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.
>
> 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'm not talking about getting responses from native orientals so much
> because I can guarantee you stinky tofu and the like are not on my
> agenda.....but more interested in responses from those with more
> "Americanized" taste buds. (Although I'm a courageous eater -- not a
> wimp).
>
> For example, they have a huge frozen section at my mart with all types
> of seafood, beef and pork cuts and
> I've never ventured into that section. Cuttlefish? All sorts of
> names I've never tried.
>
> Anything I'm missing out on?
>
>
> I'd like to make a list for next time I visit.
>
> Thanks !

Have you tried the flat garlic chives? Great for dumpling filling...or
anything else, for that matter.

Have you tried making your own Thai curry paste? If they have fresh or
frozen galangal and lemon grass...the latter is common these days but
galangal can still be hard to come by. And if they have kaffir limes, by all
means buy some and freeze them. You can use ordinary lime rind in your curry
paste, though. Lots of great recipes use tamarind paste, but it sounds as if
you are probably familiar with that.