A Guide to Worcester's Many Cultural Markets Vol. V, 2018
Created by the Worcester Academy Students of Grade 8 2017 - 2018
“Let’s Eat!” A Guide to Worcester’s Many Cultural Markets Volume V (2018) The city of Worcester is a diverse and thriving community, a gateway city for many who have come to this country from around the world. As a result, Worcester and the surrounding areas feature dozens of specialty food markets. For the past five years, the 8th graders at Worcester Academy have created the “Let’s Eat!” guidebook series to honor and share the stories behind these markets. During the winter of 2018, teams of 8th graders visited the markets featured in this guidebook, taking photographs, interviewing customers and staff, surveying grocery items, and taste-testing ready-to-eat foods. To prepare, each team undertook a research project to learn more about their market’s regional food culture and geography. Teams compiled their findings by chapters, each including a general overview of the market and its offerings as well as highlighting specialty foods. Our students have explored the city of Worcester, communicated with non-native English speakers, and tried new foods that they may never have known existed. We hope this book will guide you to do the same! This volume of “Let’s Eat!” builds on four previous publications, with teams revisiting and updating accounts of some markets and discovering others for the first time. Please visit https://issuu.com/worcesteracademy/docs/guide_to_worcester_cultural_markets to enjoy earlier editions of the book. Special thanks go to the market owners and staff, who graciously welcomed these students and supported their efforts to get to know the diverse cultures of Worcester. We hope you enjoy traveling through the city with us! This guidebook is a multi-disciplinary project of the Worcester Academy Middle School Visual and Performing Arts Department in collaboration with the English, Global Studies and Computer Science Departments.
Project Team: Elizabeth Bowles, Visual Art; Jared Field, Music; Eliza Hale, Drama; Linda Anderson and Elizabeth Goodenough, Global Studies; Laurin Baldwin and Elizabeth Goodenough, English; Cynthia Guerard, Computer Science; Dr. Anthony Butler, Community Liaison; Rebecca Yacono, Middle School Director
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“Let’s Eat!” A Guide to Worcester’s Many Cultural Markets, Volume V (2018) Table of Contents Al-Anwar Market.............................................................................. p. 4 A Taste of the Middle East Right Here in Worcester! ta taste of le By Zach Belden, Eddie Fisher, Mateo Molina, Alice Proctor
... p. 7 BA African Market and Majesty Fabrics....................................... African and Liberian Food, Fabrics, Kentes, Jewelry, Bags By Sophie McCarty, Shania Nelson, Gabby Ogunfeitimi, Spencer Smith, Danielle Swartz
Bahnan’s International Marketplace............................................. p. 11 Syrian-owned International Market, Bakery and Cafe By Ben Cooper, Will Hamann, Faith Mancini, Jay Nagpaul, Austin Salmon
CB Bakery........................................................................................ p. 15 A Brazilian Bakery with Many Stories to be Told By Miranda Adamson, Alex Arpin, Arush Mallavaram, Kenzie Manley, Corinne Marquardt
Centro America Mini-Market......................................................... p. 18 A Burst of Flavor from Central America in Every Aisle By Isa Cino, Andrew Dou, Emma Macintire, Maddie Nebelung, Hannah Wyatt
Crown Bakery ................................................................................. p. 20 Come to Crown Bakery for Something Sweet and Savory from Sweden! By Jack Belfiore, Ben Bradway, Ally Lomax, Ava Nichols-Kalinowski, Krish Pahari
HaTien Market................................................................................. p. 23 A Taste of East Asian Culture By Mizuho Amada, Jeevan Anand, Jacob Haringa, Yashna Sadhu, Jason Saito
Patel Brothers................................................................................... p. 26 An Indian Market with Food for Everyone By Matt Brunelle, Colin Chillo, Arnav Mankad, Claire McShea, Ruby Waitkevich
Cover art concept: Ava Nichols-Kalinowski
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Al-Anwar Market 106-108 Water St. Worcester, MA 01604, 508-718-7384 A Taste of the Middle East Right r Here in Worcester Outside the Market The Al-Anwar Market has a great set up. The sign of the store on the outside will immediately draw your attention. From there, parking is easy in a mini-parking lot across the street from the store. The store is placed next door to a breakfast restaurant. This market is on a street that is usually not jam-packed and the sidewalks are very clear. You will have an opportunity to grab your goods quickly and get in and out of the store. Al-Anwar Market is very convenient for people that want to find Middle Eastern and Halal goods, considering that this is one of the few Iraqi grocery stores in the local area.
The colorful sign gives information about the types of food you will be able to buy in the market, from bread to pizza to pastry.
Inside the Market
This is the wonderful market where you will be able to find all your Middle Eastern food needs, along with some household accessories.
