Treats & hidden gems from Cork's ethnic food shops

Pen Rua

Inspired by Owldshtok's thread in the Galway forum, I thought a thread to share hidden gems & interesting food in Cork's ethnic food shops might be a nice idea (and also a way to support small businesses in Cork?).

Wondered if anyone here want to share some ideas?

the beer revolu

I really like Jia Jai on Cornmarket Street.
Lots of dim sum in the freezers. Great noodles, rice. Fresh Asian veg. Spices and sauces.
Very friendly in there too.

Samhain

+1 for Jia Jia, bit cramped in there though. Was just in there today to get some of the frozen gyozas. Sensasian out in Ballincollig is very good too, great selection and they make their own heat and eat takeaway stuff. For Indian spices etc, it's hard to beat Spicetown in Bishopstown for price and selection. Very nice people in all three places too.

pwurple

I love Jia Jia too. The snack section is brilliant. They have a big range of nissin noodles. And frozen thin pancakes for duck pancakes.

Mercury eastern European supermarket is a great spot too. In the summer we got watermelons we could barely carry! Loads of great beers. Huge cured meats section. I find them quite good for things like polenta as well.

the beer revolu

Yup, if it wasn't for Polish shops, I'd really struggle to find polenta.
They're good for cherries in season, too.

LapsypaCork

Polonez by the back of Woodies is brilliant, they have a fantastic meat counter (always busy) and a great range of chilled and frozen food, very clean and reasonably priced, it’s my favourite of all the Polish/Eastern European food stores. I bake a lot and find they have a wide range such as fresh yeast, spices etc at a much cheaper price than the Irish shops.
Also, I 2nd Spicetown in Bishopstown for Indian sauces and spices. They also do amazing frozen naan bread at a fraction of what you would pay in Irish supermarket and taste just like you would have in a restaurant.

RINO87

LapsypaCork wrote: »

Polonez by the back of Woodies is brilliant, they have a fantastic meat counter (always busy) and a great range of chilled and frozen food, very clean and reasonably priced, it’s my favourite of all the Polish/Eastern European food stores. I bake a lot and find they have a wide range such as fresh yeast, spices etc at a much cheaper price than the Irish shops.
Also, I 2nd Spicetown in Bishopstown for Indian sauces and spices. They also do amazing frozen naan bread at a fraction of what you would pay in Irish supermarket and taste just like you would have in a restaurant.

Polenz in Blackpool is a great shop too, staff are good for meal tips!

gooseman12

The tins of chipotle chilis in adobe sauce from mr bells have been a revelation to me.
https://mrbells.ie/product/especia-chipoltes-in-adobo-sauce-215g/


Really spicy & smoky, its was the missing magic ingredient in my chili con carne for years

sharingan

gooseman12 wrote: »

The tins of chipotle chilis in adobe sauce from mr bells have been a revelation to me.
https://mrbells.ie/product/especia-chipoltes-in-adobo-sauce-215g/


Really spicy & smoky, its was the missing magic ingredient in my chili con carne for years

Mr Bells also do dried chillis - chipotle, ancho and others. Quite hard to source in general, and while I struggle to call them cheap, they do seem quite reasonably priced compared with UK supermarkets when i was able to source equivalent in London.

igCorcaigh

gooseman12 wrote: »

The tins of chipotle chilis in adobe sauce from mr bells have been a revelation to me.
https://mrbells.ie/product/especia-chipoltes-in-adobo-sauce-215g/


Really spicy & smoky, its was the missing magic ingredient in my chili con carne for years

Agreed!

Mr Bells have really upped their game in terms of mexican food.

Try these corn tacos. Very tasty.

igCorcaigh

Probably the hottest chili sauce I ever tasted. Lovely fresh ginger aroma but blistering hot. Green habanero. For serious heat lovers only.

I used to buy it in that Indian shop on Bridge Street, does that still exist?

the beer revolu

igCorcaigh wrote: »

Yes, it's still there.
Another around the corner on Cogburg Street, too.

sammyjo90

igCorcaigh wrote: »

Agreed!

