"mkr5000" wrote

>I like to hit my local Oriental grocery about once a month and I'm
> familiar with all of the
> 'standard" items like noodles, wrappers, soup broths, teas, chili
> sauce, dried shrimp etc.

Ok, Mine's called the American Asian grocery and stocks many things.

> But, I was wondering if it might be interesting to start a post where
> others may suggest some things that
> maybe I've overlooked and should be a definite.... "you gotta try it".
> (Items you can't live without).

I go about every 2 weeks. I'd go more often but it's not on my path home
from work.

I looked over the messages before posting this one. If they have a prepared
food section, try the duck! Expect bones in some of the portions as thats
how it is done.

Check the Philippene sausage types. They are different but will taste
translate well.

Datu Puti brand vinegars and soys. Good stuff.

I get most of my fresh green veggies there. Also look for a type of
mushroom that is a bit like a head of cauliflower all growing from one bed
'bunch' (shemenji in enlish rendering- google will show a picture).

The fish types in the fresh stall may be unfamiliar but you can ask and get
an idea of them. Frozen, one of the greats is called 'bangus' (english,
milk-fish).

That American football shaped item (apt to be a bit bigger than our actual
ones) with spikes is calls a 'durian'. It's a love or hate thing like
liver. Let it ripen on the porch til it looks like it wants to split open
then use a hammer and knife. You can also get frozen parts of the cleaned
fruit. It is much like a custard in consistancy, tastes devine, and smells
a bit like an open sewer. (the OP who ran out of an asian grocery, probably
smelled ripe durian for sale).

Watch for eggs that are dyed. They are probably balut. This can be duck or
chicken but apt to be chicken in the USA. It contains a small 'bird' that
was pre-hatching, usually just before pinions (feathers) develop. I love
them but they can be unsettling to the unwary.

Since I eat largely asian after 6.5 years there, this subject is too big for
me to cover. I just hit a few highlights.