s, we started switching over to a wider inventory,” Atoule explained to San José Spotlight. “The technology companies were bringing in a lot of immigrants to the area, and we were just going with the flow. They were coming from India, Eastern Europe, Greece, and we started carrying food for them, too. When people visit for the first time, they want to go with things they know from home.” This adaptability and responsiveness to the changing demographics of San Jose have been crucial to the International Food Bazaar‘s enduring success.
An Unmatched Variety of Global Products
The sheer variety at the International Food Bazaar is truly remarkable. Consider their selection of fava beans, sourced from Egypt, Sudan, and China, or tahini from Israel and Jordan. Pasta lovers will find options from Italy, Turkey, Greece, Germany, Ukraine, England, and Poland. Rice, a staple in many international cuisines, is available in 15 varieties of basmati alone. The store also proudly supports local producers, stocking San Jose hummus alongside authentic Lebanese brands.
“We have rosewater, in case anyone is looking for that,” Atoule points out, highlighting the availability of specialized ingredients. “We have the biggest selection of jam, honey, and syrups made locally as well as from England, France, and the Middle East. We have coffee from everywhere, including coffee from the Middle East and Turkey, and a wide variety of oils, breads, soups, and sardines. We try to cover every customer’s needs and make sure they are all happy.” This commitment to comprehensive selection makes the International Food Bazaar a true culinary treasure trove.
Quality and Freshness are Paramount
Beyond the extensive inventory, the International Food Bazaar prioritizes quality. While also offering an olive and cheese bar and a halal butcher shop, Edward Atoule emphasizes the importance of product excellence.
“I do all the buying, so the salesmen have to go through me,” he states. “If they come in with a new product, I have to taste it to make sure it is good quality. I don’t want to bring in a product that is going to sit on the shelf. I want to have a big turnaround; that’s why customers come from all over the area, from Monterey to San Francisco, because they know that the turnaround means our products are going to be fresh on the shelf.” This dedication to freshness and high standards draws customers from a wide radius, solidifying the International Food Bazaar‘s reputation for reliability.
A Home Away From Home
Even after the passing of his father earlier in the year, the family spirit remains strong. Edward’s mother, Evelyn, is a regular presence at the store, maintaining connections with the community they’ve built.
“I love my customers, and they are like good friends here,” Evelyn Atoule told San José Spotlight. “We want them to feel like they are home, whether they are from Israel, Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, or anywhere else. I would always tell my son, ‘Make sure the store is always full and clean as if someone was coming over to your home for dinner every night.’” This philosophy of hospitality and warmth permeates the International Food Bazaar, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.
For Edward Atoule, creating and sustaining this unique atmosphere is a daily motivation. “I work to make sure the customers and the employees are happy,” he says. “We get new customers all the time—they might have passed us by for 20 years thinking it is a mom-and-pop shop. But if they come in one day, they will discover a whole new world here. It fires their imagination, and it becomes like their second home.”
Discover the International Food Bazaar and embark on a culinary journey around the globe, all within your local San Jose market.
International Food Bazaar
2052 Curtner Ave.
San Jose, CA 95124
Phone: (408) 559-3397
Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
