Over the past few years, there has been an influx of immigrants from Nepal to my area (South-Central Pennsylvania). As common with many immigrant populations, one of the first things they do is open up stores selling their regional foods and products. I have a rather large Nepalese grocery store a few blocks from my house, and I love exploring and finding new foods and other household items there. Last weekend I was looking around and saw a shelf full of Imperial Leather soap bars. I was intrigued, sniffed the package, and decided to take one home for a trial. I was very pleased with the result. It's a large bar, pleasantly-scented with a sweet leather fragrance (not overpowering), easily generates a rich, smooth lather, and seems like it will last for quite some time (similar to some French-milled soaps I've tried.) I went back yesterday and grabbed a couple more bars. (Not exactly a huge investment, as a BIG 200g bar is $1.99!)
Imperial Leather was originally a British product, but this particular bar is manufactured in Thailand. It's apparently quite popular in South Asia.
The bottom line: Check out some of these ethnic groceries/bodegas. There are some great products and great bargains to be had. I've given up buying spices and herbs from my American groceries. I can get much better quality, selections, and prices at some of these little shops catering to immigrant populations.
Imperial Leather was originally a British product, but this particular bar is manufactured in Thailand. It's apparently quite popular in South Asia.
The bottom line: Check out some of these ethnic groceries/bodegas. There are some great products and great bargains to be had. I've given up buying spices and herbs from my American groceries. I can get much better quality, selections, and prices at some of these little shops catering to immigrant populations.
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