Back last year sometime the grocery store near my house was bought out by Walmart. It was actually a several year process it seemed, but they finally put the Walmart name on it and made some changes and additions in products and what they sold. Overall this was a really positive switch. Between what I buy online, the fresh market, and Walmart, I never go to any other stores around town. I'm probably missing out on something great at Metro or Carrefour, but what I don't know doesn't hurt me I guess! Anyway, the other day I was going through the kitchen area at Walmart--something I rarely do. I noticed they had a ton of great items for sale related to cooking and baking.
There were cupcake wrappers, spatulas, measuring cups and spoons, loaf and muffin pans, disposable aluminum pans, cheese cloth for straining cheese or yogurt, and so many more great items. I'm not saying these are the cheapest available because Taobao probably undercuts, but if you are new to China or don't like using online buying options, check out Walmart. They really have so much that wasn't there even a year or two ago. This isn't the China I moved to! I had to bring all that stuff with me!
Other items I've been buying at Walmart--either because its not available elsewhere or just a good price.
- Smithfield bacon -- this is REAL bacon. Not what they sell at the fish market. Of course the price reflects that. They also have sliced ham for sandwiches and some sausage/hot dog options
- 500g bag frozen blueberries for Y39.
- I've not bought them but there are great value bags of frozen veggies, too--peas, corn, mixed veg and green beans I know for sure.
- Chicken breasts -- way cheaper than the market price
- Check out the bakery section--lots of items like croissants and chocolate croissants--I'm not saying they are amazing, but they are decent for the cheaper price
- Ground beef for decent price
- Doritos and Fritos--even some made for China Ruffles and Cheetos (read: random flavors)
- Great Value nuts and dried fruits
- Imported Great Value Honey Roasted Peanuts
- Usually best deals on toilet paper and cleaning products
- Paper plates and bowls for good prices and variety of sizes
- Great Value quick-cooking oats -- cheap!
What do you like to buy in China's Walmart?!
We have a Carrefour and Walmart a block away from each other, so when we take our trip into town to shop, we hit up both. Walmart is for paper products, chicken, blueberries (fresh, when they have them--loads cheaper than anywhere!), and avocados! I will say, their import section is far inferior to Carrefour's, so I'm glad ours are close so I can get to both.
ReplyDeleteWe like to buy the croissants in the bakery section (I make chicken salad sandwiches with them), kettle chips (our fave is jalapeño flavored), plain Ritz crackers, avocados (when on sale), and uncut oats in the bulk grains area (to make granola) ;)
ReplyDeleteOur family enjoys the frozen white fish fillets, which are boneless and don't have a fishy taste. We love to make baja fish tacos using your mango salsa and ranch dressing! Yum!
ReplyDeleteOh nice! I have looked at the frozen filets before but never settled on one to try--not knowing how fishy they would taste and not recognizing the names. We used to always get frozen filets at Metro but we've not gone there in forever. Oh man, have I got a great fish taco sauce for you to try! Sour cream, cilantro, onion and seasoning....its amazing.
DeleteThey come in a blue/clear sealed plastic bag and have the scientific name for the fish on them. I will look a little more closer next time we buy for the brand. Please do send us the fish taco sauce recipe! We've also got a tasty Cajun fish sauce that we enjoy to eat with baked fish, if you're interested.
DeleteI looked this past week and saw some of those. I took a picture to look up the name to find out what type of fish it was. They were on sale. Our whole family loves fish but the kids turn their noses up if its too "fishy". I'd love a Cajun sauce that's tried and true!
DeleteDo you just buy Mission corn tortillas? Or use flour? I loved white corn tortillas in US for fish tacos. They were so soft and good flavor. I'm not a huge fan of the yellow corn Mission ones in China but I haven't successfully made my own either.
DeleteOkay I looked up the scientific name on the packs I saw "Pangasianodon Hypophthalmus" --Its a type of catfish native to rivers in Southeast Asia.
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