Lee Lees Oriental Supermarket | Exploring Asia in Tucson

Every two weeks, I drive up Stone Ave towards the Catalina's to the largest Asian market in Tucson, Lee Lees Oriental Supermarket. Its one of the few markets in Tucson at caters a large variety of specialty items and produce that are central to Asian culture. This has been my saving grace in Tucson where traditional  or authentic Asian food is difficult to find, especially Cantonese cuisine which is what I was raised with.

Upon entering the double doors, it is clear how large and stocked this market is. If you grew up in a predominately Asian community like San Francisco, this is what a typical Chinese supermarket would look like. So this was a big surprise during my sophomore year after suffering with Safeway brand "Asian" food and takeout. The counter you see in the front has an assortment of ointments and items of value. I especially like to buy my Eucalyptus oil or [Bak-fa] here, which is good for warding off mosquitoes and tending to bug bites. 

Turning to the right towards the produce section, there is a small counter space that also holds medicinal herbs in the back like Ginseng. The counter top, depending on the season sometimes, has plants for the household. This time its lucky bamboo, which is great for luck especially if it keeps growing for years on end.  The cat statues, depending on the pose and which side the hand is on, are for good business. I don't think these are for sale though. 

Moving on, we reach the first section I visit often. The produce section. They supply a large quantity of my favorite Asian vegetables like Sew-Guwa, Gai-Lan, Lotus root, Daikon, as well as the more known items like Cabbage and bok-choy. Fruits and spices like garlic and ginger are fresh, which is a blessing to me in the middle of the desert. Not pictured the other side is an open refrigerator which had items like Tofu, Noodles, pickled vegetables, and preserved meats.  

Even odder for Tucson, the market also stocks a large variety of Seafood. Mostly frozen, sometimes they do have live lobsters , blue crab, and Tilapia in the back. However, I don't really trust fish here. As someone who has grown up near the ocean, it is always better to get fish you know that came directly from the source nearby.  It is fresher, cleaner and there is a lower chance of food poisoning. So I hardly touch anything in this particular section. I generally only buy the meat they sell here like chicken, beef or pork. It really inexpensive compared to Safeway and Albertsons, perks!

There are many aisles that sell more than food, they also have equipment. utensils, and kitchen ware. The ones I have taken photos of are pretty common in Asian household because of their affordability and usefulness. Some are made with plastic, the ones here are decorated with Chinese patterns and flowers. The blue ones are glass / porcelain. They are a favorite of mine because of its lightness and aesthetic properties. Almost like Ming Pottery, they have very delicate blue decorations and sometimes they have areas that are intentionally translucent, giving it a delicate property. Oddly enough though, because I use this on a daily basis, it seems like common dishware to me, so I have been somewhat unfazed by it beauty lately. 

While there is so much more to show and see in the market, I will limit it for the sake of my readers. If you have never been to an Asian supermarket before, It is a highly recommended cultural experience. Until you have seen it yourself or talked to a person of Asian Heritage, you will truly never be introduced or open your eyes to real Asian food!