The Al-Anwar Market is a cozy store where you will find amazing Middle Eastern foods and products. There are two main aisles in the store, and they offer so many things to buy. The counter is conveniently placed up at the front of the store. Al-Anwar offers great Iraqi candies, meats and dry goods. In addition to the food, you will find many things like hookahs (water pipes popular in the Middle East), and household accessories such as shampoo, soaps and more. The Al-Anwar staff is extremely helpful and very nice, and they will answer your questions and help you if you need it.
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The Dry Goods of Al-Anwar The canned and other dry goods from the Al-Anwar Market are unique. The selection at the Iraqi market varies from regular grocery store items like jam, oils, cheeses, and milk, to special Iraqi items you might not see at a typical grocery store. For example, you will see dates, tea biscuits, a variety of sauces, many chocolates and homemade candies, a great selection of fruity oils, and nuts of all types. The enormous amount of grains and especially the different types of canned peas catch your eye when you walk in. There are also easy-to-make canned meats and a great amount of canned fruits and vegetables that are always a good choice. Al-Anwar gets their dry goods from all around the country from places spanning from Michigan to Massachusetts. The food has a Middle Eastern feel, but it is made in the U.S. A variety of sauces, olives, canned goods, coffee, and more are just the beginning. There is even more variety all around the store.
The candy in the front of the store is a combination of treats from the US and Iraq. This is only a small part of the candy selection.
There is a wide selection of dairy products including many butters and cheeses like the ones in the picture to the left, located in a freezer towards the back of the market.
Al-Anwar Market Inside the Freezer Have you been looking for a grocery store that sells Halal meat? Al-Anwar Market is the place to go. All of the meats in the freezers are prepared for this market according to the centuries old Muslim laws of Halal. From ďŹ sh to chicken to lamb they have it all. In addition to meats, a variety of other fresh and frozen foods are sold. There is a wide selection of dairy products including cheeses, butter, milk, and yogurt. Along with all the meats and dairy products, the shop carries fresh eggs as well. This market offers an amazing collection of frozen meals that are ready-made and just waiting to be heated up. If you are in search of delicious foods from the Middle East, this is a great place to go.
This lamb is just one of the Halal meats offered at the shop. The lamb shown in this picture is Halal which is very important to Muslims everywhere because it means the meat is considered permissible for Muslims to eat. 5
The Story Behind Al-Anwar Market Al-Anwar Market is a family operated business, run by a brother and sister. There are two different locations in Worcester with a third one on the way. This market, the original store, has always been in the same location and has been open since 2016. Locals enjoy shopping at this market and always make sure to come back again for exceptional quality products. If you shop here you are sure to love it and want to come back.
Eti Cin is a sweet, buttery biscuit with a layer of chewy, strawberry jelly and pink sugar sprinkles. This treat will leave you wanting more!
This is the lovely pita bread from the Al-Anwar Market. This bread goes with everything, and it is very delightful with the cheese from the Al-Anwar Market as well.
This is an amazing Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle, that will satisfy any sweet tooth with a craving. It is sweet and very creamy, with a little crunch in the middle.
This Jeddal Cheese is cheesy, stretchy, chewy, and flavorful. The cheese has a unique design and a mild taste that goes well with anything.
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BA African Market and Majesty Fabrics African & Liberian Food, Fabrics, Kentes, Jewelry, Bags 327 Grafton St, Worcester, MA 01604 508-762-6294
Ghanaian Spreads her Roots Josephine Agyen proudly started her own business, BA African Market & Majesty Fabrics, in 2014 with her husband. After coming here from Ghana, she was determined to start a new life in Worcester and achieve financial independence. She believed that a Ghanaian inspired market was a great way to do so. Since opening her store almost four years ago, everyday she is proud of herself and her accomplishments. She loves going to work and watching her small, family business grow and improve. She welcomes all people into her store whether they are Ghanaian or of other descent.
This is where Josephine rings up customers, and there are fun drinks and snacks available too. 7
A Sign of Culture This market has a small but interesting storefront with many images of diverse foods and other items that draw customers in. Above the door rests a sign that announces each of the bountiful products the store offers, allowing for easy access to the items this store sells. With street parking and dual parking lots to both the right and left of the building, BA African Market is very convenient to visit. This market lies on a main street teaming with the busy lives of other people traveling to and from their destinations. The phone number appears on the main sign, while the store’s opening times on another gives customers easy access to the helpful information that is used in planning your trip to this market.
Not only will you discover bountiful shelves and future feasts at this market but also lifelong friends.
This sign gives a lot of information in a small amount of space. Both the Ghanaian and Liberian flags are displayed and the colorful words give a creative and exciting feeling to this store.
