an array of exotic spicesBy Laurie Zerga
Photography by Lane Hartwell


Marco Polo journeyed from Venice through the Far East on The Silk Road, trading for exotic merchandise. Along the way, he discovered foreign foods that he introduced to Europe. Family cooks, chefs and cooking instructors can find ingredients to prepare the delicious cuisines that Polo found without leaving Alameda.

Polo traveled the Iranian Empire of Persia that extended into India. Find an assortment of ingredients from these regions at Aria Super Market (1552 Webster St., 337- 9831). Explore aisles with jars of colorful peppers, cabbages, cucumbers and grape leaves. Racks hold recognizable herbs and spices like anise, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes; others like methi seed (fenugreek) and khatmy (hollyhock buds) are unfamiliar to most Alamedans. Another aisle offers flours (chick pea, corn and semolina) plus bulgur wheat, couscous and instant tabouli and pilafs. A variety of dried beans and lentils can be used for Indian dal. Feta cheeses, curds and yogurts are kept refrigerated. There are pastries of phyllo dough and basmati rice in sacks up to 40 pounds. A favorite is fresh naan, warm from the oven.

The Silk Road was actually several routes crossing through deserts into present-day China and Southeast Asia. Imagine the influence of the Philippines, Korea and Japan on ancient Cathay. Alameda markets carry foods from these ethnic regions. The Woori Market (1241 Park St., 522-3355) supplies mostly Korean and Japanese ingredients. The owners make soups, marinated meats, noodle salads, sushi rolls and kimchi, ready to reheat or eat cold, depending on the dish. It’s perfect for busy cooks and students looking for something nutritious and different. Owner Jun Lee says high school students come for the tray of noodle salad with sushi rolls for lunch. It’s a good deal at $4 per tray.

Vicki Miyashiro is busy raising two teenaged sons with big appetites. She stops at Woori as she crosses town. She says she can get dinner on the table in a hurry with soba noodles, some stir-fried vegetables and meat. She buys the frozen Korean barbecue ribs for family gatherings. They are thinly sliced, pre-marinated beef ribs. She lights the grill and puts them on still frozen. “What could be easier for a family party?” asks Miyashiro.

Ralph’s Market (801 Lincoln Ave., 521-8421) specializes in Filipino food and other Asian foods and ingredients. Ralph’s has a variety of basics from vinegars, fish sauces, spices, herbs and different types of rice like sacks of jasmine that weigh up to 50 pounds. They also have an assortment of pastries, a small selection of produce and fresh meat, plus frozen goods like lumpia, shu mai, fish and sausage.

Maria Lorico, whose sister owns a Filipino restaurant out of the area, explains ensaymada, bakery items, are significant in Filipino cuisine. Pastries filled with meats and vegetables are eaten as a snack. In addition, egg and sweet rice cakes are for dessert. Ralph’s has a good selection of these items from a local Filipino bakery and internationally known Goldilocks.

A & M Video Store and Oriental Groceries (1116 Lincoln Ave., 865-8271) a small market near Pagano’s Ace Hardware, carries Filipino frozen and dry goods.When asked if the majority of his customers are Filipino, owner, Ed Reyes says, “My customers are international.” A customer agrees, declaring, “We are from Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Columbia and Cuba.” Reyes arranges five varieties of tropical bananas out front, including burros and saba. He says many people come for the bananas. Loretta Lynch and her husband like to experiment with cooking. She concurs with Reyes: “I’ve stopped for the bananas.”

When exploring new cuisines, Sonoko Stiles, who teaches Japanese cooking, recommends bringing a recipe along to international markets. If there are ingredients that are foreign to you, the staff can help with selection. Most owners and staff are glad to introduce their products to customers, so ask questions.

The specialty markets carry limited produce, but fresh fruit and vegetables are available here, too. Alameda’s weekly Farmers Market (Webster Street and Taylor Avenue, 9:30 a.m.-1p.m.Tuesdays) features farmers who grow Asian fruits and vegetables. A recent visit revealed Indian and Japanese eggplants, long beans, bitter and winter melons, squash like kabocha, okra, raw peanuts and assorted greens. If Tuesday mornings don’t work for your schedule,

Encinal Market (3211 Encinal Ave.) and Alameda Natural Grocery (1622 Park St.) both carry a variety of produce. Busy family cooks, chefs and cooking instructors don’t have to travel for 17 years as Marco Polo did to bring back international food ingredients. Choose from a wide variety right here on the Island. Next time you feel like trying something different for a family meal or particular occasion, look to specialty markets for inspiration.