Seeking Japanese Market, and other asian goods in Merced/Modesto/Fresno

[red_the_opinionated]

I'm lucky enough to be moving back to Yosemite National Park, but will miss the amazing Asian offerings that Portland Oregon has had for me.

Do any of you know of any Japanese markets? We've only found a small asian market in Merced, and a Korean market in Fresno.

Also, any good SE asian places in Merced? We used to frequent V's Noodle House, but when we went back to visit last year, it was closed! I came close to crying over that one, I've never had better mussels in my life.

Any tips you guys have would be much appreciated! Going out to eat is great, but I'm hoping that I don't have to resort to ordering some of my staple foods from an online source!!!

[cshack_21]

The one I frequent quite often is RN Market on Herndon and Cedar. Great place for unique Asian ingredients at very good prices.

[fresnohotspot]

... and don't forget the delightful Chinese bakery right next to R-N. They have fresh baozi (siopao) eveyday - I think they are closed Mondays. They also sell barbecued and roasted pork by the pound, and chopped to your request.

There a quite a few links to SE Asian spots in Fresno, here is one on places I've tried regularly.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/418227

... and here is a recent one on a Lao spot which I tried this week and really liked.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/622595

[Gail]

fresnohotspot, thanks for the heads up for the bakery. I'm in RN frequently and have never noticed it.

Regarding the Chinese markets, there used to be one in Mission Village (Fresno/Shaw). If it's still there, they have cooked to-go food as well.

[susancinsf]

a place in Merced that made you cry over missed mussels when it closed? oh no, sorry to have missed that!

Try Houa Khong in Merced for Lao, and let us know what you think...

The only Asian market I know of in Merced is a small one near El Rancho Market; (don't remember the name); is that the one you are thinking of. You can get Asian vegetables at the farmer's markets, and also check the farm stand on McKee near Bear Creek Rd; open daily. (all their produce is grown right there).

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Houa Khong Restaurant
85 E 13th St, Merced, CA 95341

[Sam Fujisaka]

red, have things changed that much? I grew up in Fresno (and worked a couple of summers in Yosemite). When I went to grad school at U of O in 1972, I had to get my Japanese goods in Fresno to truck back to Oregon.

[bgazindad]

When was the last time you were in Fresno?

[Sam Fujisaka]

Was born there, left after graduating Fresno State in '72 and have been back now and then since - although it has been several years since my last visit.

[bgazindad]

I left Fresno in 1970 to go to Long Beach State. I go to Fresno to visit my parents. My mom used to work at Central Fish. Central Fish is the only remaining Japanese grocery store left and is now owned by American Fish and Seafood Co. Star, Yaohan, Fresno Fish are all gone.

[Sam Fujisaka]

In the 50s and 60s the (Central Fish) fishman used to come once a week to our house near McLane HS. Fish, Japanese goods, and Tomoe Ame (sp?) for the kids - with the edible rice paper and the little part of the box with the toy. We used to know all the Central Fish People and my buddy Bobby's father owned the buildings across the street.

[PolarBear]

Central Fish in Fresno at G and Kern Sts. is also a Japanese market. Many SE Asian markets and restaurants here as well.