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79 Comments
L. D.
November 6, 2022
King oyster mushrooms were less than $6/lb this morning at an Asian market. They usually ran $12 or more at regular stores (and that is pre-worldwide hyper inflation set in).
FrugalCat
May 26, 2018
Mushrooms (dried) at the Asian grocery store are cheap and come in many varieties.
bhilz
August 8, 2017
The Asian market in my city also has amazing prices for shallots! Comparable to regular onions! I always stock up when I go.
foofaraw
February 18, 2017
If you toasted the spice, put it in fridge (or freezer), not pantry. Toasted spice will lose their flavor and smell much faster than raw spices. That's why many Asian recipes that dry roast their spice only do so right before cooking.
OnionThief
February 18, 2017
I have an ancient, small, cast iron skillet that lives on the small burner of my stove. I toast spices immediately before i use them. It takes less than a minute, and no storage option is necessary. If you are toasting spices and then storing them...stop.
Margaret
February 16, 2017
Nice list. Asian markets offer the same items, but way cheaper than supermarkets. And fresh noodles are incredible. Buuutt…. fish sauce is fish sauce -- anchovies. Squid and shrimp are brand names, not ingredients.
Raju
November 23, 2016
Nice points, it is a wide spectrum of items. Many of these items i am able to find in stores near me at:http://www.mantele.com/pages/grocery-near-me
Nancy
May 10, 2016
at all ethnic markets - items (like a particular Jerk sauce) that later appear in mainstream groceries
Indian stores: fresh fenugreek (a green, high quality and low cost spices, a particular variety of mango only in season a few weeks
Greek stores: best quality feta
Spice store in Kensington (many-wave immigrant area): quality & low cost beans, hand made corn tortillas, liquid seasonings like pomegranate molasses
Italian market stores: best quality canned tuna
Indian stores: fresh fenugreek (a green, high quality and low cost spices, a particular variety of mango only in season a few weeks
Greek stores: best quality feta
Spice store in Kensington (many-wave immigrant area): quality & low cost beans, hand made corn tortillas, liquid seasonings like pomegranate molasses
Italian market stores: best quality canned tuna
Maggie
May 29, 2018
Nice to meet you Nancy! I no longer live in Toronto but Kensington is such a wonderful resource for fresh food and ethnic ingredients. I used to shop at the large T&T Supermarket that was in the Annex... not sure if it's still there! So many places in ChinaTown to go in and explore... I spend hours there! Here in London Ontario we have United, and Superking (I believe there is one in North York), and some smaller ethnic stores. I'm often amazed at what you can find in discount grocery stores like Food Basics. The No Frills in Dufferin Mall has some good cheap things. Depends on the demographic of the location, you can really find some treasures if you take the time to hunt around!
Doug W.
March 4, 2016
After spending 11 days in Vienna and 11 Days in Budapest, I always keep Szeged Sweet and Hot Paprika in my kitchen. Also, smoked Paprika. I can re-create the wonderful dishes that ate in that beautiful town just after the Iron curtain fell. An American friend who had lived there for about 9 months, showed us around the town and where and what to eat. Pure Heaven!
Melissa H.
March 4, 2016
I've had great luck wandering the aisles of New Leaf Asian Market here I SWFL. But the biggest surprise I came across was Cafe DuMonde coffee, of New Orleans fame. It's my husband's favorite!
Laura415
March 4, 2016
In San Francisco May Wah grocery has an aisle or at least a section for every Asian cuisine. Not to mention the meat market where you can get various offal, pork blood and black chickens as well as other hard to find fish and meats. Just a block or so away is Kamei restaurant supply where the diversity of utensils, sundries and dishes is only surpassed by the awesome prices. Been shopping there for years. These are real SF gems. This Richmond district Chinatown is much better than the touristy Chinatown in the financial district. Go! Now!
CherieA
March 4, 2016
I find the best dates. They make a great snack. Love this article, and the comments from so many people. I can't wait to try some of these suggestions. I live in a small town, any way to order some of these things online?
Nichele H.