An Accepting Atmosphere The moment you open the door a wave of West African culture will wash over you. In this one room market, you are sure to run into a friendly face, whether it be the welcoming owner or the frequent and loyal customers. Two main shelves fill up the shop boasting cooking ingredients, dry goods, and canned foods. Plentiful products line the walls including special displays of fried plantains, fresh ginger, and fresh yams. Not only can you purchase Ghanaian food, you can also find colorful beaded necklaces, soaps, lotions, scarves, toothbrushes, and household items on display near the counter. Towards the back, there is a special section of vibrant fabrics woven with a variety of intricate designs and patterns for every occasion. Wide aisles provide easy walking, but make sure to be careful when navigating strollers and wheelchairs. Whether you are seeking a world of food memories or a new experience, this shop has you covered.
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Fantastic Frozens
The main freezer located in this market is stored with frozen fish. It also provides an opportunity to find some of the markets favorite drinks.
With multiple areas for frozen food, this market provides the perfect opportunity to find your next West African meal. Whether you are craving a frozen, ready-to-cook cow foot or a smoked turkey neck, there are many items to choose from. A freezer full of fish guarantees a promising array of choices, easy to grab and go. Along with the turkey and cow, there is flavorful chicken, goat, and sheep meat. Multiple citrus, ginger, and lime drinks are offered alongside the frozen foods for a refreshing addition to the selection. Even frozen snails are available to purchase. For easy to access frozen goods, BA African market is the place to go.
A Blast of Flavors Immediately after you walk into the shop, you will be surprised at how many dry and packaged goods you can use to make your succulent food. You will be able to purchase mixtures of fufu powder and Banku powder that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Fufu is a staple food in West Africa. It’s made from mixing and pounding equal portions of cassava and green plantain. If you don’t have the time for that, you can buy a box at BA African Market, mix it with water, and microwave at home, to eat with soup or stew. Are you looking for something flavorful? There is an awesome variety of spices such as Maggi cubes, Omega cubes, shrimp powder, and fish powder. Pepper powders such as suya pepper, kebab spicing, and spicy pepper flakes are available if you crave something spicy. A blast of West African culture will explode in your mouth with the assortment of spices. Are you interested in tasting new combinations of food? At this market, you have the option of trying Kenkey, Fante Kenkey, and Banku with your shito or pepper sauce. Banku is made from ground corn and is similar Check out BA African Market’s to a sourdough dumpling. Kenkey is the same as Banku but is authentic spice collection. It includes red cooked twice and wrapped with banana leaves. You can satisfy pepper, shrimp powder, fish powder, your greatest flavor ambitions while experiencing a culture from shito, suya pepper, and spicy dry rub. across the world at BA African Market, so make sure to pay a visit.
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Featured Foods
These are lightly roasted corn nuts mixed in with tasty peanuts. It is a salty treat that is definitely worth the visit.
As you taste this sweet bread, flavor fills your mouth. It goes well with any food, whether it be a side to a soup or a main meal.
This ginger hard candy from Ghana starts out mouthwateringly sweet and evolves into a spicy flavor that treats your tongue to a powerful kick.
This citrus, ginger and lime drink leaves a sweet taste in the mouth and hot flame in the throat.
These plantain chips are deliciously mild, salty, and crunchy. Grab one next to the register with the rest of your purchase. 10
Bahnan’s International Marketplace ‘Syrian Owned International Market, Bakery, and Cafe’
Where the magic is made - the kitchen
The sign that draws in all the customers Bahnan’s International Marketplace Email: Info@bahnans.com Website: Bahnans.com Address: 344 Pleasant St Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 508-796-5365 Hours Of Operation Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 8:80 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instagram: @bahnansbakery Facebook: Bahnan’s International Marketplace, Bakery & Cafe
The wonderful staff at Bahnan’s
Bahnan’s International Marketplace, Bakery and Cafe is a Syrian owned family market. It began when Henry and Mary Bahnan immigrated from Lebanon to the United States. Then in around 1980, they opened a smaller version of the current marketplace. The market is a family business and most of the staff members are from the Middle East, many of them extended family of Mary and Henry. A variety of people from different cultures frequent the cafe, including Albanians, Turks, Arabs, and Iraqis, along with Syrians and Lebanese. The staff says that the marketplace brings people from different cultures together with the same love for Syrian and Lebanese cuisine. Many immigrants come to buy their homemade Syrian and Lebanese treats along with a variety of other cultural foods. The moment you step into the market, your senses are greeted with the aroma of meat pies, Middle eastern pizza, and the sharp scents of various types of olives, ready for the eating. The atmosphere is welcoming and makes many Middle Eastern visitors feel like they’re in their grandma’s kitchen. This market is a must-try if you’re in the Worcester area! 11
Wide aisles and stocked shelves with something for everyone
Selection of mouthwatering desserts
Refrigerated foods aisle
Bahnan’s savory olive bar with countless options
Arriving at Bahnan’s, you first see a sign in the convenient parking lot that let’s you know you’ve come to “Bahnan's Bakery and International Marketplace.” The marketplace is in a busy, bustling area, and lots of cars are driving on the street. The building is relatively big, and an even larger sign on the front of the building welcomes everyone. There are pictures in the windows of some of the delicious foods they have to offer that are so appetizing. As you walk through the automatic doors you’ll find the atmosphere of the marketplace is very friendly and the staff is ready to graciously greet you.
