Grocery Shopping in America

Should I tell you the truth? My first visit to a grocery store in America was a real challenge … Imagine walking along the rows with different boxes, cans, packs and understands nothing. Not very pleasant, isn't it? I do not want you ever to be in this situation. That's actually the reason why I wrote this article.

My first advice would be - ask a senior / friend from your country / American to go with you. Don't be afraid, you won't sound stupid since Americans sometimes need help, too and in my case I need help, till date. Just walk around the place and keep your ears open to listen what people tell you. You might want to remember it as the next time you might be alone in the same store.

Second - be prepared to see a whole variety of food, fruit and vegetables that you have never heard about or seen. I didn’t know till yesterday what is the difference between OKRA, Bhindi and Lady finger. My advice is - ask. Something that seems weird now may happen to be tasty and might turn out to be your favorite food. Besides, isn't it fun to try new things? Though I don’t do that.


Third - before going grocery-shopping write the list of what you need to buy. It is really helpful. You will see that it is possible to walk in circles at these stores for ages! With the list of what you need to buy you just get what you need and do not spend your precious time on walking around and deciding what you want. Besides, if you know exactly what you need it will be easier in case you are lost in some huge store. Ask for a specific product (that you have on your list) and you will get an immediate reply where to get it from any shop assistant - how simple is that?

Four - how to choose the best store for you. Generally, the bigger the store, the lower the prices there are. If this is an important issue for you, find the largest one. If you are a lover of certain kind of food, e.g. Chinese, dairy products, desserts, etc, you can find a special store. But I would advise going to a regular grocery store and trying to find what you need there. They usually offer a wide variety of different products. Next - don't be afraid to ask for assistance. If you have a WALMART store nearby ,go for it -that’s the cheapest.

A practical advice - different stores have different discount cards that allow you to buy different products for special prices or with great discounts. You might not be eligible for them, though, since you are not an American citizen, but if you apply, you can get an up to 50% discount on that day - you will still benefit even if you don't get the card itself.

If you are absolutely alone and haven't made any friends yet, but have to go grocery shopping, don't be afraid. You are always surrounded by people. Ask an employee of the store to show you around and ask everything you are interested in. Usually they are very kind people and will help you in the best possible way.

If you Just arrived--->>

Of course you must be hungry, when you arrive. God knows what you ate on the plane. You don't remember the neither item's name nor its contents. It may be one of the weirdest things you ever had for dinner or lunch. So you must be apprehensive about what you will get for lunch or dinner.

The best thing you can try is PIZZA, which is pronounced as "PiTza".
You get both Veg. and NonVeg Pizzas. But to be on the safer side order a Veg. Pizza that way you won't be left hungry at least. Order a small pizza if you are alone or a medium size is enough for two or three (well it depends on your appetite actually). You can order pizza by phone and it will be delivered at your doorstep in a few minutes. Refer to the yellow pages or consult the motel receptionist you are staying in, for information.

For breakfast, have 'Continental breakfast' which is cheap and the best. To be sure about Veg. items, always ask for items with "NO MEAT" rather than "WITHOUT MEAT". Be sure to say "NO ICE" if you prefer to have your drink without ice. And remember that a CHEESEBURGER is a misnomer. It contains meat besides cheese, so be careful!

Here is a guide for Vegetarian Dishes:

Mexican : Bean Buritto, Enchiladas, Bean Taco, Cheese Taco, Bean Tostadas, And Mexican Pizza

Italian or Greek : Eggplant (brinjal) sandwich, Spaghetti with tomato sauce, Lasagna (pronounced Laza-nya), Italian Pitza, Italian Pasta with tomato sauce, Falafal, Veg. Gyro (pronounced Yero).

Denny's : Vegetable omelette (with eggs)Vegetable lunch/dinner (salad, potato smash, garlic sauce) Broccoli soup

American Restaurants (Sizzler, Olive Garden) : Best bet is salad bar & French fries

McDonald's : Mac cheese sandwich, Milk shakes, ice-cream sundaes

Pizza Hut : Veggie Lover's delight, Veggie pizza with a choice of toppings such as Jalapenos (pronounced Hala-pin-yose and are green chilies), pineapple, tomato, onions etc.

Burger King : Vege cheese whooper, Garden burger