“Let’s Eat!”

A Guide to Worcester’s Many Cultural Markets

Volume II

Created by the Worcester Academy Students of Grade 8

May 2015

 

 

“Let’s Eat!” A Guide to Worcester’s Many Cultural Markets Volume II During the spring of 2015, 8th grade students at Worcester Academy undertook the project of exploring the diverse specialty markets that are located all over our city. In teams, they visited the markets featured in this guidebook, taking photographs, interviewing customers and staff, surveying grocery items, and taste-testing ready-to-eat foods. Each team compiled their findings in a separate chapter, including a general overview of the market and its offerings as well as some background on the food culture of the group or groups represented by a particular market, and a signature recipe from that regional cuisine. We are delighted to offer “Let’s Eat!” Volume II, building on the first volume’s survey of specialty markets located within walking distance of the school. We look forward to adding a third volume to the series next year as there are still many specialty markets in Worcester and environs that students have yet to discover. This guidebook is a project of the Worcester Academy Middle School Visual and Performing Arts Department, with assistance from the English, Global Studies and Computer Science Departments. The book is available digitally at Issuu.com and additional printed copies may be ordered from that website. Special thanks go to the market owners and staff, who graciously welcomed these students and supported their efforts to get to know the diverse cultures of Worcester. Elizabeth Bowles and Eliza Hale Visual and Performing Arts Co-Chairs Ray LaRose, English Danielle McAvoy, Computer Science Jessica Pine, Global Studies David Plante, English Leonid Rogach, Music Michael Mallett, Middle School Director  

 

“Let’s Eat!” A Guide to Worcester’s Many Cultural Markets

Volume II

Table of Contents

Bahnan’s Bakery and International Marketplace ….………… page 1

CB Bakery ……………………………………………………….. page 5

D’Errico’s Market ……………………………………………..… page 9

G & K Caribbean Market …………………………………….… page 13

Ha-Tien Market …………………………………………….…… page 17

Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace ……………………… page 21

Kalamos Greek and Mediterranean Market …………………. page 25

Mekong International Foods …………………………………… page 29

Patel Brothers Indian Marketplace ……………………………. page 33

Plaza Supermarket ……………………………………………… page 37

Sujan Grocery ………………………………………….……….. page 41

Suleh Ethnic Mart ……………………………….……………… page 45

Uncle Sam Market ……………………………………………… page 49

Contact Information 344 Pleasant Street

Worcester, MA 01609

Tel. (508) 796-5365

First Impressions

Before you even enter Bahnan’s, International Marketplace, you’ll notice how inviting it looks. There is a large sign with the store name to attract customers; you’ll even smell the delicious ready-to-eat foods from the outside. Once you walk into the market, you will be hit with a wall of mouth-watering aromas. No two scents are the same! You’ll discover that the store carries a variety of different spices that have pungent smells. You’ll also see how organized the store is. It turns out that each aisle carries items from a specific country. For example, one aisle might carry Najjar, a brand of Arabic coffee, while another aisle has Loumidis, a brand of Greek coffee. A final detail you will notice is the customer service. Ben, one of the Bahnan family members who runs the shop, will lead you around the store pointing out some of their

finest items and explaining the history of the store. You will learn a great deal about Middle Eastern culture and how his grandfather started the store. This family-owned business is very welcoming!

BAHNAN’S International Wholesaler: Greek | Armenian | European

“Come in as a customer, leave as a friend.”

- Ben Bahnan

1

HistoryBefore Bahnan’s Market was ever opened, the first Ben

Bahnan and his brother were living in Syria during the time of the Syrian War and World War I. It was so dangerous, that the brothers decided to escape to Lebanon. Along the way, they met a girl who was leaving Armenia because of the persecution that was taking place there. Later, she became Ben’s wife and after many years, Ben, his wife and his brother were given the opportunity to come to America. They hastily took the offer and came to Worcester, Massachusetts, staying with friends until they were on their feet. In 1979 they opened Bahnan’s International Market. In the beginning, they mainly offered savory pies. Since then, the market has grown to include many other specialty foods. It also continues to be a family-run business, now run by Ben Bahnan, who is the grandson of the original owner of the store.

Specialty Items

The speciality items that Bahnan’s Market carries are second to none. There are rows upon rows of items that include coffee, preserves, fillo dough, yogurt, and nut blends. For coffee, there are a numerous examples including Greek and Arabic coffee. For the preserves, there are multiple flavors including orange peel and rose petal. At this market there is also an olive bar, which has a wide variety of olives and a huge selection of tasty feta cheeses. The kinds of feta cheese range from French, which was mild, to original, which was salty. Arguably the best speciality of Bahnan’s Market is the food that is made right in the shop. There are freshly baked savory pies, which are rich with feta and spinach flavor. Try the store-made hummus and tabbouleh, which are delicious with the fresh Syrian bread. Another customer favorite is the freshly-baked baklava, which has a sweet, nutty flavor.

2

Middle Eastern Cuisine Bahnan’s International Marketplace spans the cuisines of the Middle East, reflecting

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and European influences. Common foods from these regions include hummus, tabbouleh, shawarma, Syrian bread, feta cheese and olives. Feta cheese and olives both originated from Greece and since then have spread to many other regions’ dishes. Hummus, made from chickpeas, and tabbouleh, which is made from parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat and other herbs, are two main dips from this cuisine. Shawarma is roasted meat that is cooked on a spit daily and then shaved off to make a sandwich. Another staple of this region’s cuisine is fillo dough. This paper-thin dough is used in savory dishes such as spinach tarts and sweet dishes such as baklava. Baklava, a pastry, is made from layered fillo dough, nuts, and a sweet syrup.

3

Middle Eastern Tabouleh Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup fine cracked wheat (bulgur)

1 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

1/2 cup minced fresh mint leaves

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

3 tomatoes, diced

2 cucumbers, seeded and diced

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste

1 teaspoons sea salt

Directions:In a large mixing bowl, pour the water over the cracked wheat and cover, let stand about 20

minutes until wheat is tender and water is absorbed. Add the chopped herbs and vegetables and toss with the mix. Combine the oil, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wheat mixture and mix well. Chill. Serve and enjoy.

The Bahnan’s guidebook section was prepared by Tyler Anger, Coco Arcand, Paige Keeler, and Ethan Smith

4

Welcome to the CB Bakery! When you enter the CB Bakery, located at 108 Belmont Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, you

are transported to the vibrant streets of Brazil. Here you can find ingredients for preparing a Brazilian meal or purchase authentic Brazilian bakery items. This bakery is quite the hidden gem!

