Oh, Avondale market for almost everything (and thanks for the link to your blog Shona!). There are some great stalls, and almost every herb you'll ever want, mostly for $1. The quality overall is usually good, mostly because almost everything is pretty fresh. I really feel for those of you that live too far away from it to go regularly, it's really one of my favourite places in Auckland. Saying that, do try not to go between the peak time of 9 and 11am when it is super busy. Although it officially finishes at noon, you're usually pretty OK until about 1.30pm.

My top stalls there are:
- the tofu makers, usually in the third aisle in about 15 metres from one end. Slabs of fresh tofu (both firm and soft) for $1.50, plus tofu jelly, fried tofu, pressed tofu etc. They are also super helpful if you ask. There are usually two other tofu stalls but this one is by far the best.
- the stall on the corner as you come down the main entrance from the carpark. In summer they sell the best strawbs, bunches tied together with twine rather than being squashed into a plastic box. At the moment they have delicious malabar spinach and usually have piles of various "Asian" greens.
- the Thai food stall place just along from the above stall - a range of chillis and kaffir lime leaves amongst others.
- the stall on the corner just along from the above who sell massive packets of curry leaves for $1, plus long beans, and tasty eggplants of various descriptions. Plus they are on Facebook!

The fish stall is also pretty good - their smoked fish is cheap and tasty - and Pukeko Bakery are also regularly there now.

Apart from the markets, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned Bulk Food Savings, just off Dominion Road- lots of dried goods, delicious dried fruits I don't see many other places, and a small but well chosen range of Asian and Middle Eastern ingredients, alongside a good range of organic goods. Like all the stuff you can buy at Nosh or Farro but cheaper. And they are also really helpful - the last time I was there I watched with amazement at their patience dealing with two teenagers who were obviously doing some sort of home ec assignment and spent about 20 mins saying "Where's the baking powder?" "Are these sultanas or raisins?" "Can I use spelt flour instead of normal flour" etc. etc. It's worth driving across town for.

And of course Mahadeos for every spice you could ever want, and usually at about $2 for a bag big enough to keep you going for a year.