March 4, 2016
Frozen dumplings come in more varieties at Asian markets, and at Chai Market in Birmingham, Ala. I scored what must have been the restaurant pack of frozen pork and vegetable dumplings. $9 for an unmarked bag of 30+ dumplings. I live in Washington DC now and go to one of the many Asian supermarkets Northern Virginia now. I stock up on gai lan, or Chinese broccoli, and the many forms of bok choy. You'll also find basil, the more hardy form that you get with your bowl of pho at a restaurant, in abundance. It makes a delicious winter pesto, but it tends to have more of a licorice fragrance.
Don't forget the prepared foods. The Super Oriental Market in Birmingham, and many others, have roasted chicken, pork and duck available. I think Great Wall Supermarket has a buffet with a ridiculously cheap lunch deal. I think it was like $4.99 for three dishes. The foot-long savory doughnuts and mapo dofu, in addition to the Asian folks eating lunch there, suggested that this grub is authentic.
I get Japanese washcloths there. I can't remember their brand names. Just look for the yellow, pink or blue gauzy plastic cloth in the plastic bag. I've been using them for years; they last forever, dry quickly, make mounds of suds and exfoliate like nobody's business. Those bath poufs and loofahs are condos for bacteria. Throw them away and get a Japanese washcloth.
In the larger markets in northern Virginia, in the back near the produce you will likely find a large selection of produce that has been discounted because it's past prime. Grab it! It's a great way to try a new vegetable.
Finally, these stores are great places for rice bowls, which I also use to serve dips and sauces when I'm entertaining. The kids' bowls have cute illustrations and sayings, and the adult's bowls are beautiful with various colors and details. You'll also find a better and cheaper variety of bamboo skewers, chop sticks, Thermoses,woks, rice steamers, granite bowls (for bi bim bap) and insulated lunch boxes.
Yeah, I'm a fan.
Don't forget the prepared foods. The Super Oriental Market in Birmingham, and many others, have roasted chicken, pork and duck available. I think Great Wall Supermarket has a buffet with a ridiculously cheap lunch deal. I think it was like $4.99 for three dishes. The foot-long savory doughnuts and mapo dofu, in addition to the Asian folks eating lunch there, suggested that this grub is authentic.
I get Japanese washcloths there. I can't remember their brand names. Just look for the yellow, pink or blue gauzy plastic cloth in the plastic bag. I've been using them for years; they last forever, dry quickly, make mounds of suds and exfoliate like nobody's business. Those bath poufs and loofahs are condos for bacteria. Throw them away and get a Japanese washcloth.
In the larger markets in northern Virginia, in the back near the produce you will likely find a large selection of produce that has been discounted because it's past prime. Grab it! It's a great way to try a new vegetable.
Finally, these stores are great places for rice bowls, which I also use to serve dips and sauces when I'm entertaining. The kids' bowls have cute illustrations and sayings, and the adult's bowls are beautiful with various colors and details. You'll also find a better and cheaper variety of bamboo skewers, chop sticks, Thermoses,woks, rice steamers, granite bowls (for bi bim bap) and insulated lunch boxes.
Yeah, I'm a fan.
barbara M.
March 4, 2016
Taramasalata, a variety of fetas, and stuffed grape leaves make our shopping trip worthwhile. Cooking ingredients for a variety of recipes are so much easier to find there.
Shay T.
March 4, 2016
Utensils are also great to browse in international markets. Idlis (a steamed rice dumpling, typically served at breakfast) are one of my favorite foods from South India. I'd made them a few times, covering a muffin tin with foil and placing it in a water bath in the oven. But the last time I was at Patel Brothers (Rt. 40 outside Baltimore), I bought an idli stand that inserts into a pot to achieve the authentic shape and texture I get in India, along with idli mix, of course! I can also find the clove toothpaste, sandalwood soap, and incense I used to carry back from my trips to India. The green chilies called for in Indian cooking are a hit-or-miss item at my local supermarket, but they're a staple at the Indian store!
Frances Q.
March 4, 2016
Kimchee, spices, noodles, some meats (thinly sliced pork and beef), very fresh chicken and duck and of course vegetables. Some ready made meals, like wonton soup and those little pork-bone-in morsels of goodness. The little egg custard tarts are wonderful.
