Asian Pacific Market

Have you been to the Asian Pacific Market on Platte Avenue? It’s the largest Asian market in the area, and believe me, it’s huge – 20,000 square feet!

A large selection of teas…

…and more types of sauces than you’ve ever seen before. Oyster sauce?  Check. Hoisin Sauce?  Check.  Fish sauce?  Check. Soy sauce?  Check check check.  Lots of saucy goodness.  If you regularly cook ethnic food, you should really check out the ethnic markets – most things are way cheaper than buying them at WalMart or King Soopers, if you can even find the ingredients you need there.

One caution, however – before you buy a gallon of some sauce you’ve never heard of before because it’s such a good deal, I’d recommend buying a smaller bottle first and making sure you like it.  It takes a long time to use up a gallon of sesame oil when you discover you don’t like it!  (Right, Elisabeth? ;)

Bargain grocery shoppers will often tell you that great deals can be found at ethnic markets, and the Asian Pacific Market is no exception.  I’ve found their produce quality can be somewhat spotty, but if it’s good, it’s probably a pretty good price.  Their prices on things like ginger, garlic, bok choy, sprouts, and lots of other stuff I’ve never heard of or used are much cheaper than the normal grocery store.  (Unfortunately, I lost my paper that I took note of prices on so I can’t quote specifics.)  They sell bell peppers by the pound instead of by the each, so it’s generally a better deal than chain supermarkets.

Last time I was there, they were installing several aisle of freezers for a new frozen food section.  I would imagine that’s up and running now.

Asian Pacific Market also has a small cafe. I haven’t tried any of their food, but it smelled and looked delicious and seemed to be a good price ($3.99/lb).

Never shopped at an ethnic market before? This one is a great place to start!  They won Best Ethnic Market in Colorado Springs in the Independent’s Best Of 2008 awards.  The employees are very friendly and helpful, and they do speak English well, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!

The Asian Pacific Market is located at 615 Wooten Road, just west of Powers Blvd on Platte Avenue.  They’re open 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday.  If you need to contact them, their number is 573-7500 – I couldn’t find a website.