Balboa International Market- eating inside the store (revisits)

Here you are, checking out mmm-yoso!!! to see what sort of food in what part of town is featured today.  Kirk is having a busy time at work and Ed (from Yuma) is having a relaxing time (in Yuma) so Cathy is posting.  

Back in December, a dear, long time friend sent a message that she was going to be in town for a day, having a book signing at Mysterious Galaxy, one of a handful of Independent bookstores we have in San Diego County. 
 
Mysterious Galaxy shares the same parking lot with Balboa International Market, which I posted about in 2010 and again, in 2012. 

She and I had a good visit after her extended signing time (many San Diegans are fans of her book, which is nominated for a World Fantasy Award).  The Mister and I have gone back to this part of town quite a few times this year to have lunch after exploring Mysterious Galaxy.

I'll spare you photos of the store interior; it's about the same as in the prior posts. Fresh breads are available and the Produce prices are particularly good. 

Walking though the doors of the market, (if there aren't any grills cooking out in front), then to the left and back corner, you'll find a deli counter with many choices, and a menu over a cash register, where you can place your order.  
There is also a stack of paper menus. Order, pay, find a seat at the front of the store (you'll get a number and the plates will be brought to you).

 The salad plate with chicken is $8 and enough for a meal or a light bite to share. (Depending on my mood, I'll walk into the store and purchase a beverage while waiting) 

The a la carte kabob plate is $4.  This is a seasoned ground beef (koobideh) kabob served on top of store baked flatbread, with the onion, grilled tomato and basil; quite enough food.

 The vegetarian meza is $9 and includes dolma, fresh made falafel, a slice of  Kuku (spinach/egg/spiced pie), eggplant salad, cucumber salad, tzatziki, hummus and pita bread.

Always good, fresh, tasty. 

Balboa International Market 5907 Balboa Avenue San Diego 92111 (858) 277-3600 Website

 

 For $1 you can get a cup of tea, which comes with tiny sugar cubes.

Comments

[Caninecologne]

Bert and I went there today based on your post. It's like Disneyland in there and the prices are great, especially for their spreads and the deli section.

[Cathy]

How nice you got to see it, cc. I've mentioned that we pick an ethnic market a week for shopping and even though there's a lot of places in east county which are similar, this part of town has other places nearby ( like the bookstore) where we like to stop...plus the "new" 99Ranch will be across the street. Lots to do and see in that area.

[Caninecologne]

I am already plotting our next visit. I really enjoyed the variety of Turkish delight they had plus the guy at the counter was so enthusiastic in giving us samples.

[Cathy]

The Turkish Delight is so good here. So now I'm thinking of what will go with a cup of coffee... Turkish Delight may be better than other sweets, while watching the rain and lightning we are having