How to Build an Authentic Mezze Platter for Your Next Gathering

Authentic Middle Eastern mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, olives, feta cheese, fresh vegetables, pita bread, and marinated artichokes.

Designed for sharing, a Mezze Platter is ideal for parties, family gatherings, and casual entertaining. Popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, it features a vibrant spread of contrasting flavors and textures, encouraging guests to graze and mingle at their own pace. In the Greater Chicago area, International Fresh Market is your destination for authentic […]

Refreshing Agua Frescas: Mexican Summer Drinks Made with Fresh Fruit

Assorted colorful agua frescas made with fresh fruit, citrus, and herbs, served over ice in glass jars.

Popular during hot summer months for their light, refreshing flavor, agua frescas are traditional Mexican drinks made with fresh fruits, flowers, grains, or seeds blended with water.  Common choices include: Our latin grocery store carries the authentic ingredients needed to make your summertime cooler. The History of Agua Frescas  Agua frescas translates to “cool waters” […]

What Is Ube? The Purple Ingredient Taking the Dessert World by Storm

Close-up of fresh purple ube (Filipino purple yam) showcasing its vibrant violet flesh and natural texture.

Prized for its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and striking color, ube is a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines. This root vegetable has become increasingly popular in bakeries, cafes, and home kitchens around the world based on its flavor profile. Find authentic ube products and ingredients at our ethnic grocery store. What makes ube […]

How to Make a Crispy Japanese Chicken Katsu Sandwich at Home

Crispy Japanese chicken katsu sandwich made with breaded chicken cutlet, shredded lettuce, and soft white bread, served with katsu sauce.

Katsu sando, or chicken katsu sandwich, is a Japanese sandwich made with crispy breaded chicken and tangy tonkatsu sauce on soft milk bread. Popular in Japanese cafés, specialty sandwich shops, and convenience stores, they are loved by many and suprisingly simple to make. Our Asian market in Naperville, IL is a premier source for the […]

How to Make Authentic Peruvian Lomo Saltado at Home

Traditional Peruvian lomo saltado made with seared beef, crispy French fries, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, showcasing the flavors of Peru's iconic stir-fry dish.

One of Peru’s most iconic dishes, Lomo Saltado is a delicious combination of marinated beef, vegetables, soy sauce, and crispy French fries. A reflection of the country’s unique cultural heritage, it stands as a brilliant fusion of traditional Peruvian and Chinese influences. This comforting stir-fry is a testament to how diverse migration can shape a […]

Mooncake Season: The History and Flavors Behind Asia’s Most Iconic Festival Treat

Traditional mooncakes with intricate designs and lotus seed filling on a wooden board, showcasing a classic Mid-Autumn Festival pastry.

Mid-Autumnn Festival is one of the most important holidays celebrated throughout East and Southeast Asia. Also known as Moon Festival or Lantern Festival, in some regions, it occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month, usually falling in September or October. Centered on family reunion, thanksgiving, and prayer for good fortune, the festival aligns […]

Filipino BBQ Skewers: Sweet, Savory, and Perfect for Warm Weather

Filipino-style chicken barbecue skewers grilling over an open flame with colorful vegetables and pineapple, perfect for summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings.

The advent of warm weather means that it’s time to start firing up the grill and thinking of easy outdoor meals to enjoy with family and friends. One delicious option for all your summer grilling plans is Filipino BBQ. With a unique sweet-savory flavor and a simple preparation method, this popular street food from the […]

Cold Asian Desserts to Beat the Heat: Mochi, Halo-Halo, and More

Child holding a chilled mango dessert topped with fresh mango pieces, coconut, and pandan leaf, showcasing a refreshing Asian sweet treat.

Cold Asian desserts are refreshing sweets served chilled or over ice, often made with ingredients like coconut milk, rice, fruit, and beans. With hot weather just around the corner, a chilled dessert is just the thing to beat the heat while getting a sweet fix. A few popular options include mochi, halo-halo, mango sticky rice, […]

How to Make Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma on the Grill

Chicken shawarma wraps with grilled marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, garlic sauce, pita bread, and pickled vegetables on a rustic table setting

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with marinated, heavily spiced chicken that’s grilled and served in wraps, bowls, or plates. Especially popular during grilling season, shawarma features bold flavor, easy prep, and maximum versatility. At International Fresh Market, our ethnic grocery store has authentic spices, sauces, and pita, so you can recreate […]

How to Make Tres Leches Cake with Fresh Berries for Summer

Tres leches cake topped with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and whipped cream on a light dessert plate for a refreshing summer treat

There aren’t many desserts that are rich yet light, but tres leches cake fits the bill perfectly. This delicious treat hailing from Latin America is a light sponge cake that is soaked in three kinds of milk. Airy, decadent, and topped with fresh berries, this dessert is perfect for spring and summer, with its balance […]