Mr Bells have really upped their game in terms of mexican food.

Try these corn tacos. Very tasty.]

I always buy my mexican stuff from picado in dublin. Didnt know they had started selling corn tortillas.
Good to know!

Herb Powell

LapsypaCork wrote: »

Also, I 2nd Spicetown in Bishopstown for Indian sauces and spices. They also do amazing frozen naan bread at a fraction of what you would pay in Irish supermarket and taste just like you would have in a restaurant.

Didn't know this place existed, nice one

lostinsuperfunk

Some great suggestions on this thread, keep them coming.

I really like the Italian deli on Forge Hill, it has a small selection but everything I've tried has been really good.

Has anyone tried:

• The Turkish shop in Wilton
• Promo Eastern European supermarket on Vicar's Road

Also, I 2nd Spicetown in Bishopstown for Indian sauces and spices.

I spotted a similar-looking place on South Douglas Road, any good?

Samhain

Has anyone tried:

Promo Eastern European supermarket on Vicar's Road

I have been to Promo a few times. Very well stocked, they have the Dimdinkaposta Stewed Sauerkraut that i love. Comes in a little bucket and is incredibly moreish. They also have a few different kinds of Milk Kefir which is handier than making it yourself.

The Turkish shop in Wilton

No and i'm surprised i havent seen it as i live around there. Tell us more!

igCorcaigh

lostinsuperfunk wrote: »

I really like the Italian deli on Forge Hill, it has a small selection but everything I've tried has been really good.

Delitaly on Marlboro street is a lovely Italian deli too.

Very nice lemon biscuits, I can't recall the name, and also this pre-grated pecorino is lovely (I use it on soup):



They also have a fresh meat deli counter for freshly cut pancetta etc.

lostinsuperfunk

Promo sounds good, I must make a visit. The Marlboro Street Italian deli is very good too. The Forge Hill one is probably better for dry goods like pasta, sauces, rice and wine.

The Turkish shop is on Summerstown Road: https://goo.gl/maps/VnqpCuy8t3VHmBRD7

I've walked past a couple of times but have never gone in. It's a bit nondescript-looking from the outside.

Samhain

Thanks for the tip. I have actually cycled past it a few times myself too but thought it was just a normal estate corner shop. Will check it out and report 😊

pwurple

igCorcaigh wrote: »

Delitaly on Marlboro street is a lovely Italian deli too.

Very nice lemon biscuits, I can't recall the name, and also this pre-grated pecorino is lovely (I use it on soup):
They also have a fresh meat deli counter for freshly cut pancetta etc.

Ah yes, that place is fab!


Iago's, I know is well known for italian bits, but they alsohave a shelf at the back with cans of spanish staples, like Spanish Piquillos Peppers (6 euro, but there must be 30+ big roasted peppers jammed in there. Little cans of chillis (about 2 euro a can). And small cans of olive oil. Those big peppers are perfect for stuffing and sticking in the oven for a few mins. Goats cheese, tuna, sausagemeat, whatever you fancy. Or, I have them as a layer in sandwiches too.

They stock preserved lemons in there too, which can be hard to get here. Those are often listed in north african recipes like tagines.

Bassfish

Place near the entrance of North Main St Shopping Centre, no idea what the name is. Small little place but very good selection South Asian ingredients. Whole spices and blends and sauces. Handy spot.

the beer revolu

Bassfish wrote: »

Place near the entrance of North Main St Shopping Centre, no idea what the name is. Small little place but very good selection South Asian ingredients. Whole spices and blends and sauces. Handy spot.

They tend to have a good selection of fresh veg there, too.

LapsypaCork

Bassfish wrote: »

Place near the entrance of North Main St Shopping Centre, no idea what the name is. Small little place but very good selection South Asian ingredients. Whole spices and blends and sauces. Handy spot.

Try the fig jam some day with cheese, it’s heavenly. Iago’s is one of my favourite shops in Cork, amazing selection of goods in there including fresh pasta and sausage.

