I can't express to you how much you are missing if you haven't ventured out to your local Asian market. It is a must, in fact you should make a point to visit any & all markets you can...you just never know what you will find! Hard to imagine there is more out there than Whole Foods...but yes my friends there are. LOTS of ethnic markets with little hidden gems & a plethora of foods that are amazing!
My local favorite here in Columbus is Cam International Market. I could spend hours in there & I have been known to do just that. The produce is amazing...the tofu & noodle section goes on and on...and I have been there on occasion when crabs have been crawling around the seafood cooler - talk about fresh! There is beef, pork and other meats as well with a butcher there to cut it as you like!
You can find everything from lucky bamboo to Asian melons, whole red snapper to frozen strawberry moshi...ahhhhhh, it is an amazingly fun grocery trip. My kids love it as well!
So, waste no time...head to an ethnic market this week. I give you the task to buy THREE things that you have no clue what they are. Honestly, buy produce that you have never heard of & buy it. When you get home, Google a few recipes for it & go for it. You may decide you won't be buying that again :-), OR you just might find your new favorite food.
I also must say that not all markets are created equal. You may go into one & not be impressed, while another one may blow your socks off. Take the time to make a stop in & check them out. I have my favorites for sure & you will too!
A few Tips:
- Never be afraid to ask a question even if there seems to be a language barrier. It is part of the experience & for the most part the grocers LOVE to help you.
- If you buy fish make sure you ask them to clean AND fillet the fish if you don't want to do it yourself. Typically they will put it on ice as well.
- You can typically find the "english" name on the price label underneath - if it isn't on the actual product.
- Look closely on the backs of things - there is almost always an english ingredients label on there somewhere...just small sometimes.
- Ask questions! Don't be scared!
- Go to to frozen food & meats last. You will be wandering around for a while & you want to get these things last so they stay cold!
- Keep one of those "freeze bags" in your car. Sometimes you have to drive further than you normally would & that way things stay cold on your drive home.
- Buy 3 new things every time you go.
- Encourage your kids to pick out one fruit or vegetable - anything they want. It gets them involved & gets them to try new things!
- Random, but don't buy farm raised tilapia...yuck. I am just sayin'.
- Have fun & go to many markets...Indian, Asian, Mexican - Just do it!
I can't wait to hear what you find!
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