Most weekdays, owner Mina Patoo, top, can be found in the store making mezes such as hummus, garlic sauce, tabouleh and grape leaves as early as 7 a.m. — although the store opens to the public at 9:30 a.m.
Shiraz Food Market in the heart of Chinatown is overflowing with aisles of Middle Eastern and Persian delicacies: dates, teas, canned vegetables, dried goods, breads, baklava, spice, nuts and more.