The Asia Shop

One thing I find difficult about German supermarkets is that they don't stock a lot of unusual, let's say oriental products. Only the westernised ones, like Uncle Ben's sweet and sour, or maybe a few more specialised things depending on the shop. Kaffir lime leaves, tahini paste - forget it.

I was therefore overjoyed to find the Asia Shop nestled in between a baker's and pork delicatessen in nearby Murnau. I found mild curry paste, the lovely lime leaves (a whole branch, practically), sushi ginger, tahini paste and organic red lentils, much to my delight, and Titus (who didn't go to kindergarten - again) got two fortune cookies. You know those strange Chinese biscuits with a message inside? The first message was no problem - "you will be charmed by someone next week", which I translated to T as perhaps falling in love with someone in his class. Unfortunately the second message said, "you'll get a big surprise when you get home today". I swore to him that these weren't true and he should just ignore them, but as I write, he is scouring the house and garden for the surprise. And complaining loudly. Thanks, Asia Shop.

Anyway, I digress. What I wanted to tell you was that all these wonderful ingredients cost me 25 euros. Can you believe it? Then I added insult to injury by buying some parsnips and 2 sweet potatoes at a greengrocer's nearby. Another 9.50 euros!!!! I am skint now.

No wonder people round here just stick to 'normal' ingredients. You can't enjoy your Thai curry if you're too poor to eat for another week afterwards!