Do you shop at Asian markets?

[Stina]

I'm moving to Portland and my boyfriend took me to a big Asian grocery store. I was so amazed at how cheap it was. 38 cents for cilantro, .65 cents for basil. Granted, it's not organic but I eat mostly organic.
I was impressed with all of the fruits and vegetables in the produce market that I'm not familiar with or things I've only ready about.

Do you all have any suggestions on some of the more exotic produce? I wouldn't necessarily know what can be eaten raw. thanks!

[petaltothemetal]

Asian stores are my favorite! I use tamarind paste, which comes in a brown block wrapped in plastic and looks like nothing you'd want to eat, so you have to look for it. Also sometimes they make their own raw kim-chee, which is a delight. Mmmm... and they have really good deals on bok choi, cilantro, cucumbers, fun little squashes and melons (a hint - bitter melon is really bitter. ugh!) You can find seaweed, shiso and umemboshi cheaper there than in any white people grocery! My favorite find is frozen, unsweetened raw young coconut already shredded into noodles. Buy something and ask on this board and I'll bet you get a ton of good ideas!

[Emma-Liza]

Two things I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Look for a type of bok choy called "sweet bok choy" or ask someone what type is good to make salad with. This is tender like a bibb lettuce, with a bit of very mild cabbage/bok choy flavor. I love it for salad or slaw. Its leaves are big enough that they might make good wraps, though I have yet to try that.

2. You can buy green mango already spiralized and if you don't already know how to make the traditional dressing, you can look it up or ask someone. Exact ingredients can vary, but it's basil leaves, mint or cilantro, lime juice, soy sauce, chilis, and a sweetener. You can also add bean sprouts, carrots, mango, spring onions, etc. Lots of variations. It's a light, delicious salad.

I learned how to make both these dishes by just asking people (other shoppers or people who worked in the store). So, don't be shy!

[Stina]

Thanks for the thoughtful responses. :)

[steveoregon]

I'm moving to Portland and my boyfriend took me to a big Asian grocery store

Any chance that was Uwajimaya (http://www.uwajimaya.com/)?

That's a very popular asian market on the west side of Portland (Beaverton suburb). Go there myself on occasion. They usually have Durian.

Steve

.

[Stina]

Any chance that was Uwajimaya (http://www.uwajimaya.com/)?

That's a very popular asian market on the west side of Portland (Beaverton suburb). Go there myself on occasion. They usually have Durian.

Steve

.

No, that name doesn't ring a bell. I'm in the south east quadrant. You know, Portland with the five quadrants!

[cherrypie]

I am buying my young coconuts in an chinese supermarket and they are ubeaten cheap there case of 9 for $4.99, I also get fresh sea weed from there

[Gurkan]

I'm moving to Portland and my boyfriend took me to a big Asian grocery store. I was so amazed at how cheap it was. 38 cents for cilantro, .65 cents for basil. Granted, it's not organic but I eat mostly organic.
I was impressed with all of the fruits and vegetables in the produce market that I'm not familiar with or things I've only ready about.

Do you all have any suggestions on some of the more exotic produce? I wouldn't necessarily know what can be eaten raw. thanks!


Hi Stina

Are you from Sweden?

[Stina]

Hi Stina

Are you from Sweden?

No, it's a nickname; short for Christina. although on a bad day, I enjoy telling people it's short fro Frankenstina :eek:

[oai]

lol. Stina, you are too cute! :p

why is your asian market cheaper than mine? our cilantros are 89cents/bunch. :(

[chetsunset]

Some asian grocery carry dried goji berries for more than half the price of wholefoods goji. My fav stuff is vinegar made from fermented coconut water.