Have I mentioned that I love finding new grocery stores. So I hadn't found an Asian... specifically Chinese food store since we moved to the other side of the Pennines. I have to say that I was a bit spoiled with Chinatown in Manchester. But I was thinking that with all of the international students, including a huge number of Chinese students in Sheffield, surely there are some Chinese food stores. I found a few, but decided this is the one I wanted to try.
There is a small amount of parking within their gates. It kind of looks a bit like a factory, but don't be intimidated... go in! They have baskets that you can wheel around or ones that you can carry. It is a sizeable store with fresh produce, frozen items, a bakery, and cooked meats. If you go past the tills you'll find yourself in front of the wholesale area. Who needs Costco!
I came with a list, but let's just say it was a bit of a guideline. What I think some people fail to appreciate about these stores is that they can often find their basics... especially spices for cheaper than the chain supermarkets. In fact, we did the majority of our shop here, the only things we couldn't get were cat food, cat litter, and hot dogs.
They also sell plates, pots, bamboo steamers, chopsticks, rice cookers, etc. I have my eye on one of the rice cookers... so I'm sure we will be back. I have to say that the selection of Filipino items was larger than I expected, but the items weren't necessarily the things I need when I make Filipino food.
I was the most impressed by their bakery and the meat section. I picked up a package of Custard Buns as well as Char Siu Buns. You can get cooked Duck, they even have containers of Char Siu! We had the Char Siu Buns as a snack and they were heavenly! I should mention that the store doesn't make them, but I appreciate that they import them from Manchester :) Mr. Snarky has never had these before and really enjoyed them!
Overall a good experience and I'm sure I'll be back soon! read more