Chinese Delights in SA
South Africa offers up a wonderful mix of Asian delicatessens and speciality food stores. A widespread and largely colourful Chinese community means that traditional culinary treasures are always on the menu.
It's not difficult to find traditional Chinese produce and ingredients in Johannesburg. The areas of Cyrildene (new 'China Town') and around Commissioner Street ('Old China Town') boast many excellent Chinese shops, deli's and fast-food outlets.
At many of the Chinese delis you will also be able to buy authentic Thai and Japanese goods as well as traditional and non-traditional Chinese products. So, if you need fresh bamboo shoots, pork buns, endomame (soya beans), top quality rice wine or a decent wok, why not try out the following outlets:
Johannesburg's Killarney Mall is home to one of the best-stocked Chinese supermarkets in the country. Simply known as the 'Chinese Supermarket' this interesting shop boasts a wide selection of products including the best imported soy sauce in town. If you are looking for dried mushrooms, black beans, choice black vinegar and authentic green tea then visit Killarney Mall (in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg).
For a truly authentic food experience, one should visit Sui Hing Hong at 17 Commissioner Street in downtown Johannesburg. This area is known as 'Old Chinatown' and the selection of goods at this location are simply sublime. Here you can buy a wide selection of spices, sauces or deli items.
Why not throw in an imported wok and traditional red lantern into your shopping basket to round off the ultimate shopping experience?
'New Chinatown' or Cyrildene is of course another area of Johannesburg that is home to a large Chinese community. Here, one can find superb restaurants and Chinese eateries. A favourite place to buy foodstuffs is the Yat Kee Chinese Supermarket on Derrick Avenue. The range of goods is remarkable - and easy to find (the owners are very organized)! Here you can buy anything from real Szechuan spices to the best wasabi powder in town. Fresh greens are also a highlight, (as is the friendly customer service). Sister-establishment, the Yat Kee Chinese Supermarket and Trading can be found in Pretoria - a similar range of top quality goods are on offer from Monday through to Sunday.
The Dragon Chinese Supermarket in Rivonia is another hotspot for choice Asian ingredients. We're talking fresh ginger and garlic, delicious tofu and fresh chili…not to mention store-cupboard ingredients with attitude. Found in Rivonia Boulevard, (in an upmarket area of Johannesburg).
Pretoria's Yat Sang Chinese Supermarket in Faerie Glen has a combination of foods from Thailand, mainland China and even Japan. Fresh fruit and vegetables are on the menu and vast fridges offer up special delicacies such as crystal dumplings and delicious fresh crab.
Cape Town's Mainland China Food Market is another fantastic place to buy Asian fare. The range of goods is diverse and delicious - we're talking noodles, sake, dried squid, dumplings and Asian beverages that one can't seem to get anywhere else. Fresh produce can also be purchased here twice a week and the owners may even share a recipe or two with their favourite customers.
The Chaun Mei Chinese Deli can be found in Bloemfontein in the Free State. An array of excellent woks can be bought here as well as top-quality spices, noodles, condiments and excellent sushi ingredients. Fresh items are also available on request.
One must note that there are many excellent deli's in South Africa and whilst they may order a broad range of specialist goods from Italian to Kosher to Halaal - many will also boast a smattering of Asian products too.
Don't forget there is also a wide range of excellent Chinese restaurants to choose from all over South Africa. A few notables include The Red Chamber in Gauteng, the Tong Lok in Cape Town, the Ming Bow in Durban and the Zhong Hua in East London - all offer up authentic feasts with flair.
Information:
'Chinese Supermarket' Killarney, Johannesburg: (011) 486 3620
Sui Hing Hong, 17 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg: (011) 834 7905
Yat Kee Chinese Supermarket, Cyrildene, Johanesburg: (011) 615 3911
Yat Kee Chinese Supermarket and Trading in Pretoria/Tshwane: (012) 346 8506
Yat Sang Chinese Supermarket in Faerie Glen, Tshwane: (012) 991 3020
Dragon Chinese Supermarket, Rivonia, Gauteng: (01) 803 6408
Chaun Mei Chinese Deli, Bloemfontein, Free State Province: (051) 447 4545
Mainland China Food Market, Cape Town: (021) 683 7289