Nigel Fairservice

gooseman12 wrote: »

The tins of chipotle chilis in adobe sauce from mr bells have been a revelation to me.
https://mrbells.ie/product/especia-chipoltes-in-adobo-sauce-215g/


Really spicy & smoky, its was the missing magic ingredient in my chili con carne for years

Thanks, bought a few tins of it to try it in my chili con carne.

igCorcaigh

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

Thanks, bought a few tins of it to try it in my chili con carne.

They do carry a level of heat, in addition to the smokiness.

You can try chopping them, or maybe blending them, just be careful before you chuck the whole can in!

Nigel Fairservice

igCorcaigh wrote: »

They do carry a level of heat, in addition to the smokiness.

You can try chopping them, or maybe blending them, just be careful before you chuck the whole can in!

Thanks, good to know. I would have chucked in the whole can

Nigel Fairservice

My Mr. Bells delivery arrived this morning. very fast service from them.

I threw in half a can of the chipotle chilis in tonight's dinner, strong stuff. My nose was running a bit eating it :pac:

calnand

igCorcaigh wrote: »

Delitaly on Marlboro street is a lovely Italian deli too.

Very nice lemon biscuits, I can't recall the name, and also this pre-grated pecorino is lovely (I use it on soup):


They also have a fresh meat deli counter for freshly cut pancetta etc.

They're run by the same crowd. Its where I go for all my pizza toppings.

corks finest

pwurple wrote: »

Ah yes, that place is fab!


Iago's, I know is well known for italian bits, but they alsohave a shelf at the back with cans of spanish staples, like Spanish Piquillos Peppers (6 euro, but there must be 30+ big roasted peppers jammed in there. Little cans of chillis (about 2 euro a can). And small cans of olive oil. Those big peppers are perfect for stuffing and sticking in the oven for a few mins. Goats cheese, tuna, sausagemeat, whatever you fancy. Or, I have them as a layer in sandwiches too.

They stock preserved lemons in there too, which can be hard to get here. Those are often listed in north african recipes like tagines.

Red pepper in a sandwich is savage

scuby

Spanish shop near carrigtwohill
https://www.heartofspain.ie/

Cork Oriental Supermarket Dalton avenue

igCorcaigh

scuby wrote: »

Spanish shop near carrigtwohill
https://www.heartofspain.ie/

Iberian Way on Douglas Street used to be a great Spanish deli a couple of years back, before they transitioned to a tapas cafe.

Canned mussels in escabeche, fried tomato and onion sauce in little cartons, bonito del norte tuna, fresh breads...

Do they still have a deli section, or closed now?

the beer revolu

[quote="scuby;116528334"

Cork Oriental Supermarket Dalton avenue[/quote]

That's a very strange place.
It was interesting when they had the restaurant going.
They are, generally, unfriendly to the point where it's almost funny.

It's worth a gander in there but, mostly, I prefer to give my custom to the friendly folk in JiaJia.

Pen Rua

the beer revolu wrote: »

That's a very strange place.
It was interesting when they had the restaurant going.
They are, generally, unfriendly to the point where it's almost funny.

It's worth a gander in there but, mostly, I prefer to give my custom to the friendly folk in JiaJia.

I had a poke around there once and recalled it being relatively more expensive than JiaJia and they had very little small pouches of spices etc. All big bags not suited to a two person house.

igCorcaigh

New Mexican products in Mr. Bells!

Mole sauce, epazote, tomatillos....

https://twitter.com/MrBellsCork/status/1370691570903740417?s=19

Pen Rua

Where could I get fine cornmeal in the city centre? I can see it on Mr Bell's website, but I'm not keen on €6.95 shipping.

igCorcaigh

Pen Rua wrote: »

Where could I get fine cornmeal in the city centre? I can see it on Mr Bell's website, but I'm not keen on €6.95 shipping.

Mr Bells is open though.

the beer revolu

Pen Rua wrote: »

Where could I get fine cornmeal in the city centre? I can see it on Mr Bell's website, but I'm not keen on €6.95 shipping.

How fine?
Polish shops sell cornmeal (polenta to me) but it's not flour fine, if you get me.

