In the States, the Asian supermarkets are often associated with being dirty and messy. However, I find the supermarkets in Asia very clean and often much more upscale the normal Safeway's or QFC's. On this trip, I was particularly impressed by the sushi selections at a supermarket. I don't know how they taste, but they sure look scrumptious.
There are another type of markets in Taiwan, similar to permanent farmers markets. You can find produce, meat, poultry, fish, and other random things. They are sort of like Pike Place Market, only that these places are not tourist attractions, they don't toss fish for show. Shi Dong Market is supposedly the best. (Do you see how large that winter melon is? Even with the ends chopped, it's still over 3 feet long.) Walking around, you'd see the regulars greet the merchants. There are tanks filled with live crabs and other shell fish. There is cooked food, next to a stand with raw animal parts hanging. I have to admit that walking by some of the stands, you need a strong stomach. At the same time, it's very fascinating. This is the kind of place where you get to see how the locals eat and shop.
No comments:
Post a Comment