Selection of delicious baked goods
This spacious market contains a plentiful variety of food from the Eastern Middle East region of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. When you walk in, you are immediately greeted with a selection of mouthwatering desserts sure to catch your eye. As you continue on past the wide aisles, and convenient section signs, you’ll find yourself inside the cafe. The cafe itself has a plethora of different foods including popular favorites such as Baba Ghanoush and Falafel. It also has warm lighting, chairs and tables for eating, and a comfortable, peaceful environment for just relaxing. Along with this, if you’re in a tight spot and in need of teapots, soap, or even gifts for friends, Bahnan’s has you covered. As the sign on the wall says, “You walk in as a customer, and leave as a friend.” 12
Lots of delicious pita bread
You can see the variety of beans, rice and other dry goods
Variety of scrumptious cookies
Trays and trays of baked goods
Different types of pasta
Bahnan’s market has a huge variety of packaged goods, including multiple types of pita bread and what seems like thousands of varieties of rice. All of it is easy to access and tastes amazing, plus all of the foods are guaranteed to be restocked daily. Bahnan’s also offers many choices of beans such as chickpeas, black beans, and lentils. Whatever type of beans you need, this store has it. There is an extraordinary amount of packaged desserts, such as a variety of cookies which taste amazing and leave you begging for more. The market also offers plentiful types of pasta: spaghetti, penne, and macaroni just to name a few. In the market, you will find a surplus of candies to make your mouth water. The store even has hygiene and health items such as soap and bandaids in case you’re running low. Whatever dry goods you need, Bahnan’s is sure to have them!
Bahnan’s market has a vast variety of fresh foods to offer including a heavenly olive bar, an extensive deli and bakery, and a delicious cafe right inside the market. Their deli section is stocked with flavorsome affordable homemade cheeses with more variations than you can count. Their bakery has a wide selection of sweets, along with savory items such as meat and vegetable kibbeh and pies. Vegetarians will find many satisfying options among the foods offered at Bahnan’s too. The vegetable section is stocked with an array of different greens to choose from including lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, and more. The fresh food at Bahnan’s is organized nicely in refrigerators and display cabinets. Foods that are particularly worth mentioning are the flatbreads with delicious toppings like feta, olives, tomatoes, and spinach already on them. The friendly staff will gladly heat it up for you so you can eat right in the cafe or on the go. 13
Baba Ghanoush is a type of eggplant dip that is
This special rice and poppy cookie has a crumbly texture, and sweet taste.
Pita bread tastes like a pizza crust but softer
almost always served with pita bread. You will love the smoky flavor.
Middle Eastern pizza is sure to satisfy your hunger with its tangy feta cheese and tasty spinach.
and lighter. It is great for dipping and is made from flour and yeast.
This delicious chocolate snack sold at Bahnan’s is an incredible treat. With a mouthwatering chocolate shell, and a sweet cream filling, you’ll be left wanting more. Best part? They’re 2 for a dollar!
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C B Bakery .
A Brazilian Bakery with Many Stories to be Told 508-792-9333 108 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01605 The story behind the Brazilian Kitchen: CB Bakery is a Brazilian bakery with many stories to be told. There has been a store on this location since 1999, but until 2008 it was less of a bakery and more of a convenience store. Ever since its opening, CB has been a small business. It is not a family business; instead, it has had multiple owners over the years. The original founder of the convenience store is Marco Mason, and the bakery portion was opened and run later by Emiliano Silva Neto. When he founded the bakery, Emiliano wanted to catch the attention of the Brazilian community and make them feel at home in Worcester. The current owner, Inaray, hopes for this to be a place where members of the Brazilian community of Worcester get together and meet fellow Brazilians. For her, the food sold in CB Bakery is a little piece of Brazil. It's not easy to find an authentic Brazilian market anywhere else in Worcester. CB Bakery serves Worcester’s Brazilian community as well as customers from many different cultures. CB Bakery is a welcoming environment with an interesting story, and the place to go for authentic Brazilian cuisine.
This coconut-vanilla cake is irresistible. It has a strong coconut flavor that will send you away to Brazil!
This mouthwatering sugar coated pastry has a delicious cream-filled center.
