What to Expect When You're Expected to Go to an Asian Grocery Store

If you've ever dared to venture into an Asian grocery store, you know what I mean when I say, "There's a lot of sh*t goin' on in there!" And if you've never been in one before, well, here's what you can expect:

It doesn't matter which day you go, it always smells funky (like maaaybe something died there ten years ago and the store owners just never bothered to look for the source) and it doesn't matter what time of day you go, it's always crowded. You'll see a lot of little old Asian ladies unapologetically hitting each other with their squeaky carts that require them to push so hard you wonder why there are even wheels on them to begin with and yes, EVERYONE will be sniffing EVERYTHING before putting ANYTHING into their carts. You can also expect to gag a little if you hover too long around the seafood section and scream "WTF is THAT?!" when you walk pass the meat section and your eyes catch a glimpse of what looks like a very large, very swollen, slightly purple...TONGUE? Who knows!? The point is, it's unavoidable. If you want to cook authentic Thai food, you're going to have to eventually swing by an Asian grocery store to pick up a few of the ingredients we'll be using that your local grocery store doesn't offer (no, not even in their "International Aisle").

The good news is if you're NOT Asian, no one will expect you to know what you're doing or what you're even there for and thanks to the permanently confused "I'm Lost" look on your face, everyone will be expecting you to ask them for help. DO IT, especially if swollen, purple, maybe/maybe not purple tongues aren't your thing or you just don't have the time. Thankfully, I've yet to come across anyone who works at an Asian grocery store who isn't eager, willing, or able to help.

So, if you're up for the challenge (It's really not that bad, I'm clearly exaggerating), here's a list of some sauces you'll need to get. Consider these, "The Essentials." If you know of an Asian grocery store nearby, swing by to pick these items up (you can show someone at the store this photo or the list below), if not, thanks to Amazon, you can also get them online:

From Left to Right:

- Light Soy Sauce (I prefer the Mushroom Flavored Light Soy Sauce but it's kind of hard to find so if that's the case for you - or you don't like mushrooms - then Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce and THIS ONE works, too)

- Oyster Sauce

- Sweet Soy Sauce (I actually prefer THIS ONE)

- Black Soy Sauce (This one is thick and unsweetened)

- Fish Sauce (I prefer the Golden Boy Brand Fish Sauce)

And last but not least (not featured in the photo because I have it in a jar in my fridge):

- Ros-Dee Food Seasoning Chicken Flavor

If for some reason you can't buy all of these sauces, then at the very least get these three, plus the Ros-Dee Food Seasoning Chicken Flavor (remember, you don't need both the Mushroom Flavored Light Soy Sauce AND the Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce, just pick one):

Oh, and while you're shopping, you should also pick up a bag of Jasmine Rice because most Thai dishes are served over rice.

Lastly, if you don't already have a rice cooker, I highly recommend getting one - they're AMAZING. As in, "if my house were to catch on fire I would grab my baby and then my rice cooker before running out the door amazing." Trust me. Rice cookers are the best. They save you so much time (my rice is done in 10 minutes) and it's always perfect. I have THIS ONE.

Alright, well I hope this was helpful and gives you all somewhere to start. Best of luck and I'm looking forward to posting my very first recipe! I'm thinking....Ginger Chicken! Stay tuned!

Chokh Dee!

Stevie