Ask Beijing Today

I’m looking for Indian spices. The selection in most stores is limited, not to mention expensive. Where can I buy authentic but reasonably priced spices?

Check out a small store on Sanlitun Bar Street. It’s behind Yasow Market and looks like your average Chinese convenience store. It sells South Asian ingredients, including a host of spices from India and Pakistan.

You can also try Jenny Lou’s grocery store. Its bottles of imported spices are quite pricey, but it also sells spices in bulk at cheaper prices.

Where: 6 Sanlitun Bei Xiaojie, Chaoyang District
Tel: 6416 9281
Where: 4 Ritan Bei lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 8563 0626

My friends are talking about visiting Dongjiao market. Where is it and what does it sell?

The market is known for selling items wholesale to hotels and restaurants. Kitchen supplies include rice cookers, coffeemakers, plates in a variety of shapes and colors, meat cutters and even huge sinks. It also sells bags, home decorations, office supplies, fabric, clothing, shoes, tea, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers.
 
You’ll need a few hours to get a good look at the place. Bringing children is not a good idea, but teenagers who love making great finds will have a blast. Patience is a must as this market is huge.

Vendors are not pushy unlike more touristy markets.
Where: 12 Dawang Lu (near The World Trade Center), Chaoyang District
Open: 10 am – 5 pm

(By Chen Zao)