Description: I wrote this article about shopping at Asian markets.
Lede:
I was born in Taipei, but I grew up in small-town Missouri, where my name and culture triggered many conversations among my classmates. That experience may, in part, be at the root of my pathological instinct to help non-Asians who look lost or overwhelmed while shopping at an Asian grocery—especially around Chinese New Year. For 2016, the eve of Year of the Monkey falls on February 7, and that’s when Asian families will gather for what’s called the reunion feast. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed that many non-Asians are shopping at my usual haunts for their own celebrations. This feast, anchored by traditions and symbolism, somehow has inspired new cooks to step into the world of 100 soy sauces and a tofu tapestry more complex than one might imagine.
I’ve also noticed that non-Asian groceries have started marketing Chinese New Year to their shoppers, too, offering themed flower arrangements or decorations. Greeting card companies now sell red zodiac or “double happiness” cards with gold accents. Even Estée Lauder cosmetics offers a $150 “Year of the Monkey” gold compact, encrusted with crystals.