Finally. A forum that can commiserate. I've been called a boludo by Argentines just for asking why it's so difficult to find quality food here. I've lived in capital cities all over the world - Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and several cities in South America and the Caribbean - and have never experienced such poor quality and lack of access to basic staples like fruit, vegetables, and dairy. It's truly shocking. I've gotten rancid butter and eggs even when buying from the fancier "dietéticas". You have to go to half a dozen verdulerias just to find cilantro or basil, and when it's in stock, it's invariably wilted and flavorless. I no longer just pop into restaurants off the street to give something a try without deep vetting first. Have left without eating too many times because what's served is close to inedible. It severely diminishes quality of life here and is making me eager to leave as soon as possible even though we intended to stay several years at least.