Westside & Downtown, Orange Park Asian Markets
Jacksonville days can get rainy, muggy, and depressing particularly when Fall arrives. Such days I just wish I could escape to some exotic country. I wish I can get lost in crowded food markets somewhere in China, Vietnam, or Thailand. When I had visited Bangkok the first time, I was fascinated with so many unfamiliar food options. When we were in town or local markets I always enjoyed the most trying or just observing all sorts of Asian food. The taste of soy sauce, sesame oil, curry, coconut milk, fresh garlic, and ginger on seafood, pork, beef, poultry, "never-seen-before" vegetables, paired with noodles, rice, or dim sum.....
To bring a bit of an exotic taste to my life when cloudy days arrive in Jacksonville, I like to visit and discover local Asian markets and browse their isles. So I decided to write a little guide for Asian-food-loving ex-pats that may be looking for some shopping ideas. This is the 2nd part guiding you through the Westside & Downtown, Orange Park Asian Markets
Below is a map showing 3 areas of JAX saturated with multiple Asian stores. In my first post, I targeted the "green area" on the map. Here is the link if you want to read my post about the Asian markets in "Mandarin, Southside, and San Marcos".
"Just to clarify, this article focuses on East Asian Groceries (e.g.Chinese, Korean and Japanese) & South-East Asian Groceries (e.g.Cambodian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Philippine, Thai and Vietnamese)"
I found in the Westside area 7 different Asian markets, and some were even serving fresh food on site. I would expect more Asian stores around Orange Park as many culturally diverse families live around the Navy base. Yes, there is Rowe's IGA in Orange Par, an American supermarket with loads of Asian and other ethnic goods. But I focus on a more diverse and cheaper selection family businesses offer.
You will agree that Hung Thinh Supermarket is a smaller supermarket in the Normandy area. They have a decent selection of Asian food but lean towards Vietnamese food selection. I am sure the store has a loyal customer base leaving always great reviews.
If you have an authentic Philipino food craving, you have to visit NINO'S PINOY EXPRESS in Oak Hill Village. This small market is well known for a food-to-go option located. Seems that the customers come here especially for their chicken adobo and dinuguan. Check out the pictures of their fresh food selection. Yummy!
JGM Asian Market on 103rd Street in Jacksonville Heights does definitely step up its business game by providing authentic Filipino food catering. This family-owned and operated market has a food stand where you can pick from their daily menu and even an online store! Check out their menu here. If you live in Argyle Forest or Orange Park this store is only a 10-15 minutes' drive from you.
Although Vietnam Oriental Foods & Gift is a smaller store loyal customers come here for hard to get authentic Vietnamese groceries. This family-owned store is located on Cassat Ave, between Murray Hill and Normandy area.
SouthEast Asian Market is located on 103rd St so if you live in Orange Park it may be a better drive for you than going to the Southside or Arlington area to get a good selection of South Asian food. You will discover a great selection of exotic fresh vegetables, fruits, and their prices are way lower than at large grocery chains. Don't forget to try the fresh sweet sugar can juice. Check out this cool video of the store below:
Although a pretty small store, Yadanapon Asian market in Anchor Plaza is clean, organized, and with friendly customer service.
If you live in the Murray Hill area check out the Cambodian Oriental Store they carry Asian but also plenty of regular western groceries. You can get all kinds of groceries from the locally family-owned store.
Which one is your favorite Asian Grocery Market in JAX?
What is your favorite Asian food you love but have not found in the Jacksonville area?
Thank you for reading and sharing the content with others. Feel free to drop your comment or any suggestion for me or other JAXPATS below.
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