Tucked just off of North Sharon Amity Road, Rohan Grocery is a hidden gem and maze of foreign items just waiting to be discovered! Owned and operated by two refuge families from the Himalayans, I love nothing more than wandering the aisles and picking up new-to-me items as I go. Some favorite finds are the exotic popsicles in a cooler at the front of the store, the spicy rice snacks in the middle aisle towards the front, and the GIGANTIC sacks of basmati rice at the back of the store. Sadly, I've never bought the rice, just marveled at the quantity and the cool burlap sacks it comes in.
Pay attention for kitchen staples tucked on the shelves. You can find spices for a fraction of the cost of chain grocers. A lifetime supply of cumin here cost me $5.99. The same quantity at Harris Teeter isn't even available but if it was would easily run you $20+.
Recently, they've added a small refrigerated section with some produce and other goodies. At least half of the produce is unrecognizable. Stop some of the shoppers and ask them what stuff is. Today, I was introduced to this crazy green vegetable that apparently has no name in English. The kind woman I stopped to ask about it suggested cubing it and cooking with potatoes in curry.
Visiting Rohan is like taking a trip around the world. (Minus the airfare cost, of course.) read more