This is a delectable sweet rice with cinnamon on top. It is very similar to rice pudding. 15
Exterior and Interior
The Exterior of this Delightful Brazilian Market: CB Bakery is located in the heart of Worcester in a small plaza. It’s easy to access between two convenience stores. The bright sign is hard to miss with its bold Brazilian colors: green, blue, and yellow. Right across the street from this amazing market is UMASS Memorial Hospital. When you are in the neighborhood, you have this well-stocked Brazilian market just a few steps away. CB Bakery has handicapped parking as well as multiple parking spots right outside the building for your convenience. The store hours are posted on the door and are available on the CB Bakery Facebook page.
The Interior of this Brazilian Wonderland: CB Bakery’s interior is designed thoughtfully, and foods are organized well. As soon as you arrive, you will smell the aroma of sweet and savory treats. The store is arranged like a horseshoe. When you walk in, you will see the freshly baked foods before you. To the left, there will be special Brazilian drinks and sodas as well as shelves of packaged foods from Brazil. Then to the right, you will see the other frozen and refrigerated foods. Finally, in the middle of the bakery, there are three tables with multiple chairs at each one. You are welcome to sit and enjoy your pastries with a coffee!
Pao de queijo is a cheese bread ball popular in Brazil. This delight is a tasty snack with melted cheese and chicken filling. It’s also available with ham inside.
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The Fresh and Frozen Foods of Brazil: CB Bakery has a very diverse selection of fresh and frozen goods. Some of the foods that you will find in the coolers as you enter are Whey cheese, Massa Para Pastel, and Forno Minas. The whey cheese is made from whey, a by-product of cheese making. The Massa is a puff dough wrapped up to keep fresh. The Forno Minas are like baked mac and cheese balls in a bag, ready to be cooked and eaten. If you’re looking for freshly baked goods, you’ll definitely find them here. From savory buns and pastries with fillings that include cheese, ham, chicken, or sweet creams, to sweet brownies and cakes-- you'll want to try them all. If you’re looking for something to drink, try one of their selection of yogurt smoothies like coconut, guava, Guanabana, and açaí.
The Dry Goods of Brazil: When you walk into CB Bakery you will immediately see and smell many different types of food. The sweet aromas will fill your nose with delight! In the far left corner you will see shelves lined with packaged goods. If you look closer you will also see canned items, bags of packaged foods, boxes, bottled goods such as coconut milk, and other types of dry goods including rice and pastas. These are organized shelves with packaged goods at the bottom. One thing that is very interesting is that the goods are labeled in different languages. The main language in Brazil is Portuguese, but other languages on the labels of the goods include Spanish and Chinese. The section is very colorful and contains many different types of food. Be sure to check out the dry goods section at CB Bakery.
Here are some of the freshly baked goods that CB bakery has to offer. You won’t know what to choose!
CB Bakery has a very diverse selection of delicious yogurt smoothies! You won’t find them anywhere else.
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Centro America Mini Market 891 A Main Street, Worcester A Burst of Flavor from Central America in Every Aisle A Tale of Market Beginnings
This is Rosario, the owner of Centro America Mini Market—a friendly and welcoming face behind the counter to all who walk through the doors.
Centro America Mini Market was founded 5 years ago by a local Worcester family, and it is only one of their many markets in the Worcester area. In addition to this one on Main Street, you can find others on Canterbury Street, Park Avenue, Southbridge Street, and two on Cambridge Street. This family business features cakes, drinks, spices, chips, sweets, and meats originating from Central America. You will find horchata and cookies from El Salvador, pork rinds, and tropical sodas, all of which are important to the family culture and heritage. With new customers everyday and the owner behind the counter with a friendly smile, this is a welcoming place to meet up with the Worcester community. A Glimpse of the Local Market Arriving at Centro America Mini Market, you will see across the street a selection of Asian markets and a sign for a barber shop in the back. The neighborhood is busy but quiet. A small parking lot adjoins Centro’s cozy brick corner store. There is a sense of community when you see friends gathering and sharing stories in the parking lot after shopping. There are window displays advertising sweet and delicious products within. They are in both Spanish and English. This wonderful market shows on the signs that it not only sells Central American cuisine, but also offers some Chinese and Vietnamese foods.
The store sign draws customers from busy Main Street into the market.
Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/pg/CentroAmerica-Mini Market-449298938548401/about/
Phone: (508)-757-1188 891 A Main St Worcester, MA 01610
Diverse pepper spices in the back of the market.
Rosquilla is a traditional Salvadoran dessert that is crunchy, flaky and sweet.
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Exploring New Cultures
The view of the market as you walk in the front door.
Fluffy coconut marshmallow cookies found in the massive dessert aisle.
The bakery provides many delicious foods. Don’t miss this sweet bread with raisins and cinnamon flavored glaze as a topping.
