Parisa International Supermarket

Great prices , great varieties . Fresh Halal meat , the butcher there is so professional .Also fresh vegetables every week.

Super friendly staff. They're always willing to help me locate an item. Spices are good and reasonably priced. I, too wished they had a fresh meat option but I have bought their frozen lamb and it was good. My favorite go to thing is the instant chia tea in the orange box. It's so good and quick to make.

Parisa's is a wonderful market with a heavy emphasis on spices and ingredients commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Upon walking into the store the warm scent of spice fills the air- none of the slightly 'off' smell that permeates some international markets lingers here. The gentleman working the counter was extremely friendly and welcoming. This is the place to come if you are looking for spices, rice, dal or Halal meats. They stock quail, goat, lamb and chicken (all frozen) as well as samosas, phyllo dough (sheets and shreds) and sauces. Olives can be purchased by weight (and are both amazingly good and amazingly affordable.) There is a large variety of cheeses and beverages to be found in the refrigerated section and candies galore on the shelves (including my favorite pistachio rosewater nougat!) While they do not have produce, I was not disappointed as I do not automatically assume international supermarket= produce, I suppose that this is because of so much experience with other international markets in various regions I have realistic expectations. While Parisa's does not stock carrots, they do stock harder to obtain items such as rosewater and orange blossom water at reasonable prices- which is why I went here in the first place.

I've read the other reviews and I was not impressed with this place. Over priced on some of the food and drinks, some of the items you can tell have been sitting there too long, it just has a boring feel to it when you walk in, and for an Arabic place I was shocked not to see cuts of meats or anything else that was hot served. I guess my standards are alittle higher because that's what we have in Michigan. But this place does have some good sweets if you are looking. I'll still come back for those but nothing else.

I've been to Parisa several times, mainly for spices. (Will Penzey's never open a store in Lexington?) I've also purchased olive oil. The store is not very attractive or inviting, and I do wonder how old some of the products are. Personally, I prefer Sahara's market in Beaumont.

My previous artichoke experience is from Castroville CA, but what I discovered here are frozen artichokes from Egypt. Best international market in central Kentucky!

The first thing you notice when you enter the supermarket is the WONDERFUL aroma! In addition to the huge variety of spices and other items already mentioned, I was amazed at the selection and varieties of teas. To say that I was like "a kid in a candy shop" would be the best way to describe my experience. I will make this a "must do" any time I'm able to visit Lexington. Loved it!!