As you walk up to the bakery in the small shopping plaza, you are greeted by advertisements and posters plastered on the window. Inside, you can smell the aroma of baked goods radiating throughout the room. Hanging from the ceiling are bunches of candy wrapped in bright cellophane. These are known as Ovo De Chocolate Ao Leite, and they are commonly eaten on Easter. If

you are a member of the lunch crowd at CB Bakery, you can order a Brazilian sandwich, which may include pork or

homemade bread, and eat at one of the four tables inside. Or you may be shopping to cook your own lunch at home. There is a small freezer which is occupied by stew mixes, and frozen fish. Shelving filled with grocery items such as

coconut milk, traditional wafers, Brazilian rice, and coffee stand tall in the upper corner of the bakery. To quench your thirst, you can

stop by the refrigerator to pick up a delectable guava soda which is popular in Brazil. If you are making a purchase here, do not forget to buy a bakery item! The customers recommend the dense cheese bread, or

a fried chicken coxinha.

CB BAKERY Brazilian Bakery | 108 Belmont Street Worcester, MA | (508) 792-9333

5

Ready-to-Eat Items How to Prepare a Traditional Brigadeiro

PREPARATION

1. In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk, coconut milk, butter, corn syrup, and shredded coconut. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and whisk constantly about 8 to 10 minutes. When mixture is ready, it will pull together into one soft piece.

2. Slide mixture into a bowl. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until very firm, at least 4 hours.

3. Scoop out teaspoonfuls of the mixture and use your hands to roll into balls, about 3/4-inch in diameter. Set aside on a baking sheet.

4. Place remaining coconut in a wide bowl. Roll 4 to 6 brigadeiros at a time through coconut, covering surface completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Guarana Brazilia is a fruity soda that was first produced in Brazil. The drink has a unique flavor which makes it very popular. The soda includes flavoring from the guarana vine that produces red berries similar to holly berries. This soda is delectable and allows you to sample an unforgettable taste!

“The coxinha is very popular and traditional. It is chicken inside dough.”

-Salma, CB Bakery Owner

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

½ cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 teaspoons light corn syrup

shredded coconut

6

Geography and Foods Of Brazil Eastern South America

Brazil covers roughly half of South America. The country is for the most part relatively flat. The Brazilian Highlands occupy only . 5% of the land area; they are about 4,000 feet above sea level. The highlands are home to an array of wildlife and plants. Including, but

not limited to, exquisite orchids and palms, which make for breathtaking landscapes.

The Amazon Rainforest is a very important part of Brazil’s natural resources, as it supplies many tropical fruits. These fruits include papaya, guava, pineapple, and coconut. Cassava, more commonly known as yuca, has been cultivated in South American forests, mainly located in Brazil. One signature Brazilian dish that contains cassava is prepared

when celebrating Cirio de Nazare.

Crops that supply Brazil with income include coffee and cocoa. Marine fishing is not only a popular activity in Brazil, but also supplies income. The most important fish in Brazilian cooking is cod. When individuals in Brazil celebrate Christmas, it is a large

possibility that they will eat a cod dish. One of the most popular dishes served on this holiday is Salt Cod Provencal.

7

Caboclo

In Brazil, coffee is one of the main exports. Caboclo is a traditional Brazilian coffee mix. It has been sold throughout the world since 1930. At CB, the coffee is packaged in a bright yellow box. This coffee is also served at the bakery for your enjoyment with baked goods.

Amafil Toasted Cassava Flour

Cassava flour is often mixed with maize to produce a mixture called farofa. When preparing Brazilian barbecue, this is a key ingredient. In the United States, we use salt and pepper but in Brazil, they use this flour.

Cheese Bread

Cheese Bread is most commonly referred to as Pao De Queijo. This bread is baked to perfection. The fluffy inside balances out the stiff outer shell making a perfect snack. Customers at the CB Bakery strongly recommend this bread because it is very traditional.

The CB Bakery guidebook section was prepared by Emily Goodrich, Chase Orr, and Sam Yard8

about d’errico’s D'Errico's is a

specialty Italian market and butcher, located on East Central Street in Worcester. This Shrewsbury Street neighborhood that D'Errico's started off in has a large Italian population and is considered Worcester’s “Little Italy.” Over time, the neighborhood has become

more diverse, including many Spanish, Brazilians and others who now reside there as well. D'Errico's is very successful and has been open for over 100 years. The store is busy, especially on the weekends and holidays. Many people go to D’Errico’s for their wide selection of fresh cut meats and meat

packages. One customer

we spoke with said she comes to D’Errico’s especially for their sausage and veal. She shops at D’Errico’s every other week, and has been doing so for ten years.

D’ERRICO’S MARKETItalian groceries

and meats

141 E Central St Worcester, MA

01605

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 9AM-8PM

Sunday 9AM-6PM

(508) 797-9686

www.derricosmarket.com

9

When you first walk into D’Errico’s Market, the smell of fresh spices and the array of meats and specialty items invite you to come in and shop at this very historic market. D’Errico’s is an Italian market that has a variety of fresh and pre-packaged foods, many of which are Italian, but includes some foods from other regions as well.

In addition to the variety of fresh-cut and ground meats and Italian sausages, you will also find a deli counter where you can order a sandwich,

grinder, or sub. You can also just order Italian style cold cuts, such as Genoa salami.

Check out the fresh produce and Italian cheeses in the refrigerated sections of the store as well as the pasta and other dried goods lining the shelves. D’Errico’s also has a wide selection of wines.

Don’t forget the weekly specials and meat packages featuring great deals on Italian sausage, beef short ribs, top round steak, chicken leg quarters, pork chops, country style ribs and more.

market description

D’Errico’s is known for its store-made sausages, meats and a well-stocked section of dry and canned goods such as pasta and tomato products.

10

food of italy

D'Erricos is an Italian market where many people, not just Italians, go to buy Italian food.

Italians love being surrounded by their family, as it is valued in Italian life and culture. The experience of eating, especially with family, takes time, with many courses to be savored.

The main ingredients of Italian cuisine include tomatoes and other vegetables, meat, olive oil, bread, cheese and pasta. Italian cuisine is

known to be very healthy, like other Mediterranean cuisines, because it helps prevent many heart-related diseases.

A defining factor of Italian cuisine is its quality. The quality of Italian food is usually really good, because it is based on fresh ingredients. For example, in contrast to heavy, creamy dressings on a salad, Italian foods like caprese salads are simple, yet so appetizing because of the garden-fresh vegetables and excellent fresh cheeses.

In addition to cheeses, pasta, and condiments, D’Errico’s features an array of wines.

11

Recipe for Italian Cookies

I come from an Italian community in Canada and when I served this recipe to family and friends - they absolutely said they were the best ever. They are soft and cake-like and melt in your mouth. Really easy to bake and if the Italian community here loves them - then you know you have a real winner!

-Feraeliza

1. Beat eggs with oil and sugar five minutes.2. Combine the milk and anise flavor.3. Combine the flour and salt and baking powder.4. Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients.5. Make a soft, very soft dough.6. Soft but not sticky.7. If you add too much flour they will be dry cookies.8. Roll pieces of dough into finger lengths and widths, and shape into a figure 8.9. Bake on parchment lined cookie sheet.10. Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes, just until bottoms are slightly golden.

