Day166: The Asian Market. I always get questions about these because language and cultural barriers make them intimidating, yet I love to explore intl foods, so here are some fun things I’ve found in my closest option (which happens to be Thai): 1. Bean cakes, sweet inside like dates are sweet with a fig-newton-like exterior. I like all kinds but mung bean most. Tho purple yam have a fun color.💜 2. Mochi ice cream - Delish! Basically bon bons. Ice cream in a soft, rice-dough(?) coating. $$ but less than at Whole Foods. 3. Sardines - my boys thought these were so cool (whole fish!) that they ate them as an after-school snack. #piratefood😉 Someday would love to find smoked herring...but no luck so far. 4-5. Spices are generally cheaper and in bulk, like this #pinksalt, which is all the rage tho I’m not sure how it tastes different (anyone else know?). Also fennel, sesame seeds, etc. The same is often true in Kroger and Publix - some spices sold 1oz for $4 in the baking aisle will be 4oz for $3 in the international section.🤔 6. Fresh produce is cheaper too, especially herbs (I always get mint and cilantro at least) and shallots. 7. Pho Broth - I’ve thought about trying something with this, and buying the broth makes it more approachable. I love jars of Indian sauces, or canned puréed mango for lassis, or anything where they did half the work - or more. And yes, I miss the Indian grocery that used to be nearby. 8. And then there’s the gourmet stuff like quail eggs that they’re selling 15 for $3. I’ve never cooked with them, but I may have to look up a recipe! 9. And the really creepy stuff that keeps other people from entering but makes my boys eager to visit... I’m thinking you’d have to be really homesick to buy these guys...😝 10. One more note: I often go to stock up on bao and dumplings, so check Day165 if you missed them (they’re better than TJ’s). Well, that’s it for now. What are your favs?? #asiangrocery #fundinners #adventurouseaters #its5oclockmom