Robert
March 4, 2016
Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Market in Worcester, MA supplies herbs and spices to many of the city's restaurants, so they are reliably fresh. In addition to those, I never leave without a chunk of Dodoni feta and a stack of lahmajun (thin Turkish bread spread with a meat/tomato mixture) and lebaneh, of course to go on the heated lahmajun, and, and, and. OMG some of everything!
Renee B.
March 4, 2016
Sounds like the Mediterranean Bakery in Alexandria, VA (Pickett St). Great selection of herbs and spices that are fresh and priced well. A full array of olives and feta cheeses (others too). The bags of warm pitas are snapped up immediately by people who know when to arrive. Great dessert pastries and both vegetarian and meat pastries too. A tightly packed treasure trove that shouldn't be missed.
Maddalen
March 4, 2016
St. Louis has some of the best international grocery stores I've found (I've lived in NY, Chicago and DC, so that is saying something!). Here's what I get: Powdered coconut milk. Daifuki (a Japanese sweet), longam (Asian fruit), English teas and sweets, Ginger salabat, big bags of lentils and rices, baby bok choy and baby cukes, Asian eggplants, spices, Russian pickles (the closest I can get to good half-sour pickles), kimchee, lefse, farmer cheese, South African, Japanese, Indian and Jamaican curries, halvah ... I'm sure I'm missing some things. Every so often, I just like to go and troll the aisles, and see what's there. It's amazing. Christmastime is especially fun - the big international store stocks all sorts of European Christmas goodies.
Khadhyja T.
March 4, 2016
Folks that live in the DC area should also include the Ethiopian markets! Awaze and berbere and injera! So hard to find anywhere else!
Darby O.
March 4, 2016
Maddalen, I live near St. Louis, can you give some names of the international grocery stores there?
Maddalen
March 4, 2016
Hi Darby - my favorites are Global Foods, in Kirkwood and Seoul Mart on Olive near West County. Global Foods has the broadest range of foodstuffs from all over the world. Seoul Mart, as its name would imply, is basically Asian and primarily Korean. One item I did forget - toasted nori sheets. Single packages are $5.00 in Whole Foods, and a 10-pak at Seoul Mart is $2.99. Can't be beat!
ktorg
March 4, 2016
United provisions in u city is great! Jay International on grand (owned by the same family). And for Italian groceries I love Viviano & sons in the hill.
Ann S.
March 5, 2016
Names and Locations? I live in Columbia, MO but occasionally go to St. L and would like to shop these places. Can you name a few?
Ann S.
March 5, 2016
Oh, when my comment posted I saw the other comments and see you have already named the places. Thanks.
Rachel
February 18, 2017
I love love love Urzi's Italian market in St. Louis. I just stumbled across this as I am sitting in the airport terminal to head to St. Louis this weekend. They sell amazing Italian seasoning and bread dipping oil seasoning. Thanks for jogging my memory, I'll definitely make a stop there this weekend :)
Suzann
March 4, 2016
Add blue mountain curry powder (from Jamaica)--makes the best curried
chickpeas. It is spicy so go slow when adding to recipe.
chickpeas. It is spicy so go slow when adding to recipe.
sonya G.
March 4, 2016
Shiritaki noodles are amazingly cheap at Asian grocery stores. Watercress, enoki mushrooms, bok choy of any kind, and ginger are also good finds. I now buy most of my spices at Asian stores. The fruit selections are more diverse but not necessarily bargains. This is not a one stop shopping experience for many people but a good way of stocking up on items that are extraordinarily expensive at mainstream grocery stores because they are considered specialty items.
aleeda
March 4, 2016
I love spices and honey, grains and flours, cheese, snacks and cookies. My favorite stores in NYC are the International Grocery on 9th Ave near the Port Authority, Kalustyan's in Little India, and Kam Man in East Hanover, NJ. Can't wait to check out the mega international store in Queens this spring.
Ellen L.
March 5, 2016
Thanks for posting as I'll be near there later today. Will have to check it out.
BavarianCook
March 4, 2016
I agree with Bobby - this is mostly Asian. Unfortunately I am not finding many markets of my own culture, however, have found great smoked sausage at Russian markets, and perfectly seasoned, ready to grill pork at Mexican tiendas. It's worth wandering the aisles and checking it out!