The D’Errico’s Market guidebook section was prepared by Kevin Arpin, Jared Bushnell, Anika Gampa, and Mitchell Tebo

12

G & K CARIBBEAN MARKET

The G & K Caribbean Market is located near Park Avenue on Chandler Street. When you enter this tiny market, you will be greeted by a welcoming woman named Marci. She will immediately show you many different types of food and drinks in the market. She will also tell you about the background of Jamaican food and cooking. She is Jamaican herself, and she knows a lot about the culture.

210 Chandler Street, Worcester MA 01609 (508) 757-4400

13

ABOUT THE G & K MARKET

Jamaicans don’t use a lot of pills or medicine, so instead they eat and drink certain foods that help them feel better. Some foods are thought to help with sicknesses from the flu tostomach ache, and even to arthritis. At G & K Market you will find herbs and spices that you can put into your food for improved health.

The market may seem small when you first walk in, but there is still plenty to choose from, including drinks, food, spices, and medicines. They even have candy! You will also find spiced breads as well as meats and other ingredients to cook with such as starchy yuca root. There is a large selection of canned food there if you don’t like to cook, or don’t have the time. There is even

something Marci called the “lazy people food." All you have to do is shake the can and pour it out!

The market is tightly packed, but it is still easy to find what you need.

If you can’t find something, do not

be afraid to ask, because Marci will help you. She has had this

store for four years, but has been

in the United States for many years. If you ask about how she got here, she has an amazing story.

Spices and sauces for cooking

Juices and chips for snacking

Ting is a popular soda drink

in Jamaica

14

SOME BACKGROUND ON JAMAICAN CULTURE AND COOKING

Jamaica is located in the West Indies. In Jamaica, the official language is English, but many people speak dialects of Spanish, French and African languages, including Swahili, Hausa, Yoruba, and Amharic. About 80% of Jamaicans are Christians, but there are also Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Bahais and Rastafarians. Jamaican cooking is known for spicy meats and sauces. People there prefer to eat all natural foods instead of processed foods. One popular item is annatto which is an orange red food coloring that comes from seeds from an achiote tree. Typical ingredients from Jamaica are plantains, which are cooking bananas, guava. papaya, pineapple, watermelon, yams, and potatoes. A signature dish of Jamaica uses a fruit called Ackee. On the next page you can find the recipe that shows you how to prepare the meal, and how it is served.

Everybody in Jamaica likes Ting, but Green Ting is mostly

consumed by men and Pink Ting is mostly consumed by women. It can also help with

stomach aches.

— Marci

If you are ever in Jamaica, and you want

to eat Ackee, make sure before you eat the fruit that the fruit is dry

and has opened by itself, or it will poison you and you will die.

— Marci

It’s called the lazy people food. You open it and it’s

ready to eat.

— Marci

15

Ackee and Saltfish — Jamaica’s National Dish

1/2 lb Saltfish (sardines)12 fresh ackee or 1 drained canned ackees1 medium onion 1/2 tsp black pepper 3 tbsp of butter 1/2 a hot chili pepper 1 sweet pepper 1 chopped tomato 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme

Preparation

Cover the saltfish in cold water. Let soak overnight (minimum 8 hours) changing the water several times (this removes most of the salt)

Bring a pan of cold water to the boil and gently simmer the fish for 20 minutes (until the fish is tender).

Chop the onion, sweet pepper, chili pepper and tomato

Remove the fish from water and allow to cool. Remove all of the bones and skin. Then flake the flesh of the fish.

Cooking

Melt the butter in a frying pan and stir fry the onion, black pepper, sweet pepper, chili and thyme for about 3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and flaked fish and stir-fry for another 10 minutes

Add the Ackee and cook until hot throughout. Stir gently.

Serving

Serve with yam, green banana, fried dumplings or potatoes

The G & K Market guidebook section was prepared by Bryce Downey, Kathryn Gaudet, and Shelby Khoury

16

  The  Ha-­‐Tien  Market  has  been  open  in  Worcester  for  21  years,  selling  various  delicacies  from  all  over  Asia,  including  Japan,  Cambodia,  Vietnam,  Korea,  China,  Malaysia,    and  Indonesia.    The  market  is  owned  and  

run  by  a  Vietnamese  family  from  Hanoi.       Ha-­‐Tien  mostly  sells  Vietnamese  cuisine,  but  there  are  also  many  other  Asian  foods.  The  market  features  a  very  good  Vietnamese  take-­‐out  food  staGon.    

  This  grocery  store  is  full  of    great  selecGons  of  produce,  meats,  and  fresh  fish  on  Friday.  In  the  Ha-­‐Tien  Market  they  also  sell  a  wide  variety  of  dry  goods,  especially  rice.  

HA-TIEN MARKET Oriental Foods and Gifts - 892 Main Street, Worcester, MA

(508) 791-2220

About Ha-Tien Market

17

Contact Information To contact the Ha-Tien Market you can call their store phone number at 508-791-2220. The address of the Ha-Tien Market is 892 Main Street in Worcester Massachusetts, 01610.

  The  food  at  Ha-­‐Tien  Market  is  from  all  over.  The  fresh  fish  and  crustaceans  are  mostly  from  the  ports  of  New  York.  Other  food  is  from  the  Chelsea  Market,  a  global  food  market  in  New  York,  and  some  of  the  more  diverse  food  comes  all  the  way  from  places  such  as  Cambodia,  Japan,  Vietnam,  Malaysia,  Korea,  China,  Uganda  and  beyond.       The  Ha-­‐Tien  market  offers  a  diverse  array  of  foods  from  in  and  around  Asia.  You  will  find  a  wide  variety  of  meats,  all  neatly  packaged.    There  is  also  an  enormous  selecGon  of  Asian  fruits  and  vegetables.  One  such  is  Taro  Root  which  is  a  

large  root  similar  to  a  carrot  or  a  beet.  The  Taro  Root  is  used  for  drinks  and  to  blend  up  into  a  juice.  It  is  also  used  to  flavor  many  Vietnamese  candies.  The  Market  has  lots  of  Asian  treats  and  sweet  candies.  You  can  even  find  duck  eggs,  also  known  as  the  100  year  old  eggs,  which  are  very  rare.

The  staff  at  Ha-­‐Tien  is  very  accommodaGng  to  the  customers  and  very  welcoming,  especially  the  owner.  She  will  smile  and  offer  to  help  you,  answering  any  quesGons  you  have.  There  is  definitely  a  sense  of  community  in  the  market.  Everyone  is  friendly  and  always  working  hard.  One  

customer  we  spoke  to  reported  that  the  food  is  very  authenGc.  She  said  it  tastes  just  like  the  food  from  Vietnam  and  that  the  market  is  “very  good.”    She  shops  there  oXen  for  the  wide  selecGon  of  Vietnamese  foods  and  because  it  reminds  her  of  her  family's  cooking  back  in  Vietnam.  Her  favorite  treat  is  egg  tarts  to  eat  during  her  lunch  break  at  work,  a  yummy  and  easy  delight.  The  prices  are  reasonable,  she  said,  and  the  quality  of  the  food  was  even  beZer!

