The person who told me I used it offensively didnt really explain why to me. I've avoided saying the word for years straight now. I still don't know how to say the word ethnic appropriately.
I can't help but think I might have said it with a colonial perspective
Btw, why is it perfectly fine here?
I won't lie, that article did really love the word "ethnic". It's like they just copy-pasted or have a hatred of synonyms. But I've never been corrected on "ethnic grocery" when trying to imply a small shop is focused on specifically Polish, Vietnamese, or indian food.
To basically repeat others here, it really does just seem offensive if used in place of "non-white" or "foreign".
Based on comments, I guess since you're talking about one ethnicity's food at a time, it's fine.