Emily D.
March 4, 2016
I like the Indonesian chili sauce sambal oolek for good flavor (and not too volcanic), dried black mushrooms, and Chinese gluten in a can under the name vegetarian mock duck. I often make Malaysian curry laksa from a packet of curry paste and fried tofu balls, Chinese egg noodles, bean sprouts, and a few other bits. Also kimchi!
Jay B.
March 4, 2016
I buy mushrooms of all varieties, big containers of crunchy fried onions or shallots, pork belly, frozen dumplings, rice noodles, sesame oil, ginger paste, coconut milk- anything I can get my grubby little hands on, because I have to drive an hour to get to this store. Oh and their takeout counter sells Chinese Roast Pork by the pound. so I always get a 2 pound portion of that to freeze and use in different recipes.
Joyce
February 12, 2016
Hi Catherine, I am an owner of an international grocery store in TN, and I really like this list you have created here. We are getting interviewed by a local news in a few days on what American customers should be trying at stores like ours, and I was wondering if you'd mind letting me mention a few ideas you've posted on here?
Sean A.
July 6, 2015
For sweets, I pick up a box of Dodal. I kever go anywhere else for toasted sesame oil, soy sauce or garlic-chile paste. Can't forget a small tin of wasabi or Sriacha peas for snacking.
Panfusine
June 3, 2015
Halloumi cheese comes first to mind, I love to grill it and serve it up as part of a salad. visiting Kalustyans in New York City is like a visit to the candy store, museum and the zoo all rolled into one.
Roberta B.
April 20, 2015
That's the good thing about living in California - a lot of this stuff is sold at Albertson's or Food-Co or Walmart. In particular, my local Food-Co stocks prickly pears, yuca, jicama (a Mexican tuber about the size of a cantaloupe), and fresh nopale (cactus paddles that are peeled and boiled), in addition to bok choy and fresh snow peas.
kimikoftokyo
March 23, 2015
Funny I read this I just came from this very place and not to make a super long list here what I have been buying forever. Also being a native city dweller this is just normal to me. Though I miss the stores in used to going to , the first thing I made sure the place I moved had was some type of international market. Now , I love curry paste. I buy vindiloo curry paste and it's only two kinds I like. Noodles are another favorite. From thin to my favorite japanese and korean instant noodles I go all out. I buy tofu and kimchi which I am crazy about. I also have a cabnit full of spices from Spanish to India and Asian, and let's not forget sauces. They get me at the door and I get recipes too so it's s win win for me lol free samples and great sauce on sale. Last but not least I buy sesame seeds and meat such as duck,lamb and some pork. Seafood too if it looks ok. Oh and vegetables. Bok choy and daikon radish and I forget the name of the vegetables that goes on top of your pho dishes I think it's bean sprouts or something. I could go on and on lol like for example sake and rice , dishes and chop sticks. It's a fun trip, I go every two weeks to a month.
kimikoftokyo
March 23, 2015
now when I was in new york city, I was either at hmart or hangsang or a friend of mine specialty store. In Maryland an Dc Hmart and some other places in the district is a great help. Stores like safeway and giant helped when I wasnt able to get certain places due to time. Now that I am in Arizona for a few months, I end up living a few minuets from an Asian mart and they have a lot of the same brands. They just started caring Maxim coffee which I had to get a few bags. lol
Christine
March 20, 2015
My favourite things to pick up at the international shops are coconut butter (literally a fraction of the price of coconut butter at the health food shop!), dried mushrooms, and rose water. For fresh items, they usually have great prices on figs, fresh dates, and oddly enough, organic bananas. I save a ton!
Catherine L.
March 21, 2015
coconut butter (and oil) is a definite favorite of mine as well! Same goes for bananas, especially in chip form. And plantain chips! Those things are incredible.
MarySTL
March 20, 2015
I would like to add, in addition to produce and spices, fresh herbs. My local international stores in St. Louis carry large amounts of fresh mint, basil, dill, and already-peeled garlic for pennies. It's absolutely worth a visit before a party. Also, I buy all of my feta cheese from international stores. I can usually get a 1 lb block of feta for $5. I then break it up in to smaller amounts and freeze individual blocks. These cheese blocks last me months.