Packaged Meats sold at Ha-Tien18

  Vietnamese  dishes  have  a  disGncGve  flavor.  Common  ingredients  include  fish  sauce,  shrimp  paste,  soy  sauce,  rice,  fresh  herbs,  and  fruits  and  vegetables.  TradiGonal  Vietnamese  cooking  is  greatly  admired  for  its  fresh  ingredients,  minimal  use  of  oil,  and  reliance  on  herbs  and  vegetables.  

  Rice  is  a  staple  food  in  Vietnam.  It  is  an  everyday  item  for  most  families.     With  the  balance  between  fresh  herbs  and  meats,  and  a  selecGve  use  of  spices  to  reach  a  great  taste,  Vietnamese  food  is  considered  one  of  the  healthiest  types  of  food  worldwide.    

Fruit in the market’s produce section Packaged Vegetables sold at the Ha-Tien Market

Taro Root sold at the market

Vegetables at the Ha-Tien Market Vietnamese Food and Cuisine

19

Vietnamese  Spring  Rolls  The  ingredients  needed  to  make  this  Vietnamese  Spring  Rolls  are  sold  at  the  Ha-­‐Tien  Market.  

Ingredients:  (Original  recipe  makes  8  spring  rolls)    2  ounces  rice  vermicelli    8  rice  wrappers  (8.5  inch  diameter)    8  large  cooked  shrimp  -­‐  peeled,  deveined  and  cut  in  half    1  1/3  tablespoons  chopped  fresh  Thai  basil    3  tablespoons  chopped  fresh  mint  leaves    3  tablespoons  chopped  fresh  cilantro    2  leaves  leZuce,  chopped    4  teaspoons  fish  sauce    1/4  cup  water    2  tablespoons  fresh  lime  juice    1  clove  garlic,  minced    2  tablespoons  white  sugar    1/2  teaspoon  garlic  chili  sauce    3  tablespoons  hoisin  sauce    1  teaspoon  finely  chopped  peanuts  

Direc-ons: 1.  Bring  a  medium  saucepan  of  water  to  boil.  Boil  rice  vermicelli  3  to  5  minutes,  or  unGl  al  dente,  and  drain.2.  Fill  a  large  bowl  with  warm  water.  Dip  one    wrapper  into  the  hot  water  for  1  second  to  soXen.  Lay  wrapper  flat.  In  a  row  across  the  center,  place  2  shrimp  halves,  a  handful  of  vermicelli,  basil,  mint,  cilantro  and  leZuce,  leaving  about  2  inches  uncovered  on  each  side.  Fold  uncovered  sides  inward,  then  Gghtly  roll  the  wrapper,  beginning  at  the  end  with  the  leZuce.  Repeat  with  remaining  ingredients.3.  In  a  small  bowl,  mix  the  fish  sauce,  water,  lime  juice,  garlic,  sugar  and  chili  sauce.4.  In  another  small  bowl,  mix  the  hoisin  sauce  and  peanuts.5.  Serve  rolled  spring  rolls  with  the  fish  sauce  and  hoisin  sauce  mixtures  for  dipping.  

Vietnamese spring roll

Fresh Fish from the Ha-Tien Market

The Ha-Tien Market guidebook section was prepared by Grace Arpin, Rahul Krishnan, RJ Lundgren, and Grace McShea 20

When you pass through the

automatic doors of Ed

Hyder’s Mediterranean

Marketplace, you will

immediately experience a

range of smells from the

various spices in jars and

barrels. Colors draw you

towards the back of the

market where hundreds of

wine bottles line the walls.

The environment is

welcoming and fun, with

colorful labels artfully written

on chalkboards. Foods are

displayed in creative ways,

appealing to the eye and

stomach! The staff is friendly

and helpful, ready to answer

any questions you might have

with a smile.

ED HYDER’S MEDITERRANEAN MARKET

Address: 408 Pleasant Street, Worcester MA 01609

Phone: (508) 755-0258

Hours: Monday through Friday between the hours of

9am and 6pm, as well as on Saturdays between the

hours of 9am and 5pm.

Ed Hyder’s Market

21

SOME BACKGROUND ON THE MARKETForty years ago this market was

opened on Hamilton Street in

Worcester, later relocating to

Pleasant Street. It is a family

owned business dating back four

generations. Greg Hyder has

worked in the store since he was

ten years old. One of the most

popular items the market sells,

which is also one of his favorites,

is the hummus. Along with their

hummus they sell many other

homemade dips such as “Ed’s

Own Middle Aged Cheese

Spread” and “Ed Hyder’s

Firehouse Salsa.” Chicken

Kabobs, Lamb Kabobs,

Antipasto, and Cucumber Salad

are a few examples of the many

salads and kabobs sold in glass

cases at the front of the store.

Ready-to-go foods like

sandwiches and fruit can easily be

picked up when you are in a

rush.

THE CULTURE OF ED HYDER’S MARKET At Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Market, you will find a wide variety

of specialty and ethnic foods. Ed’s selection is not limited to one particular

culture, making it appealing for more people in the city. As soon as you

walk into the market, you will notice foods from many different regions of

the world, not commonly found in your everyday market. In addition to

items from Europe and the Middle East such as spices and herbs,

cheeses, olives, oils, and vinegars, you will also find different types of

cookies and other items from Asian countries on the shelves.

There are also pieces of artwork based off the culture of

Mediterranean countries for sale in the corner of the store. They really

add character and differentiate the market from others in the area.

22

Ingredients-

• 4 chicken breasts, precooked

and diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 6 celery ribs, diced

• 3 tablespoons of dill

• 1 cup of mayonnaise

• salt and pepper

Directions-

• Place chicken, onion, and

celery in a large bowl and toss

to combine

• In a smaller bowl mix

mayonnaise and dill

• Stir mayonnaise mixture into

chicken and add salt and

pepper to taste

• Serve on bread or with

crackers

Fresh Chicken SaladA SIGNATURE RECIPES from the

MEDITERRANEAN WORLD

Lemon Basil Grilled ChickenOriginal recipe makes 6 servings

• 6 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of

excess fat

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons corn oil

• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

• Lightly pound chicken to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Pat

chicken dry using paper towels and place in a large resealable

plastic bag

• Combine lemon peel, lemon juice, garlic, salt, oil and basil in

a blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds or until

well blended

• Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag and turn to

coat chicken thoroughly

• Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to

overnight

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat or about 400 degrees F

• Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade

• Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through

• Transfer to serving plate and garnish with additional basil, if

desired

The Ed Hyder’s guideook section was prepared by Braedon Hatt, Rayana Petrone, Nikki Ramirez, and Addie Reynolds23

 

24

The Founders Nia and Louis Kalamos have been the owners of Kalamos Greek and

Mediterranean Market since its opening in the summer of 2014. Born and

raised Greek, they have a remarkable understanding of the cuisine and

culture.

