Cilantro Root

[HANGTOWNER]

I want to try my hand at making a Thai curry but most recipes call for cilantro root. Are there any Asian markets or farmers markets in the SF, Oakland, or Berkeley area where I might find some? Keith

[chefj]

The Lao markets on 23ave. in Richmond and El Cerrito carry them. I used to buy mine at the Alameny farmers market in the city when I lived there.

[Melanie Wong]

Some stands at SF's Civic Center farmers market sell cilantro with roots on.

Last summer I talked to some Latino organic farmers who said they bring some Bunches with roots to market for their Asian customers that want them, also letting them mature and flower. They were curious about the use. I tried to explain the process of making curry paste, likening it to mole.

[kemi5]

I'm 99.9% sure that it is the same as common cilantro (coriander) stems. That's what I use when making Gai Yang (Thai Grilled Chicken) with Sweet-Hot Chili Sauce.

[grayelf]

It is deffo the same as regular cilantro, it's just that most stores cut the roots off before displaying. There are several Asian-run greengrocers in my area that leave the roots on, so I just buy from them (as an aside, I find the leaves stay fresh longer if the roots are still on). I wouldn't be surprised if the same thing were true in SF though I obviously can't point you anywhere specific. Like chefj says, I've also noticed that stores that cater to Thais etc are more likely to leave them on if you have such a store near you. kemi, try your kai yang with the roots if you can -- I think mine tastes better done that way, though I've used stems in a pinch :-).

[chefj]

kemi5 :No, the stems are not the same as the roots and when South East Asian recipes call for "roots" they mean "roots". If you can not obtain Cilantro Roots the next best thing is stems but they do not have the intensity or quite the same flavor. Your Thai Grilled Chicken will be twice as good if you use the root. ( - 8

[wolfe]

If your get your cilantro with roots is it possible to let them sprout as can be done with basil?

[chefj]

I do not know,but cilantro is really easy to grow and if you are mostly interested in the root you do not have to worry about it bolting.
I am not sure that I know what you mean by "sprout". The Whole cilantro plant is sold not just the root by its self.

[wolfe]

When I bring home basil with roots and place it in water it flourishes for a while with the roots growing.

[chefj]

Oh. I never tried it with cilantro but I don't see why not.

[charliemyboy]

I found some several months ago at an Asian grocery on Clement St. Don't remember which one but it was on the opposite side of the street from New May Wah and maybe a block or three to the east.

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New May Wah
719 Clement St, San Francisco, CA

[HANGTOWNER]

Thanks for all the info, Keith

[twocents]

Any more recommendations for Berkeley/Oakland? I don't suppose it's available frozen?

[bgbc]

A while back I got cilantro with roots at a Thai (?) market on University near Sacramento. Can't remember the name; it's on the east side of the street.

[...tm...]

I've lived in Berkeley for three years and have yet to find a reliable source of cilantro root. Berkeley Bowl, the vendors at the Farmer's market, and the small Thai store on University occasionally have it, but not reliably. As someone above said, stems are the best substitute but are not as good. I've resorted to freezing the root sometimes when I find it and it is okay, but not as pungent and watery when pounded. Back when I had a car I stopped by The Lao markets on 23 St. in Richmond/San Pablo and didn't find any cilantro with roots attached--but maybe I was looking the wrong place or they have an intermittent supply, or I stopped by the wrong place. I tried That Luang and two that I remember being in the same parking lot as the Grocery Outlet. If there is on with a reliable supply I'll happily bike back up. I had a similar problem finding a consistent supply of Kaffir lime leaves until I bought my own tree at the Alemany Farmer's Market.

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Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon St, Berkeley, CA 94703

[Robert Lauriston]

Is there still a Thai store on University that has produce? I think the place that had been there for years closed, at least last time I walked through there looking for it all I found was one that didn't, more of a video store.

[...tm...]

There is still a Thai store on University near McGee, though from my perspective it has always been more of a video store. When I moved to the area six years ago I stayed with friends near there and was delighted to find a video store that had Mae Ploy curry pastes and a small assortment of fresh stuff--like cilantro, chili peppers, galangal, and occasionally other veggies/herbs. Then, Tuk-Tuk market opened a block away and actually had Thai produce and a great selection of dry goods for a couple years. I think the produce stocking at the video type store went down in those years, but Tuk-Tuk has closed. It is definitely not a reliable source of anything, including being open, but it's on my way home and if I feel like something Thai I might stop in. They tend to have some packaged goods that aren't as common at pan-Asian stores like yellow bean paste or gkabpi.

[Robert Lauriston]

Huh, I should have gone in and looked around, I never saw any produce from the door. Years ago there was an actual Thai grocery store on the other side of the street.

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Thailand Grocery
1704 University Ave, Berkeley, CA

[chefj]

The places on 23rd only bring it in a few times a week. I spoke with the shop keeper to find out when he would have some. I think I was there mid week and he had a couple of cases coming on Friday and saved me some.

[Michael Rodriguez]

Try one of the markets on 9th Street between Broadway and Franklin. I often see it there.

[Robert Lauriston]

Here are a couple of other places in Oakland that might have it. Sontepheap is Cambodian but I think they all like cilantro with the roots on.

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Lao Market
1619 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606

Sontepheap Market
1400 14th Ave, Oakland, CA

[mamachef]

Try calling Khanh Phong grocery store here in Oaktown. The number is 510-839-9094. It's at 429 9th st. but do call before coming over to make sure. I found them there twice.

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Khanh Phong
429 9th St, Oakland, CA