weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Yes, there will always be intriguing items in these food markets in Asia. For many people, particularly in the more modest income groups and people living in close proximity, these markets would be the main source of groceries.

There are also a number of large Western-style grocery chains in Hong Kong, the two largest ones are Wellcome (280+ stores) and ParknShop (270+ stores), dispersed all over Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Then there are some very large grocery stores in some of the very upscale Malls which cater primarily to the Western and upper-end clientele, these carry an astonishing array of local and particularly international food.

For us, our main small shopping was in one of the neighboring shops, our closest was the Dairy Farm grocery shop, a smaller chain but a 3 minutes walk from our flat. Otherwise we shopped at the two large stores mentioned above either in the Peak area or down in Causeway Bay. But for vegetables, you would often get the best and freshest choices in the Wan Chai or Causeway Bay open street markets. Meat - always in Western style supermarkets.

Bubalola Loc: Big Apple, NY

There is a Russian proverb:”When you sing a song, you have to sing all the words”, so that is OK to show the way things are done in a culture, traditions of which you share with us! Very nice work, Joe!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks Eugene, that is an interesting proverb, and it does reflect what I am trying to do here: Providing an as much all-encompassing tableau as possible, thank you for your appreciation and continuous support, Eugene!

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

The Asian markets are always so fascinating to see and enjoy. I wish I could be there myself to see and smell the air and listen to the chatter that envelops those spaces.
Really a worth-while journey. Thanks Joe. Always to a joy to see your posts.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Blair - it is always a joy to receive your kind comments as well! ... and oh, that tropical air: humid to very humid, carrying the smells of the goods in the alleys - it is all great and good as long as it doesn't get too hot and too humid, then I start to "liquidify" myself!

lnl Loc: SWFL

This is a great collection although I’m not sure I want to partake of some of it! The first photo is most interesting.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

I agree Ellen, that the first one is the most interesting and also the most representative. That's the way Chinese butcher shops present themselves, whether it is in Hong Kong, China or in North America. The actual masses, particularly of the meat I show here are rather unusual, and testify of a large turnover at this Wan Chai market.

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

This is taking me down Memory Lane, Joe. Looks like a typical eye popping open air market in Hong Kong. Probably the Yau Ma Tei Market? The roasted duck looks delicious. Reminds me of dinner at a restaurant in the old traditional section of Beijing where the finger licking "Peking Duck" originated from. Great photos!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks Kip, this whole segment of the trip is taking me down Memory Lane, as I rediscover all the minute details of a live long past, when we lived out there. This could really be in any of a couple of dozen open air/alley lane markets, this one happens to be in Wan Chai, situated in a good residential location with plenty of appreciative and repeat customers.

Today happens to be Chinese New Year's eve, and in five minutes I will have to get away from my computer and start entertaining some dear guests that we have invited over for a typical 7-course Chinese festive dinner - Susan is working hard at getting the last details taken care of! Kung Hei Fat Choy to you Ontarians from us Washingtonians with a Chinese slant!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Jack for your thumbs of approval!

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Nice series

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you, topcat, I am happy to hear that you enjoyed this set.

dj moore Loc: Florida panhandle

Some of that meat had me drooling, others; not so much. Still, it would be interesting to try some new stuff. I have done that recently with friends.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Besides the regular meats, these Asian butcher shops do have different cuts and preparations, so there is lots to test here, but like you, I personally would be quite selective here.