Walking into an Asian market can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it's such unfamiliar territory to many. The list of benefits for shopping at your local Asian market is long and varied, and there's truly something for everyone down each diverse and intriguing aisle. From fresh produce to international snacks and spices, and even kitchen utensils and tools at some markets, these can very quickly become a one-stop-shop for cooking needs of all kinds.
There's something exciting about walking into a new shopping experience and at an Asian market, the experience is nothing short of unique and, well, fun! Each aisle holds something different along with new possibilities and these markets have truly become havens for foodies to indulge, become inspired, and learn about culture and cuisine. However, navigating one can be a bit confusing for newcomers and when there's so much to look at and explore, you might need a guide to figure out exactly how, and what, to purchase the first time around. Therefore, we've created one with everything you need to know about an Asian market adventure.
Don't Stress Over Knowing What Everything Is Right Away
One of the first things many will notice upon walking into an Asian market (aside from how awesome it is) will be the various languages that are seen on packages and cans of food. Many times, there are photos to accompany the names of each food and this can be helpful in determining what it is. However, there's no need to stress over not knowing what something is right away! Asian markets are home to a wide array of products, many from different countries, and it's rare that anyone is fluent in every Asian language (or even more than one or two!). Simply peruse and take your time, and stick to aisles with easily-known things, such as spices, snacks, and the refrigerator or frozen food section.
There's also no harm whatsoever in asking and this is also a great way to learn about something new!
Go In With A Short Shopping List, And Grab These Items
It will be far easier to navigate the market with a smaller shopping list in mind; pick a few things that will be 'goals' for a first-time trip, and then stick to it. Once these have been found, just take your time and shop around - there's far more to see than what will be on the shopping list and the best way to get a feel for the layout of an Asian market is to simply walk around and observe.
The best things to purchase on the first trip are the staples of Asian culture - sauces, spices, fresh produce, and snacks are all easy to find and pretty recognizable. It's a well-known fact that many of these things can be purchased in larger quantities (and are usually fresher) at a better price than other grocers, according to Cooking With Lane, who has done an entire series about how to shop at an Asian market.
The best place to start is at the spice and condiment aisles. Soy sauce can be found in large bottles, sesame oil will be far cheaper, and even things such as fish sauce can be easily found here (another sauce staple in many Asian cuisines). This is also a great chance to explore the world of spice: Chili sauce, chili oils, and any curry you can think of will be available here. With prices so low, there's no harm in picking out a few and bringing them home to try!
Noodles also won't be far from the spice and condiment aisles - for those who love ramen, we're looking at you. Granted, ramen can be purchased by other major grocers, but authentic ramen from the Asian market is an entirely new experience and comes with a myriad of flavor profiles. Korean noodles, Vietnamese noodles, and Japanese noodles can all usually be found, and together, they make up a rainbow of ramen flavors that's nothing short of heaven. Don't worry about reading the flavors on the packet (they're likely in another language, except for Ichiban) - just grab a bunch and give them a try.
Moving onto canned items, premade sauces are also a great purchase. For those who aren't yet ready to take on the entire culinary menu of Asia, this is a great way to try things such as different curry and even things like masala. Many times, pre-cooked dinners such as these can be found in the frozen food section, too. Canned fruits and vegetables will be easier to navigate as well because the cans feature photos of what they contain, and this is the perfect place to find all of the exotic produce that can't be purchased at other grocers (for half the price).
Finally, produce: This is a great section of the market to simply explore. It might be overwhelming initially, but a little research on the most popular Asian produce can be a helpful guide. Things such as Thai basil, Thai eggplant, dragonfruit, lime leaves, and any other popular Asian ingredients can be found here. It's almost a guarantee that if the regular grocer doesn't have these, then the Asian market definitely will.
Bonus: Snacks! Pocky and Hello Panda are the most well-known but don't be afraid to try things such as Asian-style jerky, shrimp-flavored chips, or even dried squid. They might sound strange because they're unfamiliar but these are some of the most popular and well-loved snacks found in Asian markets. The candy aisle is also a great place to pick up things such as mochi (which is heaven-sent) and small snack cakes such as dorayaki.