Catherine L.
March 21, 2015
Great tip about feta! My nearest international grocery store doesn't have the best herb selection, so I've been trying to grow my own -- I'm jealous!
Laura M.
March 20, 2015
Jackfruit and coconut milk are staples for me when I go to my Asian grocer. And those seaweed snacks (which are literally a fourth of the price, compared to Whole Foods).
Catherine L.
March 21, 2015
Yes re: seaweed snacks! What do you do with jackfruit? I've never used it!
foofaraw
May 31, 2015
Just eat it as it is (for the ripe ones, it tastes sweet and sour), for dessert http://www.houseofannie.com/es-teler-indonesian-dessert/ or savory Javanese dish - Gudeg http://spiceislandvegan.blogspot.com/2011/11/vegan-gudegjavanese-young-jack-fruit.html
Michael V.
March 20, 2015
Jan - I'm not sure if NJ or NYC has giant grocery stores but I actually get my sushi rice from there. I agree it's cheaper than what I find at the asian grocery store (there's a Good Fortune in Arlington VA near where I live). I've actually found that some of the Giants near me have some surprising Asian products - one of them has Ramune (a Japanese soft drink that one of my daughters loves).
Jan W.
March 20, 2015
Giant is pretty much a PA, WV, MD and VA thing as far as I remember (lived most of my life in PA). Confusing because there's actually two different supermarket chains called Giant owned by the same holding company, except one operates in PA but not Maryland...weird. You probably shop at the one with the rainbow bowls logo.
In NYC we're pretty much stuck with Gristedes, Key Food, and the various incarnations of A&P (Pathmark, Food Emporium, etc.) None of these typically have good Asian groceries. This is why most people who are discerning cooks usually have to shop at Fairway or Whole Foods (which paradoxically is cheaper than the mainstream grocery chains for most things). Luckily NYC is blessed with two Chinatowns and several Little Italies, among a myriad of other neighborhoods sporting international groceries (anything in the Mexican or Central/South American cooking realm is in abundance where I live), so we have little room to complain.
In NYC we're pretty much stuck with Gristedes, Key Food, and the various incarnations of A&P (Pathmark, Food Emporium, etc.) None of these typically have good Asian groceries. This is why most people who are discerning cooks usually have to shop at Fairway or Whole Foods (which paradoxically is cheaper than the mainstream grocery chains for most things). Luckily NYC is blessed with two Chinatowns and several Little Italies, among a myriad of other neighborhoods sporting international groceries (anything in the Mexican or Central/South American cooking realm is in abundance where I live), so we have little room to complain.
Jan W.
March 20, 2015
If you are serious about having consistently high quality short grain/'sushi' grade rice in your house at all times, I highly recommend ordering from Koda Farms in South Dos Palos, CA. This rice is on par with the best Koshihikari crops in Japan, for half the price. They will ship anywhere in the mainland USA. The only catch is that they don't take credit cards, you have to mail them a check or money order. Check them out here: http://www.kodafarms.com/procurement-shipping-direct-from-our-farm-not-for-the-unmotivated/
If you e-mail them, Robin will walk you through the whole process, and its really quite painless. Koda Farms has a fantastic pedigree and history and it really shows in their product.
If you insist on using plastic or e-commerce, Koda Farms rice can be had from Pacific Mercantile Co. in Denver, CO (www.pacificeastwest.com/)
If you e-mail them, Robin will walk you through the whole process, and its really quite painless. Koda Farms has a fantastic pedigree and history and it really shows in their product.
If you insist on using plastic or e-commerce, Koda Farms rice can be had from Pacific Mercantile Co. in Denver, CO (www.pacificeastwest.com/)
Amanda D.
April 3, 2015
Thank you so much for posting this, I have spent the last 20 minutes reading through the Koda Farms website and it has been the highlight of my morning. So earnest and entertaining. Even if I am lucky enough to be able to buy their products in-store, I may end up buying from them directly because it sounds like fun. =)
Jan W.
