Grand Asia Market

(3/22 Outside and inside Grand Asia Market, Raleigh)

Whether you’re looking for adventure or thrifty groceries, Grand Asia Market in Raleigh  is your ticket.

Basic goods such as tomatoes, carrots, and apples come cheap, but so do more exotic fruits and vegetables.

Walking through the produce section is a veritable culinary and cultural safari. Grab a bag of bok choy or garlic sprouts for less than a dollar; the selection of wild mushrooms puts Whole Foods to shame.

If you’re not in the mood to shop, a hot bar of Asian foods should keep you company. The same section of the store boasts homemade tofu, roasted meats, steamed pork buns, dim sum, and an impressive Hong Kong-style bakery with homemade breads and pastries.

(3/22 All your ducks in a row)

Fish mongers provide a wide selection of fresh fish and shrimp, as well as other hard-to-find forms of seafood. (Check out the squid and various bi-valves.)

(3/22 Fresh seafood)

Friendly store attendants demonstrate how buns, candy, and other food are made. Be sure to stop by one of these demonstrations, because well, there will probably be free food.

(3/22 A man makes candy and gives out samples)

Aisles and aisles of snacks, condiments, and other foods imported from China, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, and other countries fill the heart of the store. You may get tired, but you may never get bored. And if you do become tired, grab a bubble tea and join in with the workers on a conversation about Taiwanese politics.

You might just make a new friend….

(3.22 Catfish mouths on display)