These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Asian Grocery Stores

I can spend hours in an Asian grocer, especially a gigantic supermarket like V & T in Hempstead. The packaging of the goods is a draw enough! But they are often very veg-friendly, albeit preservative and sodium-laden. Though Hempstead is a bit of a veg-void (except during the all-vegan Hempstead Food Share by LI Food Not Bombs, of course), here are some of the many vegan offerings at V & T Supermarket: the freezer is stocked with well-known purveyor of soy science meat Way Wah (the frozen, processed patties new vegetarians fall for, heated and served at lazy restaurants near you), as well as a big variety of imitation beef jerky, bean curds, frozen veggie bun, mochi, exotic produce, and a huge cross-section of Asian pantry staples–sauces, noodles, seasonings, and teas.

It was the tremendous tea selection that brought me to V & T this afternoon. Though amused by the “Special Gunpowder” variety, I did not throw it in the cart. If you have the patience to read a slew of packages, the candy aisle is also not to be missed. I have to remember to visit around Halloween to get a slew of stuff.

Despite the length of my stay, I didn’t get too much. Some jackfruit; two types of my Thai favorite, Khao Tom Mad; vermicelli and spring roll wrappers for some summer rolls; 2 cans of organic coconut milk; a selection of loose teas, motivated more so by their decorative tins; and some sweet chili dipping sauce.  

I threw a Khao Tom Mad in the steamer as soon as I got home, breaking my partial detox for nostalgia.

Ah, Khao Tom Mat. You are so much more than Khao Tom Mad for me.

You are a reminder of my journey in Thailand. Here’s to many more adventures…