Where Vegetarian Meets Variety

Jason Jadan, 32, started his vegetarian lifestyle during a Chaldean-Catholic tradition of giving up meat for 50 days during the season of Lent. “I did not eat meat, but I ate pizza and chips and had very high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” he said.

He did some research on how to eat healthier. Today, he eats a vegetarian and raw diet and spends most of his shopping in the produce department, primarily at Hiller’s. He occasionally ventures into other aisles of the store. “I love their almond milk, especially the chocolate almond milk by Silk; I love their tabouli,” he said.

Catering to the varied diet plans Americans are eating is a Hiller’s priority.

Hiller’s Market is stocking up on a variety of new veggie products, including dishes from Michigan restaurants Lady Louisa’s and Taste of Ethiopia. Lady Louisa’s restaurant opened in 2009. They have packaged their sweet fried corn, fried cabbage, macaroni and cheese, and okra and tomatoes. “Hiller’s is a high quality market and it is great exposure for our product,” said Rudy Hendrix, owner “It is a place you want to be.”

The Lady Louisa’s line is not about skimping on portions or products in the dishes. “My father taught me how to cook and how to feel comfortable in the kitchen,” said Hendrix. “Our food is rich in flavor.”

Taste of Ethiopia offers delectable dishes like cabbage and carrots, spicy red lentils, yellow split peas, collard greens, and green lentils along with ingera (Ethiopian bread). All of these products are made in the restaurants and are filled with delicious flavors for any vegetarian diet. “When you think of places that sell good products, Hiller’s comes to mind, “said Hiyaw Gebreyohannes, owner of Detroit-based Taste of Ethiopia, which opened more than five years ago.

The recipes have been passed down from one generation to the next, and much of the Ethiopian food is eaten without utensils. “Eating with your hands is good for your soul,” said Gebreyohannes. “Food is made from our hands and is eaten by the hands.” Regardless of what’s planned for dinner, Hiller’s has the meals to add flavorful variety to any vegetarian diet.