Pen Rua

the beer revolu wrote: »

How fine?
Polish shops sell cornmeal (polenta to me) but it's not flour fine, if you get me.

The recipe I want to try says "normal, finely ground cornmeal" - hard to suss it out from the video.

the beer revolu

Pen Rua wrote: »

The recipe I want to try says "normal, finely ground cornmeal" - hard to suss it out from the video.

What's it for?

Pen Rua

the beer revolu wrote: »

What's it for?

Cornbread.

the beer revolu

Pen Rua wrote: »

Cornbread.

Hmm, the stuff I'm talking about is probably a little to coarse for cornbread.

LapsypaCork

Pen Rua wrote: »

Where could I get fine cornmeal in the city centre? I can see it on Mr Bell's website, but I'm not keen on €6.95 shipping.

I’m pretty sure I saw it in the newly opened Tesco in Douglas.

Pen Rua

Would any (city centre) ethnic / Asian etc store have peanut oil?

I’m looking for it for a recipe (frying) and it is sold in Tesco, but circa €2.50 for 500ml and I suspect I would need a couple of bottles.

I happened to be passing Khan Spices on North Main St but no luck.

Samhain

Try Jia Jia, I have seen different oils there. Fyi, peanut oil is also known as Groundnut oil.

Pen Rua

Samhain wrote: »

Try Jia Jia, I have seen different oils there. Fyi, peanut oil is also known as Groundnut oil.

Will do. That was in my head - the value for money in Jia Jia for things like soy sauce, rice wine vinegar etc is much, much better v Tesco

the beer revolu

Pen Rua wrote: »

Would any (city centre) ethnic / Asian etc store have peanut oil?

I’m looking for it for a recipe (frying) and it is sold in Tesco, but circa €2.50 for 500ml and I suspect I would need a couple of bottles.

I happened to be passing Khan Spices on North Main St but no luck.

Peanut oil is actually a pretty neutral oil.
I'd be happy using sunflower oil in its place.

Pen Rua

the beer revolu wrote: »

Peanut oil is actually a pretty neutral oil.
I'd be happy using sunflower oil in its place.

We have vegetable oil to use instead, but was hoping to be able to find peanut oil at a half reasonable price. It seems to be an American thing to use it for frying.

fulanoquetal

Pen Rua wrote: »

We have vegetable oil to use instead, but was hoping to be able to find peanut oil at a half reasonable price. It seems to be an American thing to use it for frying.

Peanut (or Groundnut) oil is a pretty neutral oil - no taste of peanuts as such (don;t think of comparing to toasted sesame oil !).

The americans do use it a lot a. because they grow a lot of peanuts and b. because it has a relatively high smoke point (I think). However, a good quality sunflower oil should be a good substitute.

I used to buy a 5 gallon container of peanut oil for frying Thanksgiving Turkey whole.

the beer revolu

Lion Killer wrote: »

Where can I find some horse meat?

I'm not aware of anywhere in Cork that sells horse meat.

Herb Powell

Probably anything in Iceland

Pen Rua

I gave up on my quest for peanut oil. Jia Jia did stock it, but it was only 600ml so not much more efficient.

Separately, I stopped into the new Indian / Asian shop on North Main Street. They still don't have a sign over the front, but it came up as Fresh N Frozen Cork on my banking app.

They have a fresh meat counter at the back, but I didn't look at that too much. I did notice their staff / butcher had a full chef type uniform on (complete with the tall chef hat).

They mainly stock frozen goods - breads, meat, fish, veg etc. A lot of the stuff has £ promotional offers on them, so I'm guessing a lot of it comes via the UK.

There's very little in terms of spices, rice, dried or canned goods.

They have a fridge of various drinks & cold meats, and seem competitively priced.

We picked up some frozen bread (paratha) which was 40c cheaper than the Asian Foods place up the street. A 5 pack of the garlic one came to €3.08 and a 20 pack of plain ones (different brand) was about €5 or so, I think.

It definitely feels newer and a touch cleaner than the other two Indian shops on North Main St, but it would only be of use if you're looking for specific frozen stuff.