118A June Street

Worcester MA

01602

(508) 304-8828

“Running our own business is hard, but being our own boss is more than worth it.” -Nia Kalamos

KALAMOS GREEK AND MEDITERRANEAN MARKET

25

The Foods of Greece Greece is made up of a peninsula and many islands, so it

would be expected that many of its dishes incorporate sea food.

Octopus and shrimp dishes are very popular in Greece. However

land animals and plants are incorporated into food as much as the

sea life is. Lamb is a popular main dish. Of course, olives, olive

oil, feta cheese and yogurt are also important in Greek cooking.

With Greece’s warm climate, it is the ideal location for fruits such

as grapes, oranges, and lemons to grow. Another popular

ingredient is honey, commonly found in yogurt and desserts such

as baklava. Honey is one of Greece’s most popular exports due to a

large bee population.

Kalamos Market Offerings Situated on June Street, Kalamos Market is very

convenient for people in the Worcester area. With just two

employees, the market provides a personal and customizable

experience. No question is silly, as both Nia's and Louis’ goal is for

you to have the best experience possible. As you walk into the

market, you are greeted with the amazing aroma of spices and

sweet honey. With a modern twist on classic Greek design,

Kalamos’ decor is sleek and clean. Choose from drinks, meals, and

homemade snack food. Kalamos’ most popular items include

olives, which are kept in open crock-pots with ladles, so you can

see all of the different choices and even sample a few. They also

have many different types of feta, which are displayed with the

olives at the back of the store. However, if you are looking for an

“We want our market to

be friendly and open for all.” - Louis

26

easy snack, try the hummus, which is homemade daily and a fantastic option. There are freshly

stuffed grape leaves, and spinach and/or meat pies. Also homemade is the yogurt which comes in two

flavors, honey vanilla and coconut vanilla. Classic Greek dressings, spices, and sauces are also

available. Another wonderful Greek tradition is coffee, and Kalamos is complete with a coffee bar

where you can order your favorite latte or

iced coffee. From the baklava to grape leaves

to the sea food, Kalamos provides healthy

homemade foods and ready-to-eat meals.

They also cater! Showcasing some of

Greece’s signature ingredients is Kalamos’

specialty. Kalamos is the place to go for

authentic Greek cuisine.

A Signature Greek Recipe -

Baklava

Baklava Ingredients

For the Baklava: 1 pound pistachios and/or walnuts, coarsely ground, plus more for garnish; 1/2

teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste; 1 cup ground zwieback crackers or breadcrumbs; 4 sticks

unsalted butter, melted; 16 sheets phyllo dough (thawed, if frozen), cut in half

For the Syrup: 3 cups sugar; one 6 -to-8-ounce jar honey; 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

27

Baklava Directions

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Combine the nuts, cinnamon

and ground crackers in a bowl. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with some of the butter. Layer 10

pieces of phyllo in the dish, brushing each piece with butter before adding the next (keep the

remaining dough covered with a damp towel). Sprinkle a quarter of the nut mixture over the dough.

Layer 4 pieces of phyllo on top, brushing each with butter before adding the next; sprinkle with

another quarter of the nut mixture. Add 4 more phyllo pieces on top, brushing each with butter, then

add another quarter of the nut mixture, 4 more pieces of phyllo with butter, and the remaining nuts.

Layer the remaining 10 pieces of phyllo on top of the nuts, brushing each with butter; brush the top

piece with extra butter. Cut into

the baklava to make strips,

about 1 1/2 inches wide. Then

make diagonal slices, about 1

1/2 inches apart, to create a

diamond pattern. Bake until

golden, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, make the syrup:

Bring the sugar, honey and 1

1/2 cups water to a boil in a

saucepan over medium heat

and cook, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the lemon juice and boil 2 more minutes, then let cool slightly.

Pour the syrup over the warm baklava; let soak, uncovered, at least 6 hours or overnight. Garnish

with nuts. Enjoy!

The Kalamos Market guidebook section was prepared by Bryan Castro, Sophia Gardner, Serena Hughes, and Nicole Pietro

28

If you want some

traditional Asian food,

Mekong International Foods

is the place for you. Located

at 747 Main Street in

Worcester, MA 01610, the

store brings faraway food to

a place right around the

corner. A variety of meats,

fruits, vegetables, and exotic

fish are available, along with

dragon fruit, coconut cake

and other exciting choices.

If you are looking to try

something new, the Mekong

market is the place to go.

As you step into the

Mekong market, you will be

greeted by friendly staff at

the register. They will give

you a warm welcome and

encourage you to explore and

help yourself. There is a

large area to look around and

take in the Asian culture.

This is a family business with

a kind and friendly

atmosphere, which helps to

make the experience of a

new store very enjoyable.  

Mekong International Foods An Asian Grocery Store

747 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610 (508) 304-1437

Type to enter text

29

Ingredients

•6 pieces of white sandwich bread

•A pinch of salt

•A cup of coconut milk

• 8 asian dwarf bananas or 5 regular bananas

•2 tablespoons of melted butter

•Two tablespoons of rum

•3 tablespoons of granulated sugar

Bánh Chuôi Nuóng (Vietnamese Baked Banana Cake)

1. Cut the bananas into horizontal and vertical slices

2. Add the sugar and rum to the chopped bananas

3. Shake and or stir carefully (make sure not to smash the bananas!)

4. Set the banana mixture aside for 30 min

5. Meanwhile put the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and salt into a bowl

6. Mix thoroughly

7. Cut the crust off the bread slices

8. Break the bread into small pieces

9. Add bread to coconut milk mixture

10. Stir well

11. Set aside for 15 min

12. Use half of the melted butter to grease the pan.

13. Add a layer of chopped bananas and then the mixture into the pan (do this twice)

14. Add the remainder of the bananas to the top

15. Drizzle the rest of the butter onto the top and put into the oven

16. Put the oven at 350˚ and cook for about 45 min

17. Put in the refrigerator over night, eat the next day! 30

3 Ready-to-eat Foods That You Might Like at Mekong Dragon Fruit Strawberry Jello Coconut Cake

The dragon fruit can be used

in many Asian recipes, but

when it is eaten by itself it still

tastes great. It is purple,

yellow, and red on the

outside, but the inside is white

with many little, black seeds.

Delicious! The strawberry jello is smooth

and almost seems creamy. It

has little chunks of strawberries

inside. It is pinkish red with

sweet juices.

Enjoy!

The coconut cake is very sweet and tastes of coconut and sugar.  The

coconut cake available at the Mekong market is about the size of your fist.  It is nice for a snack but if served in quantity, it can be a

delectable dessert.  It looks like a small piece of bread, but you’ll

find out it is more than that as soon as you take a bite.

Try it!

5 Grocery Items You Can Find at Mekong Market

Fish There are many types of fish at the Mekong market, varying in color, size, and species. They are from many parts of the world, and always fresh.

Cow skin Used in many Asian cooking recipes, this has a similar taste to bacon.

31

Squid Also known as calamari, it is served in thin, white strips.

Cookle This sugar based snack tastes a lot like a candy you may know today, rock candy!

