Hong Kong Market, bow down.

Yesterday was Labor Day. It was a blessed holiday in the sense that I was able to go to the Hong Kong Market. The market is located somewhere on the westbank. It is only my second time there, but with each trip my affection for the market grows. The market is in the space of an old Walmart to give you an idea of the size of the store. Once inside, you are immediately swept to another country by your surroundings. I fancy myself as liking food, almost to a fault at times, and I can not tell you what more than half the vegetables are or how to use them. In this lies the beauty of the market, it is like an unopened book with many chapters. Each trip provides a look into a different aspect of another regions food culture. Making the market even more attractive, are the prices for the products. To give an example of the market, I am going to list some of the items which made it into the basket and back to short street.

Red spinach, lemongrass, infant bok choy, chinese celery, chicken feet, soy bacon, kimchee, dum ploy, soy sauce, noodles, lunch, leeks, baby gala apples, and pork belly.

Lunch was one of the best sandwiches that I have ever eaten, based on value and flavor. Banh Mi. It was fresh baked bread smeared with mayonnaise and pate, topped with hogs head cheese, spiced pork, cucumber, pepper, carrot relish, cilantro, and some sauce. This is probably not all of the things that were on the sandwich, but with the bakers quick movements and a language barrier it was just the first draft of Matthew meets Banh Mi. And finally the best ingredient of all...it was $2.50.

So if you get the chance, and the culinary confidence, check out The Hong Kong Market hands down the best value food shopping in the city.