When you open the doors to the Centro American Mini Market, your senses immediately switch from the sights and smells of the city streets to the heartwarming scent of fresh baked goods and the sight of their bright alluring colors. Light music welcomes you as you explore the special displays loaded with diverse desserts. The owner works hard behind the counter with a smile on his face. While speaking to his customers, he begins handing out fresh meat and vegetables from the display case below. You notice the signs on the walls, indicating the variety of cultures hidden within the Central American delicacies. When walking towards the single aisle, the two shelves begin to tower above you with food native to multiple cultures, stacked in perfect alignment. Assorted goods, baking needs, snacks, and cleaning supplies fill the area. At the very end of the hallway you will find a ledge dedicated to spices and hot peppers. The Sweetest and Spiciest Aisle As you look around, fluorescent colors and wrappers begin to shine. In the front row, the “Sponch” Marinela Marshmallow cookies’ dazzling purple package is on display, along A colorful array of fresh foods
including fruits, fresh cut meat,
A chocolate and cinnamon drink traditional to El Salvador. Make it yourself with a simple glass of milk, 2 spoonfuls of the powder, sugar, and ice.
with Polvorones Orange Shortbread and and vegetables. traditional Mantecadas. Straight across from this sugary, colorful section, there is a neatly stacked assortment of diverse drinks plus uncountable “Klass” beverage packets. From Mango to Horchata “cinnamon rice,” you can combine packets with water and milk and sometimes a bit of ice. Try all of the unique flavors! Although
Fresh from Central America In the mini-market, you will see many fresh foods, as well as frozen foods. This market provides a variety of fresh foods, ranging from plantains, to limes, to beans. When you first walk in, you are greeted with a colorful display of fruits and vegetables, including onions, potatoes, peppers, carrots, grapes, and more. Right next to the display, you will see a great presentation of two important foods to Central American cuisine: beans and plantains. In the fridge, you will find a massive selection of frozen foods. One example of these foods is pupusas, bread filled with cheese and vegetables, which is a classic Salvadoran dish. In the fridges, you will also find many refreshing drinks and frozen fruits. Drinks here possess many unique and wonderful flavors, ranging from coconut to passion fruit. Dairy products include milk, eggs, and ice cream. There is also a bakery that provides freshly-made delicious goods every day like bread and dulce de leche. Anyone who goes here will love the fresh and frozen foods section!
the shelves are packed, each item is organized: packaged desserts on the right, all kinds of flour and maize on the left wall, beans, and then flavorful spices in the back. Specialty, local items in this section include the massive dried chile collection. All from the brand “Orale”, the collection features Chile negro, guajillo, and ancho. Island punch soda comes in many flavors and is a cooling, delightful treat served in the Centro American Mini Market.
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Crown Bakery
Come to Crown Bakery for Something Sweet and Savory from Sweden!
Delicious delectables!
Cannoli
The Untold Story Of The Crown Bakery
The Owner, Jen
Crown Bakery has an untold backstory of how it was created. It started as an idea from Ake Lundstrom, who was originally from Sweden and started the business. He ran it for 23 years before he passed it down to his son, Jon. Jon was the owner until he sold the bakery to Jen LaPointe in 2016. Jen had been working for Jon Lundstrom as a cake decorator since 2000. Jen has owned Crown Bakery since August of 2016, and is excited for the future of Crown Bakery. Between the three owners, Crown Bakery has remained in the same location for the last 57 years. What Does Crown Bakery Look Like?
133 Gold Star, Blvd Worcester, MA 01606 508-852-0746
When you pull up to Crown Bakery you are amazed by the huge building, the unique peaked roof, and the vast parking lot. You notice the bold colors of the building: white, blue, and yellow. You see the bright and intriguing crown logo that draws you in. You will notice there are two floors in the building. You will look in through the wonderful and massive windows. The over 50 year old building is packed full of wonderful treats that you would never be able to experience from the outside. So come on in to Crown Bakery and experience this amazing building full of delectable goods. 20
Freshly made cakes
Tiramisu is a soft cake, a popular option in Crown Bakery.
Original Abba anchovies are very popular in Sweden.
Cozy Crown Bakery
The moment you walk in, you’re engulfed by warmth and the smell of tasty traditional goods. The building Crown Bakery resides in has been a bakery for over 60 years. They still have some of the old equipment, like the giant rotating oven, and the large quantity mixer. The small building allows for a cozy welcoming feeling like that of a family-owned store, though the store has not been family-owned forever. The owners have always handed it down to a devoted worker, but the old Crown Bakery sign has always stayed. Every display has so much effort and work put into it. The displays they have are exquisitely organized, from the assorted bread table with some little jams to go along, to the hard-to-miss colorful glass displays. It is like a botanical garden of baking sweets! But, you are not left without a place to eat your delicious sweets. The store has a quaint little cafe area with complimentary coffee. This store is friendly and family oriented, and the colorful displays draw you in. You should definitely take a trip to Crown Bakery for something sweet!
