By: Matthew Allen
Often returned missionaries who served overseas say the one aspect of their mission they miss the most is the food.
Unfortunately, foreign cuisine such as Okonomiyaki and White Rabbit Creamy Candies are not exactly the easiest products to find at the local grocery store.
Many Lands Market, located at 1145 N. 500 West in Provo, offers these rare items and many more.
“There are so many different cultures in the world and so many different kinds of food,” said Sharon Smith, a Taiwanese immigrant who co-founded Many Lands with her father in 1980. “We offer the best foods from each country here at Many Lands.”
Many Lands carries foods from well over 30 countries, including most Asian, South American and North American countries, as well as several European nations.
Even though the store carries a variety of food from several countries, the bulk of the products are Asian.
“Kimchi [fermented cabbage soaked in spices] is one of our most popular foods,” Smith said. “It is very spicy but very popular in Korea.”
Smith also said Hobnobs, a British cookie, and Ramune, a Japanese soft drink, are popular items.
“Japan is a neat place because their food is influenced by many other countries,” Smith said. “They have been influenced by European countries, Korea, China and Australia.”
Smith said Many Lands get their products from various importers, but have original products as well.
“It is hard to say which foods are the most popular because we have so many,” Smith said.
After immigrating to Brazil in 1973 with her family, Smith came to Provo to attend BYU in 1976. Shortly thereafter, her family moved here as well, and her father had the idea to open an international food market.
Her father has now passed away, but Smith continues to diligently run the market with her husband and two sons, both of whom now own the store.
“It is Oriental tradition to pass on the family business to your sons,” Smith said. “They will continue the great tradition of Many Lands.”
