See other posts about Valley Foods here and here. A 2015 update, from another blog: Here
mmm-yoso!!! That's the name of this blog. It's about food. With anecdotes tossed in. Cathy is blogging today. The guys aren't.
Hi. El Cajon has a new Mediterranean Market. It's on the South side of Main Street, just West of Second.(Next to the Rally Burger).
It's a new building, but the facade is more visible to the parking lot than on Main Street. It is not as large as Vine Ripe Market, does sell Halal meats, fresh breads and has enough of a produce section to make this a regular stop for me. Of course, as with the other Mediterranean markets I frequent, it has an in-store eating area. With good prices. Below, the deli area (which has many choices of Feta cheeses as well as the olives and halal deli meats shown)and a sort of 'grab and go'/prepared foods area.
When you walk in, you will go to the left and there is a hot food counter and small eating area. On the far left of this photo, the beverage machine with red juice- that is pomegranate juice- $1.49 for a large styrofoam cup. I get on every time I am here, but never seem to have snapped a photo. It is not from concentrate. The sign underneath the "Seafood" sign is "You Buy We Fry".
The steam tray area has a large menu above it. Prices are good. Really good. Order, pay and find a seat.
Beef shawarma sandwich ($3.95). Yes, that is the price. Yes, my hand is small. It is still a very large sandwich. Usually I don't order beef shawarma, because elsewhere, it is dry. Here at Valley Foods, the beef shawarma is moist and wonderfully flavored. The bread is one of the three main types sold in the store. Fresh. Those are turnips pickled in beet juice and onions in the sandwich, along with a garlicky hummus sauce.
On the bottom right is a 'side' of Biryani rice ($2.99). It's a pint.
Cooked Basmati rice, sauteed with shredded chicken, onions and some potato, along with cumin and maybe cardamom (a sweet spice, not cinnamon), this could be a meal in itself.
The falafel plate ($5.95)Seven fresh made from garbanzo beans(not powder) falafels, with a side of pickled mango , fresh made hummus (nice and with light garlic), fresh-fresh tabouleh (parsley, mint, tomatoes and bulghur wheat in a lemon-olive oil dressing) and two standard (fresh made here and warm) pita breads.
Here is a blurry photo of a cross section of the falafel. It is fresh, fluffy and good.
This is a good place for regular grocery shopping or a quick, good, inexpensive meal. It's worth the stop.
Valley Foods Mediterranean Market 1275 East Main Street El Cajon 92019 619-749-8355
first! lol
that is quite a big sandwich, and man all that food looks soo good. i've never had tabouleh before, but it seems simple enough to make...been on a fresh greens kick lately too. i also have a weakness for falafels...and that rice looks AMAZING!
Posted by: sawyer | Sunday, 28 November 2010 at 10:22 PM
Looks like a great place Cathy! Been meaning to drop by the International Market off balboa again ever since your post reminded me about them. Anyway that sandwich looks SO good...
Posted by: Dennis | Sunday, 28 November 2010 at 11:01 PM
That Beef shawarma sandwich sounds enticing, especially with turnips pickled in beet juice. I'll have to check this place out next time I'm in El Cajon.
Posted by: dave | Monday, 29 November 2010 at 07:59 AM
Beef shawarma and falafels looks so yummy. I can't believe how cheap it is too! Thanks for sharing and can't wait to go :D
Posted by: Food Coma 911 | Monday, 29 November 2010 at 09:42 AM
Will have to stop by. The sandwich looks yum!
Posted by: Liz | Monday, 29 November 2010 at 11:00 AM
I eat tabouleh all the time, Sawyer, yet I see no mention of it anywhere in all my posts about Mediterranean places. It's easy to make and so good. All the items here had unique spices which went together so well.
Get yourself to Balboa International, Dennis; it isn't that far away. You'll like it and the food there as well as here...and all the other places Kirk and I have talked about.
Pickled turnips are kind of a standard condiment at Mediterranean places, dave. You'll like them.
Great prices at all the Markets I linked to, FC911.
A simple, hearty sandwich, Liz. You'll like it.
Posted by: Cathy | Monday, 29 November 2010 at 04:30 PM
Why do I always read your post on an empty stomach? Man that beef shawarma sandwich looks awesome and so does the rice. I've yet to try falafel. Maybe after the holidays, you and I should grab a bite so you can teach me the ropes. :-)
Posted by: Carol | Thursday, 02 December 2010 at 09:14 AM
It's habit to check out our bookmarked blogs first thing in the morning, Carol. You just have to get into the habit of grabbing food first :) Yes, the New Year will be a great time to visit. I have no plans! The food here, and a lot of other places in East County, is awesome.
Posted by: Cathy | Thursday, 02 December 2010 at 11:43 AM
I think we may go here for a late lunch today based thus post!
Posted by: caninecologne | Saturday, 12 September 2015 at 10:58 AM
So happy to have introduced you to Valley Foods, cc. It's a great place to eat and shop.
I'll link your post within. For anyone interested, look here: http://pinkcandlesatridgemonthigh.blogspot.com/2015/09/kaffee-meister-once-again-return-to.html
Posted by: Cathy | Monday, 14 September 2015 at 04:34 AM