The Unique Foods of Crown Bakery Inside Crown Bakery the first sight you see is beautiful cakes
This mouthwatering cherry flavored cookie, covered in powdered sugar, has a chewy center.
and pastries. The sight is not the only great superlative; the amazing scent of the pastries and cakes attract even more customers. Crown Bakery was voted the best bakery in the town of Worcester for an incredible 54 years. Their success has made them a household name in the Worcester area. Their popularity has come from their assortments of baked goods. Offerings vary from soft cookies filled with chocolate chips, to the eye appealing sweet cinnamon rolls. Both items are very different, yet they both are best-sellers. It is no wonder that the Crown Bakery is the best bakery in Worcester. 21
Jean, one of the longest workers at Crown Bakery, with our team.
More Foods That Make Crown Bakery Crown Bakery has a variety of goods from sweet to savory, most of which are freshly made. With salads, sandwiches, pastries, and ready-to-go dishes, this stunning bakery has won “Worcester's Best” 54 times. Crown Bakery has over 100 types of pastry and bakes over 300 items a day. Some of the most popular are the coffee rings and jelly rolls which are extremely delicious. The choices they have include about 10 types of bread, breakfast Danish pastries, Swedish buns, cookies, petit fours, and Swedish coffee rings-- a house specialty. Crown is famous for their wedding cakes which number 1,500-2,000 a year and are competitively priced. As you can see, Crown Bakery is an astounding bakery, and you should definitely check it out!
The Crown Bakery interior is filled with beautifully decorated treats.
We personally recommend trying lingonberry jam. It’s a popular light snack in Scandinavia when spread on some warm bread.
These traditional cookies are a delicacy in Sweden.
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Ha Tien Market 892 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01604 (508) 791-2220 Behind the Scenes The Ha Tien Market, in Worcester, Massachusetts, was established in 1994. This market serves the Asian community in Worcester with items coming from many places including Japan, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. Many people from different cultures also shop at the Ha Tien Market including Africans, Latinos, and Indians. The Ha Tien Market is a family business. When you enter it, friendly faces and East Asian culture will greet you. The owner of this market, Minnie, is a friendly and welcoming woman whose customers know her on a first name basis. She and her husband created the market because they didn't want to work for anybody else; they wanted to work for themselves. Minnie’s three children have been connected to the market since they were born. The market has been a big part of their lives, and now the children are 18, 28, and 30 years old. Saturday mornings are the busiest time in the market with many regular customers coming in. The Ha Tien Market boasts food from from all over the world. While 60% of their products come from Thailand, all fish come from New York because of New York’s wide variety. What makes the Ha Tien Market unique is the countless specialty items that you will not be able to find at large chain grocery stores. You can create authentic East Asian dishes that may either remind you of home or let you try something new and interesting.
Enticing Exterior When you are approaching the Ha Tien East Asian Market in Worcester, you will see a sign that has the name of the market in bold red letters. There are windows all around the big sign. The appearance of the store is very welcoming and makes you want to check out the inside. The homey storefront looks venerable and shows character. The outside appears much smaller than the inside actually is. On “Fish Friday,” you will smell the fish aroma from a block away as it is getting delivered and brought into the store. The neighborhood is bustling with pedestrians on the sidewalks and traffic on the road. There is a petite parking lot across the street so parking access is easy.
The exterior of the Ha Tien Market This is a snack that looks like ice cream, but it’s not. The cone is crispy and the “ice cream” is very creamy and delicious. 23
Looking Through the Aisles When you walk into the market, the first thing you will discover is a section for seafood such as fish, squid and crab. The fish is stocked up on ice, and you will find a large variety of any kind of seafood you may want. The store is large, and there are a lot of places to explore. To the left side of the store, you will find a section with bags of rice. To the right, you will see four to five aisles with different products. On these shelves, you will find snacks, dry goods, condiments, ramen, utensils, and drinks. Behind these shelves, you will encounter another section with fresh vegetables, and right next to that, there are packaged meats. In this market, you will also come across a special cafe section. You will be able to order drinks such as Boba Tea that they will make for you on the spot. When you are finished with your shopping, you can go pay for your food and products right next to the cafe. You will definitely enjoy your time shopping.
Look in this aisle for ramen, noodles, plates, and bowls.
Here is a drink called Thai Tea, purchased at the market. It is sweet, milky, and refreshing.
Freshest Fish Around
This aisle has an array of fresh produce.
Check out the wide variety of noodles that can be found within the store.
