Cookbook Reviews

The Asian Grocery Store Demystified

By Linda Bladholm
Renaissance Books, 1999
ISBN 1-58063-045-6

For most people there is nothing more mysterious than an Asian grocery store,
with its unpronounceable brands, exotic ingredients and novel goods.
But with her book, The Asian Grocery Store Demystified,
Linda Bladholm seeks to help Western shoppers find their way
through previously unknown territory.

Based on an average store's setup, Ms. Bladholm gives us information
on things mundane, like rice, to the exotic, such as sharksfin.
Along with a description of each item,
the book also features the author's sketches and brand recommendations.
Several basic recipes are to be found in the back of the book.

Even though I consider myself to be knowledgeable about the Asian grocery store,
I found this book to be very helpful.
It will give people, from the absolute beginner to the
seasoned veteran, the confidence to walk into a store and
identify the first odd thing they see.
And printed in a manageable size, it's easy to carry with you.

Copyright © 1999-2000 J. T. Hill
No reprint without the express permission of author

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