Butter Coconut Cracker

A crunchy delight with the sweet taste of coconut baked with butter.

“This is a market that has been owned by my

family for many years. I plan to

make each customer as happy as I possibly can.”

- The Owner

“The prices here are much better than a

regular super market. My family and I are are able

to enjoy high quality fish and fruit for low

prices.”

-A Customer

The Mekong market is one of

Worcester’s most interesting

specialty stores. They provide a

wide variety of Asian ingredients

for cooking, as well as common

cookies and sweets you could find

in Asia.  This market is great for

finding foods that you may not

get at your local grocery store.

 Not only is Mekong Market the

place for you, but it is the place

for everyone.

The Mekong guidebook section was prepared by Mitra Asdigha, Jordyn Cooper, Joshua Isakson, Luke Mazur, and Zachary Welch

32

PATEL BROTHERS INDIAN MARKETPLACE

504 BOSTON TURNPIKE, SHREWSBURY, MA 01545

(508) 842-9600

You know that you will enjoy your experience when

you go through the door of Patel Brothers, located at 504

Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury. There are many different

sights and smells to greet you as you come through. The

first thing that you will notice is the great variety that the

store has to offer.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are the first thing to catch

your eye, with produce ranging from the everyday

supermarket items to exotic tropical fruits. Aside from

fresh foods, there are non-perishable items on shelves and

in boxes on a stand, and even shampoo and other such

toiletries.

As you look through the store, you will see many

interesting foods and delicacies throughout Patel Brothers.

You will find Indian specialties not sold in regular

supermarkets, and experience an exciting and unusual

approach to food vending, featuring everything from a

sweet dessert like Gulab Jamun to a crunchy snack like

Kurkure, from frozen potato samosas to canned coconut

milk, from sweet biscuits to juicy mangos.

Wide variety of frozen foods

Large selection of fruits and vegetables

Huge selection of pre-packaged foods and other goods

33

If you ask Patel Brothers staff about the typical customer’s buying patterns, you’ll hear that

“It is hard to choose a favorite food when everything is good!” and “Something different is popular

everyday.” You’ll hear the same from the customers. One customer did admit to having a favorite

aspect of the store: the fresh vegetables and aromatic spices offered for cooking Indian at home. All

the foods here are diverse, to feed the diverse crowd of people who come to shop on different days.

It is a great experience to go to Patel Brothers.

From talking to the owner, Suresh Patel, you can learn a lot about the history of the

supermarket. You can learn all about the beginnings. The whole Patel Brothers franchise began in

Chicago in 1971, and has since spread to Massachusetts, Texas, New York, Florida, Washington and

California. This particular store, part of the fifty-two store Patel Brothers chain, opened in

Shrewsbury in 2009. They are currently expanding at this location, and when the expansion is

finished, the store will double in size. With Patel Brothers stores ranging in size from 8,000 square

feet to 30,000 square feet, they can provide great quantity, variety and diversity to their customers.

Despite the incredibly rich diversity of the shop, the overall culture is Indian. India is a

country in Southern Asia on the Indian sub-continent. Today, it is the 7th largest country in the

world with 3,287,590 sq. km. of land. 1,220,800,359 people live in

the Republic of India making it the 2nd most populated nation in

the world. India has 29 states and 7 union territories. 82% of the

citizens of India are of the Hindu religion which is the primary

background of the shop. At Patel Brothers, most of the food is

either South Indian, Punjabi, or Gujarati food. Most of these

foods are from the Southern region of India. As you can see, Patel

Brothers is a very

diverse store full of

very cultural foods.

www.patelbros.com

34

Gulab Jamun: A Classic Indian DessertINGREDIENTS

1 cup nonfat milk powder

1/4 cup all purpose flour (plain flour, maida)

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup heavy cream, use as needed

1/4 teaspoon cardamom coarsely ground

1-1/2 cup sugar

METHOD

For Syrup: In a pan, add water and sugar. Bring it to boil, stir until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat. Set aside.

For Gulab Jamun:

1. In a bowl, mix milk powder, all purpose flour, baking soda, and cardamom. Add cream and mix it well. This will be consistency of soft dough, if it is too dry add 1 to 2 spoons of milk as needed, not the cream. Dough should be very soft and sticking to fingers. As dough sits, milk powder will absorb the extra cream. Cover and set aside for about 10 minutes.

2. Knead the dough; grease your palm before working the dough.

3. Divide the dough into 18 equal parts and roll them into round balls.

4. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat. The frying pan should have at least 1 inch of oil. Notes: To test if the oil is the right temperature, place a small piece of dough into the oil; oil should sizzle but it should take about 30 seconds to rise the dough. If dough rises faster, oil is too hot; if dough just sits without rising, oil is not hot enough.

5. Place the gulab jamuns in the frying pan. Note: remember gulab jamuns will expand to about double the size, so give them enough space, and don’t over crowd them.

6. It should take about 7 minutes to fry the gulab jamuns. While frying, keep rolling the gulab jamuns so they are evenly browned. You can make gulab jamuns in different sizes and shapes. Fry until the gulab jamuns become brown.

7. Let the gulab jamuns cool off for a few minutes before placing them in the hot syrup, not boiling.

8. The gulab jamuns should sit in the syrup for at least 20 minutes prior to serving.

The Patel Brothers guidebook section was prepared by Liam Kirk, Connor Ojerholm, Michael Rabinovich and Jovann Vega

35

 

36

History of the Store

Plaza Supermarket is a family business run by Robert Monegro. The store was founded 40 years old on July 27th in 1975. The whole Monegro family works at the store. Worcester’s Plaza Market is one of many around the country.

Plaza Market’s original and current owners are from the Dominican Republic. The DR is surrounded by the waters of the Caribbean. It occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti. It is a total of 48,670 sq km, with hot and tropical weather throughout the year.

PLAZA SUPERMARKET 1000 Main Street Worcester, MA, 01603 (508) 752-5406

A Spanish and American Grocery Store Hours: 7 am - 10 pm

37

Flan

Rice Pudding

French Bread

Malta Goya

Typical Dominican Foods you will find at Plaza Supermarket

Chocolate Bimbo Cookies

38

“One of the most delicious and most popular breakfast recipes you

can have! “

- Robert (Plaza Supermarket owner)

The Plaza Supermarket guidebook section was prepared by Tiley Jones, Fred Manoog, Mercy Unoh, and Clarice Xu

