Post Punk Kitchen Forum

I've been exploring ethnic groceries in my area. Usually no one understands me when I am looking for something being I am bereft of other languages other than some spanish. I see all sorts of things that I wish I knew how they were used and what they are. I'd love to have a comprehensive book that covers all of this. Has anyone ever seen any book that is pretty comprehensive that might cover this? I really prefer to do my reading at home and go back having a clue what I am looking at.

What nationalities/languages are you interested in the cuisine of? If there's a particular country's or region's cuisine you're interested in I'm sure you can find some options.

Not to sound like a smart asparagus, but google is a pretty awesome encyclopedia of all ingredients. Also, I've found that unless it's really busy, people who work in shops often like to talk about how to use certain ingredients. It's fun to ask because you can get a general idea of the ingredients, plus they might tell you about some other ingredients you should use.

For now I am interested in Chinese and Thai product Indian products. Dry goods, the stuff in bags, boxes and Jars. I have googled some things but I want to learn faster. I was googling Altar Cakes this weekend (have fun looking that up) At the Asian grocery the employees don't understand or speak English well. 90% of the shoppers are Asian so it does not typically present a problem. I think I will have an easier time at the Indian Grocery I just started going to and I was talking to the owners kids there so that brought smiles to all of our faces. The items were really clearly labeled but I would love to know how all of the various flours are used, spices, pickled stuff there's just so much stuff.

I am intersted in knowing how they are used traditionally but once I know I am also interested in finding other ways to use them.

yeah, they have those kinds of books. i can't find mine, but it was specific to the indian grocery store. it might have had "navigating" or "demystifying" in the title, but i'm not sure.

I cannot recommend The Asian Vegan Kitchen by Hema Parekh (UK Amazon US Amazon) highly enough. It's really good and my "I don't like vegan food" thinks it's amazing.

I will definitely check out the Asian Vegan Kitchen. I took heed to the Demysifying the____ Kitchen also and was able to find some guides on Amazon.com. Some of them used were only a few bucks if anyone else wants to look them up. If you scroll down you will see other guides:

http://www.amazon.com/Indian-Grocery-St ... _1?s=books