If you spend most of your grocery-buying time in a American supermarkets, it is incredibly easy to miss out on the cuisines of entire cultures, as these massive one-stop-shops center on appealing to those of us firmly in the middle. At your neighborhood grocery store, the “Asian” aisle is likely a mix of sauces and condiments from a few Asian cuisines — predominately Chinese, Japanese, and Thai — and most of them just aren’t very good.
Those sodium-packed noodles and sugary sauces are pretty delicious, but they’re not at all comparable to the goodies you can find at a supermarket that specializes in Asian cuisine. Beyond that, there are plenty of hidden finds for home chefs at these grocery stores that will totally surprise you. Venturing out of your own neighborhood and comfort zone may be a little challenging, but these eight Asian grocery finds will definitely be worth expanding your horizons.
Exotic produce
The selection of fruit and veg at most major supermarkets is pretty lackluster, and it’s rare to find a basket of rambutan or baby bok choy on special. At Asian grocery stores, you can find peak-fresh exotic produce, from lychee and durian to baby bitter greens and an incredible assortment of mushrooms. Even if you’re not sure how exactly to use dragonfruit in your own cooking, be adventurous and pick some up. The Internet can teach you how to cook just about anything, and more often than not, you’ll end up totally addicted to your new find.
Gluten-free goodness
Many Asian staples, like rice noodles and paper, are naturally gluten-free, which makes them an ideal stop for those who are intolerant of or otherwise avoiding gluten. When it comes to condiments like tamari and fish sauce, you’ll want to inspect labels closely for hidden gluten, but it is likely that you’ll be able to find at least one variety that is completely g-free. Alternative flours, made from rice, coconut, chickpea, and other non-wheat starches are also a cheap gluten-free find at the Asian grocery.
(Healthy) salty snacks