37 replies to this topic

[Emily_R]

I don't know if its still there (I moved away 3 years ago, sigh) , but there had been an asian market on Broad street (fairly close to the YMCA downtown) that had fish at reasonable prices -- I used to get good red snapper there...

[Chris Amirault]

Still there, and called Mekong Market.

[Chris Amirault]

New favorite SE Asian -- Khmer, to be specific -- place is Narin Market at 759 Potters Ave. When you drive up, you'll think the address is wrong, but it's not: the store runs the length of a triple decker and has the best selection of produce I've seen in town: banana leaves, fresh tamarind, galangal, chiles, kroeung (Khmer "curry" paste).... Great music too.

I've been consistently disappointed with Sunny Market on Reservoir lately, I should add, and have pretty much stopped going there. Phu Lam Market has been impressive the few additional times I've stopped by.

[Chris Amirault]

Farmstead Cheese in Wayland Square has reopened with spiffy new digs, including a very cool cheese cabinet.

[kkeym]

In November or December, Champe Speidel of Persimmon in Bristol opened Persimmon Provisions in Barrington -- great meats, cheeses, etc. It's a small market but the quality is exceptional and the people there are incredibly knowledgeable and don't mind spending some time talking aobut preparation etc. Well worth a visit.

[Chris Amirault]

Quick Update: Phu Lam Market has gotten really lousy as of late, with produce quality very sub-par. Narin & Chinese American Market are still the leaders.

[HungryChris]

Today I went to the Asian Market on Park in Cranston looking for my favorite Kim Chee Pride brand Kimchi which Panda Market in Norwich seems to have stopped stocking. I was looking for the large round jar and had to settle for two of the the quart sized. I also took a look around Freedom Seafood next door. It's kind of unwelcoming and has little on display, but did have live dungenous crabs in tanks which is worth noting. As I was making my way out of the area, I happened to see Phu Lam Market which I had never visited. The store was open, but looked as if it would not be for long. Most of the shelves were bare, refrigerated cases empty and the patrons seemed to be picking over leftovers looking for bargains. Any news?

HC

[Chris Amirault]

Phu Lam has looked like that for as long as it's been open. Seemingly random dry goods selection, mediocre to bad produce, and sketchy meats in warm "coolers." I've asked around about it, but can't get any information. I don't get the sense that they have the volume of regulars that Chinese American, Narin, and the other quality Asian markets have -- and, probably, need to keep quality high....