March 20, 2015
I agree with everything on this list *except* rice and mirin. If you are looking for good quality Japanese or Korean short grain rice, you will pay through the nose at an Asian specialty grocer (especially in the Eastern USA). You can probably find domestically grown short grain rice on par with the imported stuff for much cheaper with virtually no sacrifice in quality. I recommend Koda Farms Kokuho Rose for those fortunate enough to live on the West Coast. For East Coast folks, Whole Foods Market and other Asian grocers usually carry the Nomura & Co. California Koshihikari rice (also confusingly called Kokuho Rose).
High quality, traditionally produced mirin is exceptionally hard to find, even in Japanese groceries. I went to both Mitsuwa & Kam Man in NJ and Sunrise Mart in NYC, and not one had the genuine item. Your best bet is the Eden Foods mirin sold at most Whole Foods Market stores. You can order Takara Mirin from the producer or West Coast based Asian online grocers, or if you're incredibly lucky, a natural food store near you might stock Mikawa mirin, which is by far the best available in the USA.
High quality, traditionally produced mirin is exceptionally hard to find, even in Japanese groceries. I went to both Mitsuwa & Kam Man in NJ and Sunrise Mart in NYC, and not one had the genuine item. Your best bet is the Eden Foods mirin sold at most Whole Foods Market stores. You can order Takara Mirin from the producer or West Coast based Asian online grocers, or if you're incredibly lucky, a natural food store near you might stock Mikawa mirin, which is by far the best available in the USA.
Catherine L.
March 21, 2015
Thanks for letting me know! I never thought of ordering rice via mail; If I start eating more of it (or finally making sushi like I've always dreamed), I'll definitely look into it!
Yosh B.
March 19, 2015
tip for buying udon noodles- the frozen ones are better than the refrigerated. it's like the difference between al dente pasta and overcooked pasta.
pamelakrest
March 19, 2015
I personally think Kikkoman's sauces are the best. I have tried many soy sauces and I do mean many LOL I prefer the low sodium one the best.
Michael V.
March 18, 2015
Japanese cookies & candy
Also the peanut snacks
I'm also a big fan of collecting chilli powders and sauces - which is kind of interesting as most of my family doesn't like food that's too spicy!
Also the peanut snacks
I'm also a big fan of collecting chilli powders and sauces - which is kind of interesting as most of my family doesn't like food that's too spicy!
AntoniaJames
March 18, 2015
Regular items for me, in addition to so many noted above: Tamarind pulp or tamarind sauce; fresh galangal and fresh turmeric; fresh curry leaves; doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste - like a deep, dark, rich, much more interesting cousin to miso); fermented black beans.
You get much better prices in our Korean market than in the other places where I shop on so many things, including the best Thai coconut milk. Speaking of Korean market, my favorite one (a long block from my gym, and they're open at 7 AM so i shop there a lot) actually gives packets of Pockys to its favorite customers, like me, randomly at checkout.
Our local Middle Eastern market sells the best, freshly baked (as in, right out of the oven, because they make it constantly, all day) pita.
At my local Pakistani market, I get phulka roti - uncooked flatbreads that take about two minutes on a hot griddle to puff up.
You get much better prices in our Korean market than in the other places where I shop on so many things, including the best Thai coconut milk. Speaking of Korean market, my favorite one (a long block from my gym, and they're open at 7 AM so i shop there a lot) actually gives packets of Pockys to its favorite customers, like me, randomly at checkout.
Our local Middle Eastern market sells the best, freshly baked (as in, right out of the oven, because they make it constantly, all day) pita.
At my local Pakistani market, I get phulka roti - uncooked flatbreads that take about two minutes on a hot griddle to puff up.
Catherine L.
March 21, 2015
yes to fermented black beans and tamarind paste! Two things I always, always have on hand.
Catherine L.
March 18, 2015
I was thinking longingly of Kalustyan's the entire time I wrote this post.
Lost_in_NYC
March 19, 2015
They actually don't have the most "freshest" spices despite their popularity in NYC! I once bought some sumac there and found it had maggots in the packet. I went back for a refund and the lady behind the counter gave me an extremely hard time! I much prefer going to Jackson Heights (Astoria, or other ethnic neighborhoods) for authentic stuff!
Sarah J.
March 18, 2015
If they don't have it at Kalustyan's, there's an 80% chance it doesn't exist.
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