Hey there! You're reading a blog about food. It's called mmm-yoso!!! A few friends writing about what they ate out, or food they prepared and ate in. Today, Cathy is writing. Because Kirk and ed(from Yuma) have jobs.
There is a parking lot behind some buildings which have a parking lot in front. Hidden from the main Road, Balboa Avenue (at the SouthEast corner-ish from Genesee, behind the See's Candy Store). All new construction.
The Balboa International Market building was opened not too long ago. It is not too large inside (only one cart can fit in an aisle) with a good selection of boxed/canned items to purchase and a good vegetable and large wall refrigerated section. It is not as large as Vine Ripe, which is closer to where I live, but I can see myself stopping here if I am in the area.
There is a small deli area and a Hot Food Menu (one page, with beef, lamb, chicken fish and specialty rice plates along with a soup of the day and a stew of the day). The gyros sandwich is $5.99, rice plates are $8.99 and the most expensive item is a white fish kabob plate for $13.99.
The Mister and I have been wanting to take a road trip just to go to Wholesome Choice since December, but life seems to have interfered. One thing we wanted was hot fresh sangak (flatbread). The day we were at Balboa International Market, they were testing the new ovens and asked if we would like one of their 'practice' flatbreads. Oh yes!. We decided we needed to eat it immediately, in the store, just as we did at Wholesome Choice. So we ordered.
So. The loaf of bread was not formed perfectly. The sesame seeds were not evenly distributed. So? It was fresh, soft, still warm. Excellent. (Oh and it was free. Everyone leaving that day seemed to be carrying a loaf in their bags. I am unsure what the price will be and don't care. It is *so* good). 
Lam Kabob ($12.99) marinated lamb, grilled vegetables (a whole tomato, a whole onion and about half a green pepper) served with Basmati rice (that is piece of rice crust on top) and a small salad. Excellent fresh lamb, very lightly marinated. Not overpowering salad dressing. One of the condiments on the table is a shaker of sumac, which went very well with everything. So fresh.
This was listed as a daily special ($7.99, regularly $8.99)- Zereshk Polo. Baked chicken (lightly marinated) and the Basmati rice with sour barberries and saffron. Excellent and fresh. The chicken was juicy and not at all dried out.
The hot tea is $1. They give you a cup and there is a pump pot of hot water and box of Sadaf teabags at the counter.
We asked the man in the bakery area if he knew about Wholesome Choice and he said "oh yes". For now, Balboa International Market is a great choice. Yes, that is a very large restaurant that is going to open next door. The parking lot will be filled. I hope they use the same chef and ingredients as the market…
Balboa International Market 5907 Balboa Avenue 92111 (858) 277-3600 Website
Great to know that this place can sub in for Wholesome Choice when the craving arrives. I always feel so special when I get a bit of rice crust with my serving.
Hi Darlene! As far as steam table food and fresh bread goes, Balboa International is more like Wholesome Choice. As far as the grocery shopping, Vine Ripe is closer to WC. We just need our own Wholesome Choice.
Cathy, you are a mind reader. I just caught a glimpse of the sign yesterday while driving on Balboa, mostly because I never realized there was a building behind the See’s Candy buildings. I was going to follow up on it, but I got side-tracked. I can’t wait to go check out the market and the food.
hi cathy – cool, another place to try when we’re up in that area! by the way, i finally went to leocynn’s lumpia (i blogged it) – pretty good i must say!
Actually, there were buildings back there before, Sandy. Parsian (now across from Expo/Costco Business Center, on Convoy) had its first location back there. It isn’t huge, but it is enough, especially with fresh, hot sangak!. (If I could read minds, I’d play the Lottery. One time.)
Love Leocynn’s. I suppose I can do another post, cc! Time flies…
Great find. Looks real tasty!
I knew they were doing construction back there when I went to that See’s for my Irish Potato in March, ed. Then I forgot. We were really happy to see the fresh bread and ovens.
Gosh, what a fantastic market! Now I’m craving Persian food… I adore the grilled tomatoes they always include with kebabs.
Hi Su-Lin! The first I ever had grilled tomatoes was at a hotel (which seemed to cater to German tourists) at Elephant and Cross on Wimbeldon Fortnight. Decades ago. I have loved -and craved-grilled tomatoes ever since.
I think I was in there the same day as you, I managed to get that bread too, so good! I took it home to serve with a curry and it was just delicious, reminiscent of the table nan that we used to get when I lived in the uk!
I really do like fresh bread, too, Jenny. Isn’t it a nice store? So convenient.