One of the hottest recent culinary trends is the popularity of Asian food, going way beyond Chinese takeout to Thai, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese, authentic Chinese, and many other cuisines.  The variety of Asian food is huge, just like the size of the Asian continent.  I think Asian food will continue to be popular for good reasons, from the bright fresh flavors of a spring roll to the deep, savory taste of Korean barbecued pork, to the silky spiciness of Thai green curry.      

     You can bring some of those exciting Asian flavors into your kitchen, courtesy of two excellent local Asian markets.

      One of the first things you see as you walk through the door of Young’s Oriental Food Market in North Canton is a display of fresh Asian produce: Japanese eggplant, bitter melon, ginger, taro, and opo squash.  Young’s carries a good selection of Asian condiments and ingredients, rice, noodles, and loose teas, as well as  pre-made dumplings that are ready to cook, and homemade egg rolls.  Young Byrer, the owner, has taught Asian cooking and says she is “delighted to help customers with anything--tips, how-to’s, and advice.”  She serves homemade samples of Asian dishes on Fridays and Saturdays at the store. 

     Oriental Food and Gift in Canton has a shelf of different soy sauces that is about 5 yards long.  There is a glass-fronted cooler filled with vacuum-packed fresh fish, and the store stocks all the supplies and equipment you need to make sushi.  Proprietor Matt So says his best sellers are tofu and kimchee, a Korean condiment made with fermented vegetables (which, Matt cautions, you should only buy refrigerated).  Matt also carries a wide selection of Asian ingredients and some teas. At his store, Matt says, customers “can get most ingredients cheaper and of better quality than at a grocery store.” 

     I would second that.  With the  exception of Kikkoman soy sauce, the authentic Asian brands you find in Asian markets are far superior to mass-produced products found at many grocery stores, and the prices are usually incredibly reasonable.  In addition, you have expert advice from people like Young and Matt literally at your elbow when you shop at a market specializing in Asian food.

    Young’s Oriental Food Market is at 6644 Wise Avenue NW; phone 330-494-7269.  Young’s is open Tuesday-Friday 10:00-6:30 and Saturday 10:00-6:00.  Oriental Food and Gift is at 2842 Whipple Avenue NW; phone 330-477-2349.  Hours are 10:00-7:00, Monday through Saturday.

     If you’re new to Asian cooking, here are a few of my favorite ingredients.  Try experimenting with some of them for a start:

     --Asian Chili-Garlic Sauce: a blend of hot chiles, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes other spices.  It’s my favorite way of adding spicy heat to a dish.  Best brand: Rooster Brand (with the greed lid and the rooster on the front).

     --Asian Fish Sauce: a pungent, salty liquid made from brined, fermented fish.  Often used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, it adds a deep, savory, salty flavor. Best brands:Tiparos, Three Crab.

     --Chinese Five-Spice Powder: a blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Szechwan pepper.  Contributes a complex, spicy flavor to poultry and fish or marinades.  Best brands: look for a brand made in Asia.

     --Hoisin Sauce: A Chinese condiment made from soybeans, chiles, garlic, ginger, and sugar.  It is thick, sweet, and spicy, great in barbecue sauces, salad dressings, and stir-fry sauces. Best brand: Koon Chun.

     --Toasted Sesame Oil: Made from sesame seeds that are toasted before pressing. Adds a deep, rich, nutty taste (I like it drizzled on roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms) good in many dishes.  Best brands: look for oil that is brown in color and labelled “pure,” such as Kadoya brand.