In the search for affordable bulk seaweed (I’m a noted addict), my GirlieGirlfriend and personal trainer – aka life saver – Kendra Coppey suggested I head to Sunrise Mart (above my absolute favorite Independent bookshop St. Marks). Sunrise Mart is a tucked away nook of a genius in NYC’s East Village. It’s a Japanese grocery store that is so perfectly dreamy and cute, it’s practically a kitten. Stop in for the most fabulous huge glass containers of cheapity cheap kimchee, organic button mushrooms (almost too adorable to eat!), precious pottery, and fabulous Japanese beauty products. If you are fan of beautiful produce and seaweed, or Japanese cookies and candies – you’ll want to make a trip over to Sunrise Mart. Don’t live in NYC? That’s cool, use this blog as a reminder that ethnic markets (Indian, Kosher, Japanese, etc etc etc) are usually a treasure trove for the healthy and broke, and help fill in the produce blank of items you’ll never find in mainstream markets. They are perfect for healthy eaters and vegans since they often have less American-ized food options (super processed and sugar-laden foods), and offer better prices. I go to Indian markets for super cheap bulk spices, dry beans, and incense, I head to Kosher markets for great “Parve” dessert options (fabulous dairy and egg free foods), I pop in to Chinese markets for the best leafy greens for pennies, etc etc! Remember to think outside your local market, where you are usually overpaying. Supplement a weekly trip to an ethnic market in to your shopping regime to broaden your eating horizon and stretch your paycheck.
Sunrise Mart: 29 3rd Ave (between 10th St & 2nd Ave). Upstairs. NYC