Chan Oriental Market is a mom & pop market that sells your Asian staples like rice, noodles, sauces, spices, etc. Besides dried goods, Chan also sells produce you won't typically find in any market like various mints and Asian basil leaves that you'll get for less than $2. Located in Bloomington, this market offers much more than that.
They have speciality homemade savory snacks like Bahn Bao which is bun with pork meat inside. Other ready-made snacks available are fried egg rolls that you can buy by the count. They also fry fresh Youtiao which are Chinese Doughnut sticks that you can buy by the bundle. These donuts are not your typical donut you'll find in any shops. These soft, savory donuts are usually eaten with noodle soups or congee. However, these are not available daily so if you need them, better call ahead or check the stores early. They also have Jian Dui which are Chinese Fried Sesame Dessert Balls. These classic Chinese desserts are made with glutinous rice flour and the filling is made of lentils.
But what I really drive to Chan Oriental Market for is the ready-made Bánh mì sandwiches. For $6 each, these sandwiches are worth the price in my book. The bread is freshly baked and is soft inside but still has that distinct crunch on the outside. There is plenty of pork sausage sliced meat included in this sandwich and you can definitely taste and see the pâté on the roll. The pickled carrots and daikon provide a nice sweet tang. The cilantro, cucumber and jalapeño slices add freshness. But like all the other ready-made snacks, be sure to come early because they go out fast. They also have freshly made desserts and spring rolls ready for customers.
In my two weeks visiting Richfield, I must have gone to this market at least 5x times just to peruse the aisles and buy snacks. If you're thirsty, you can also let the counter know if you want Vietnamese iced coffee or fresh squeezed sugar cane drink. Now more than ever, small businesses like this need our support. Because like restaurants, markets still have to battle with rising inflation, demand for better pay, and higher transportation costs to keep supplying us with produce and dried goods. read more