39

40

STREET VIEW OF THE SUJAN NEPALESE MARKET You walk into the small, cozy market, and the first thing you see are all the colors. While the Sujan Market, which is open from 9 am to 9 pm, may not be the biggest market in Worcester, it certainly has many items for sale. From food, to clothing, to trinkets, to jewelry, this unique market definitely has it all. Intricate Nepalese souvenirs line the walls, and everywhere you look you will find some interesting and exciting items. The Sujan Market, on 228 Chandler Street, is just like stepping into Nepal. The spices overwhelm your nose, and the traditional Nepalese clothes, food, and gift items are wonderful aspects of the cultural market. In addition to shelves and shelves of fascinating items, the friendly people there completed the Nepalese experience. As you walk

by, even if you don’t speak the same language, customers will greet you with a warm smile and a “hello.” According to an employee from Bhutan, there is a very strong sense of community at the store. Mostly, the customers are Indian or Nepalese. The manager of this family business is named Ramesh. The shop is just bursting with history and culture, and if you get the chance, talk to a customer or employee next time you wander into the Sujan Market. Where can you find cashew cookies and lychee juice? Why the Sujan Market, of course! At the market, you will find vegetables, sweets, fish, food for religious purposes, and other unique food. The buttery cashew cookie is an excellent treat, with rich, toasted, nutty flavors that fill your mouth as you crunch. For just 50¢, you can buy a package of nine

41

Good Day Britannia cashew cookies! If you want a refreshing drink, then pick up some lychee juice! The Rubicon lychee juice comes in a big, white carton for just $2.99. The wonderful, floral flavor tastes sweet and excitingly exotic. Among other unique ready-to-eat foods at the Sujan Market are the assortments of Guru Kripa Foods dry mixed treats. A wonderful box of vibrant and colorful mixed treats sits in the corner of a refrigerator at the Sujan Market. A hidden jewel, this decadent assortment of wonderful delicacies (with a price of $3.49) contains many flavors, each one very unique. One of the treats, bright pink and coconut flavored, crumbles in your mouth as you take a bite. Even just looking at the fascinating ingredients and groceries will amaze you! As you look around, you will notice boxes of fresh honey comb on one of the shelves. The beautiful, golden color is extremely enticing. How many markets do you know that sell real, fresh, honey comb for $9.99? Or that sell elaichi khati? Pistachio cookies, elaichi khati, also reside in the Sujan market. For only $3.99, you can buy this different and tasty snack. The mango lassi drink, for only $2.99, might pair well with this alluring cookie. Its bright orange hue draws in customers. Speaking of color, the vivid red of the habaneros shines amongst the other produce. For $7.49 a pound, this pepper will surely make your day brighter. All these exotic groceries are definitely worth getting, but don’t forget about other groceries like flour. The Sujan market boasts many varieties of flour, including Meera Gram Flour. This authentic Nepalese flour is like no other, and for only $5.99. For all these reasons, the Sujan Market is one of the most amazing cultural markets in Worcester.

Mahabharat Range and the Churia Hills. The Terai part of Nepal (which is an extension of India’s Gangetic Plains) is in the south. Up until the 1950s, this region was mainly a sub-tropical rainforest. Now, 48% of the population occupies this region. This region also has excellent farming land.

Geography of NepalNepal, a country in Asia, is located between China and India. Nepal’s capital is Kathmandu. Three parts comprise Nepal: the Terai region, the Hill region, and the Mountain region. In the north part of Nepal, the mountainous area, are the Himalayas, home to Earth’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. This is the least populated area in Nepal. The hill area is situated in the middle of Nepal, and consists of the

42

Regional CuisineWhile Nepal does not have an exact style of cooking, the cuisine is mainly influenced by Tibetan and Indian styles of cooking. The traditional Nepalese meal consists of dal (a lentil soup), bhat (boiled rice), tarkari (curried vegetables), and also an achar (a pickle). Curried meat is also extremely popular in Nepal, but because it is expensive, it is usually saved for special occasions. Another popular snack is momos, a steamed or fried dumpling. To eat meals in Nepal, cutlery is generally not used. Instead, you eat with your hands, specifically, your right hand. Food in Nepal is healthy and tasty, seeing as they use many vegetables and meats (except beef) in their dishes instead of fats.

Cultural BackgroundIn Nepal, the most common religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, Bon, ancestor worship and animism, however most people in Nepal are either Buddhists or Hindus. In Nepal, they have various sets of customs because of the ethnic diversity. There are many Hindu and Buddhist customs and traditions. One of the traditions (in a traditional wedding) is that the parents arrange a marriage once the boy or girl comes of age. Mostly in Nepal, the men work and the women do not. It does, however, vary from city to city. In Nepal, there is a caste system, to which people tend to abide. Nepal has a very interesting and diverse culture.

Above: Dry Mixed Treats at the Sujan Market.

Above: statues of deities at the Sujan Market.

Facebook for Sujan Market:https://www.facebook.com/sujangrocerymarket

43

Recipe For Momo - Traditional Nepalese Meat DumplingIngredientsWrapper 3 cup All-purpose flour1 cup waterPinch of salt(Alternatively, buy egg roll wrapper )Filling1 lb ground or minced chicken/turkey/lamb/pork1 cup onion (finely chopped)½ cup shallots (finely chopped)½ cup cilantro, chopped½ cup diced tomatoes1 teaspoon garlic paste1 teaspoon ginger paste¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional)1 teaspoon cumin powder1 teaspoon coriander powder3 fresh chillies (paste)4 tablespoon butterSalt to taste

Filling:1. Combine all the ingredients. Mix well. Adjust seasoning according to taste.

Wrapper (if you buy the wrapper, steps 2-6 are unnecessary):2. Combine flour, salt, and water in a bowl. Mix well, knead until the dough becomes similar to pizza dough.3. Optional: Cover and let stand for about one hour. Before making the wrapper, knead well again.4. Prepare 1 inch dough balls. Roll them between your palms to into a spherical shape.5. With dry flour, dust working board. Gently flatten the ball with rolling pin to about 2 inch diameter circle.6. Repeat steps 3-4 again for more wrappers.

Packing Dumplings:7. Hold wrapper on one palm. Put about 1 spoon of filling in middle of wrapper.8. Bring all edges together to center with your other hand, making the pleats. Pinch and twist the pleats to make sure the dumpling is absolutely closed. Closing the meat inside the wrapper is the secret of tasty and juicy dumplings.

Steaming Dumplings:9. In steamer, heat up water. 10. Oil the steamer rack well. Or, you can put cabbage leaves on bottom to prevent dumplings from sticking to rack. Then put dumplings in steamer.11. When water boils, close the lid on rack.12. Steam until the dumplings are cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

The Sujan Grocery guidebook section was prepared by Brianna Fisher, Fiona Price, and Ryan Ren

44

There are good reasons why Suleh Ethnic Mart’s motto is “Buy Local, Eat & Shop Global!”

The market offers an array of foods. They carry many varieties of meat, fish, and vegetables, many imported from West Africa. You will find dried crawfish, frozen stockfish bits, goat, and various packaged meats and fish including sardines, chicken luncheon loaf, and octopus in soybean oil. There are many other frozen meats and vegetables in the freezer section located on the left wall as you walk into the market.

There are also many different teas and drinks at the market. They carry aloe juice in a variety

of flavors including mango, pineapple, and an unflavored aloe juice. They also have

sodas and pineapple juice in the cooler. Towards the front of the store are shelves of tea, including lots from Jamaica. One of the teas we tried was the lemongrass tea. It was a very delicious herbal tea.

