INTERNATIONAL INGREDIENTS – from exotic mushrooms to labneh to tahini to any herb or spice you didn’t know you needed – you’ll find a whole new world of tasty new food stuffs if you’re brave enough to try. And for the more seasoned cook, you’ll find Ottolenghi ingredients for almost any recipe too…

GREAT FRESH PRODUCE – from a vast selection of fruit & veg to AMAZING bread (order a ‘pide bread’ at the counter in Venus Foods and dunk it in some hummus – you won’t regret it!) to handmade pastries and the gooiest of baklava – the fresh produce in these stores is incredible.

BIG BUNCHES OF HERBS – forget the sad bunches of expensive plastic-wrapped herbs in the supermarkets – bring even the dullest of dishes to life and enhance its healthiness by adding loads flavoursome fresh herbs. Not only are they cheaper in these shops – the range is wider (well hello fresh dill) and the quality way higher. Store your coriander or parsley upright in a glass of water to keep it fresh.

EVERY SPICE YOU’LL EVER NEED! Forget the tiny jars of spices you find in supermarkets, with such limited range! From cumin to coriander, fennel to fenugreek, allspice to anise – you’ll get it all, and for much cheaper here!

BULK BUY TO SAVE TIME & MONEY – Most international stores have rice, lentils, beans, pulses, tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, cooking oil and spices to buy in bulk. Why not team up with your housemates and split the cost of some bulk buys? You can use old take-away tubs or glass jars to divvy it up – you’ll save money and reduce the amount of single-use plastic packaging.

SUPPORTING LOCAL – by shopping at more independent shops, not only do you benefit in the ways listed above, but you also contribute towards the local economy, meaning that local people and families benefit from your support rather than large multinationals..