An Ode to the Supermarket
There’s nothing I love more than a snoop and a nosy around a grocery store in a foreign country. To me, this is the litmus test of a country’s true grit, and the quickest way to tap into how it ticks.
What fresh produce is out, what brands do they carry, what else can I buy in addition to foodstuff? What’s something I could never find in my hometown haunt? It’s a small joy I give myself on every trip, and a recent trip to Thailand was no different.
Landing in Bangkok, and settling in my hotel for the next few nights, a small warm glow started to build in me – it may have been down to the 100% humidity, but I have a feeling it was because I knew there were nearby grocery stores just waiting for me to peruse through them.
Some nearby chains I visited were Big C, Tops and CJ express, as well as some local produce markets with fresh fruit and veg. Strolling the aisles, I found a bounty of tea in many forms, sauces like oyster, and chili paste for days. I picked up quite the melange of items, everything from tiger balm salves to dried butterfly pea flower, and all the spice mixes in between.
Basing myself in a centrally-located hotel allowed me to be spoilt for choice when it came to where and what to explore. The Standard Bangkok and The Kimpton Mai-Laa were two in the heart of the city where you could walk in any direction and hit places of interest. They were oases when I needed them, a quiet refuge in a city but on Bangkok’s doorstep for when I was out exploring. In addition to sussing out the closest grocery stores, I was close enough to walk to the Chao Praya river and hop on a water taxi. Another day, I walked up to the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre and immersed myself into their latest exhibit highlighting emerging gen Z Thai artists. Everything from a Buddhist monk drawing what hell could look like, to an artist who wrapped everyday objects in a thick yellowed rubber, made from the rubber tree industry in her hometown.
Heading North to Chiang Mai, I was again intrigued to explore markets and stores selling everyday goods and produce. There was an outdoor market selling everything you could think of. My local guide Rachel explained the different rice types for various dishes, as well as all the mango varietals on offer that day. In addition to fruit-a-plenty, there were fresh offerings of spices and flavours we often do not get back home. Bundles of lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, kafir lime leaves and galangal came as a starter pack for many Thai dishes, such a simple yet effective concept.
I know I’m not alone in my love of supermarket exploring. Although it’s a small portion of my time spent researching and exploring new cities and towns, it’s a special one for me. Any glitz and faux glamour of tourism is seemingly absent, revealing the beating heart of places unknown and allowing them to be found.