As you look at the right wall you will notice that Suleh Ethnic Mart also

carries many non-grocery products such

SULEH ETHNIC MART

222 Chandler St. Worcester, MA 01609

(508) 796-5645

African Specialties and Grocery Store

45

as natural oils, candles, and colognes. Some of the natural oils they carry are Moroccan, including argan oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, and emu oil. They also carry various body lotions, colognes, and perfumes. Near the cash register there are rows of colorful candles on the bottom shelves. On the walls of the market there are traditional, beautifully carved African masks. At the back of the shop there are many colorful traditional African clothes. There are glass cases of traditional West African jewelry.

Suleh Ethnic Mart is a family owned and operated business; the owners are from Liberia and Ghana. Daniel came to America from Ghana when he was six years old. His mother, Korpo, was originally from Liberia. Liberia and Ghana both

border Côte d’Ivoire. Ghana is located to the west on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Liberia is located to the east on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Suleh carries many foods from this area of the world. Stew and rice is a very common dish from West Africa. At Suleh Ethnic Mart, there are many ingredients to make a delicious traditional stew.

Daniel told us that his favorite things to sell at the store are in the fragrance and lotion section. He told us how Suleh Ethnic Mart will go out of their way to get a special item for a customer. If Suleh does not carry it, they will order it for you. Daniel and Korpo are very helpful and excellent with customers.

Plantain Chips - Plantains may be like bananas, but these chips are much more flavorful than a banana. The first thing you will taste is garlic. They are a crunchy and savory treat.

“My mother and I worked hard to make a living in our twelve years here by opening this store.”

- Daniel

Pineapple Aloe Juice - This juice is very fresh and refreshing. With aloe and pineapple chunks, this drink is loaded with fruity flavor. This drink is great on a warm summer day.

Guava Jelly - This preserve is filled with sweet guava. It has a very thick consistency. Tastes great on a piece of toast or a cracker.

46

Directions 1. Chop onion, peppers and garlic and cook in half of the butter until it is brown. Add the sliced banana, crushed pineapple, and curry powder.

2. Stir until it is well mixed, then add coconut milk and mango chutney; simmer until it is thick. Salt chicken, dredge in flour, and brown in the remaining butter.

3.Pass the sauce through a sieve or blend until smooth and pour over the chicken.

4.Simmer for 10 more minutes or until chicken is tender.

Liberian Coconut Chicken Curry

Ingredients • 1 Onion

• 2 Green Pepper

• 1 Clove Garlic

• 1/4 Cup Butter

• 1 Banana

• 1/2 Cup Crushed

Pineapple

• 2 tbsp Curry Powder

• 1 Quart Coconut Milk

• 1/2 Cup Mango Chutney

• 2 Disjointed Chickens

• 2 tsp Salt

• 1 1/2 tbsp Flour

The Suleh Ethnic Mart guidebook section was prepared by Emily Libertine, Zach Stolberg, and Grace Turner

47

 

48

Uncle Sam Market A Middle Eastern and American Grocery Store

The first thing you notice when you walk into Uncle Sam Market is the distinct smell of Middle Eastern spices. From cinnamon sticks to dried lemons to Rose Flavored Turkish Delights, this small but amazing market has everything you would hope to find from different countries in the Middle East and Europe, including but not limited to Turkey, France, Bulgaria, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia.

When you visit this market, you’ll meet the owner Nazek who is very friendly. She will show you foods from many different countries of the Middle East. You can sample many different foods there, including dates, crackers with papaya jam and puck cream, hummus, different candies, fruit, and more. These foods taste amazing, and some of these items are not available anywhere else in Worcester, or at these great prices. One example of this would be the spices. They smell fantastic, and give a home-like feeling to the store.

Spices are very important when cooking Middle Eastern recipes, and Uncle Sam market carries an abundance of them. Za’atar, also called allspice, is a typical cooking ingredient. Another food they carry is pre-packaged Halal meats, which are prepared according to Islamic traditions.

This market was opened up three years ago by Nazek and her husband, Dheyaa. Nazek is very kind and will gladly explain all about the market, the food, and the culture in the Middle East. Nazek and her family moved to the U.S. five years ago to help out her family. She and her husband were able to build a market with the support of her neighborhood. Ever since, they have been selling authentic foods from the Middle East.

“A lot of stores don’t have foods that are as healthy and as

good as this.”- a customer

Uncle Sam Market

Address: 151 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01608

Phone Number: (508) 755- 8900

Hours of Operation: 9am-8pm Everyday

49

Papaya Jam:

You should take the opportunity to try this jam.

Nazek, one of the owners, says that it is one of her

favorite things to have for dinner. It is very fruity, with tons of different

subtle flavors.

Rose Flavored Turkish Delights:

These sweet-tasting Turkish Delights will bring you back to a

rose garden. The powdered sugar-covered, light pink cubes are a great treat to have!

Spices: You will love the aromas of the

spices like cardamom, coriander, cumin and more. All of these Middle Eastern spices are great for many different foods to add an extra kick.

Each spice has a different taste which makes them all unique.

Crackers:

These light flaky crackers will make your day. If added with some jam

and cream, you get a great combination that Nazek herself

recommends

Some of our favorite foods from Uncle Sam Market

Dates:

These sweet dried fruits will definitely leave you wanting more. They may look dry

and brown on the outside, but they are moist and sweet on the inside. The dates

are a great way to enjoying eating healthy!

50

Ingredients

• 1 can of Garbanzo beans (15 ounce)

• 3 tablespoons of Tahini (sesame paste)

• 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil

• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup of water

• 3 cloves of garlic (crushed)

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin

• 1 pinch of Paprika

• 1 sprig of (chopped) fresh parsley

Traditional Middle Eastern Hummus Topping Prep Time: 10 minutes, recipe makes 2 servings

Directions

1. Place Garbanzo Beans, Tahini, Olive

Oil, Lemon Juice, water, garlic, and

cumin into a food processor

2. Process until smooth (about 1

minute)

3. Transfer to a bowl and top off the

hummus with paprika and fresh

parsley

51

The foods grown in the Middle East are reflected in the

cuisine and the culture of the region. The climate is very

hot and dry most of the year. Some foods that are grown

there include wheats such as bulgur and couscous,

olives, fruits and vegetables, and legumes such as

chickpeas. These items are often combined and flavored

with other specialty foods such as yogurt, za’atar, sumac,

olive oil, sesame seed products, and lemon. Other

typical ingredients featured in Uncle Sam Market include

dried fruits. They also have many varieties of flatbread.

It shows how Middle Eastern foods are based on what

grows there.

Food From The Middle East

“You can always come to me

(with questions) about the

food and help with recipes.”

--Nazek

The Uncle Sam Market guidebook section was prepared by Neha Panigrahi, Mykah Puryear DeMeulenaere, and Maxwell Vinzi 52

Worcester Academy’s mission is to instill in its students the desire to learn throughout life,

to engage passionately with the world around them, and to be honorable persons of strong and

resourceful character.