The fish glisten as if they had just been pulled from the ocean. The men carry the fish in black crates from the delivery truck to the display with ice cubes inside. They carry it right past you so you know it just arrived. In addition to fish, they have fresh squid and eel available for sale. To the left of the fresh fish you will find a tank of fresh crabs. Rather than buying pre-packaged frozen crab, you can pick out your own delicious crab. There is also fresh duck, chicken, pork, and beef along the right. As you follow the aisle you will see the array of freshly picked vegetables. Crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce is neatly stacked. next to the eggplants and cucumbers. You can now get fresh ingredients to make new family favorites. 24
Packaged Deliciousness When you’re exploring the aisles of the Ha Tien market, you will discover many interesting and delicious dry and packaged goods. Sauces made for fruit, fish, and soup line many of the aisles to help add flavor to the meal you may buy. There are also delicious condiments for noodles, different East Asian meat dishes, and sweet dressings for dessert dishes. The third aisle down has a wide variety of different soy sauces and vinegar mixes that are used for flavoring. You will find many different prepared microwaveable foods and noodles that fill up large sections of the store. You will also come across an aisle completely dedicated to candy and other packaged sweets, products imported from a wide range of countries. There will be many different flavors of hard candies that slowly melt in your mouth. Soft gummy-like candies that also have a variety of flavors will be stacked in an area under the hard candies in the candy aisle. These ingredients and treats will An aisle filled with delicious vegetarian foods definitely please your tastebuds.
A mix of mouth watering candies and delectable snacks
The boba filled bubble tea counter and its various delicious options
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Call: +1 (508) 842-9600
Patel Brothers
Website: www.patelbros.com
An Indian Market with Food for Everyone 504 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 The Eye Catcher
The exterior of the store is very appealing and easily visible from the the highway.
Patel Brothers has an inviting exterior that will draw your attention right when you see it. Driving down the Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, MA, you will pass by a rectangular, green sign that will catch your eye and encourage you to check out the store. Patel Brothers is a large grocery store that is modern and clean. In the front of the store, there is a large window that covers the entire storefront so you can see the many products within. The store is located in one of many plazas along the busy Boston Turnpike. You can hop off the highway and you’ll be right there to park in the convenient parking lot.
Exploring the Inside of Patel
Patel’s is very organized and the long aisles make you curious about what you might find.
Along with a great exterior comes an amazing interior. When you walk into Patel Brothers, you are welcomed by the warming scent of spices. You will instantly become hungry at the sights and smells in the store. The store is very spacious and is set up in aisles. The store has two sections: the first section is a smaller produce section filled with fresh fruit and vegetables; the other section has a vast variety of frozen and packaged foods as well as home decor. In the front of the store, there are cash registers and sweet snacks. Throughout the store there are signs in Gujarati that really make you feel like you’re in India.
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This fried dough dipped in sugar syrup is one of the most popular items at the store. Jalebi is very tasty and flavorful and one of the most exciting things to eat in the market!
The Happy Happy cookies are small chocolate cookies with a vanilla and chocolate creme filling. The rich cream and crunchy cookies are addicting and will leave you wanting more.
The Aisle of Dry Goods
The spicy, crunchy snacks will satisfy all of your taste buds. Whether you like spicy, mild, or sweet, Patel Brothers’ snacks are for you.
In addition to its attractive appearance, this store boasts delicious foods. Patel Brothers offers a wide variety of dry and packaged goods for you to enjoy. You will also find many canned sweets, including gulab jamun, rasgulla, rasmalai, and other delicacies that melt in your mouth because of their sweetness. Patel Brothers offers tons of packaged snacks. If you like snacks, then Kurkure is for you, because these crunchy, spicy chips will fill you with delight. There are many aisles filled with traditional Indian snack foods like sev (crispy noodles), chakli (spiral shaped snacks made out of rice flour), and others. There is also a section with staple items such as small and large packs of flour and rice. Throughout the aisles, you can see a vibrant array of blues, greens, reds, and oranges. You will definitely find something that you will love!
Bourbon biscuits are the best biscuits in the world. The rich, creamy chocolate and the crunchy, sweet cookie makes the Bourbon biscuit stand out from the pack.
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A Frozen World
This tempting delicacy can be turned in to a spicy crepe, known as dosa, when put onto the stove. It is something everyone will love!
Patel’s packaged goods are great, and the fresh and frozen foods are important too! Patel is a good place to get a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. You will find bright red peppers, tempting mandarin oranges, and a wide variety of tomatoes. The produce section is pleasingly arranged and has every accommodation to your Indian cooking needs, including every spice available to fit your palette. The staff is very polite, willing to stop their work and have a conversation with you. They will make you feel like you are in your own environment. Be sure to explore the frozen food section at Patel Brothers. Here you’ll find Samosas, a popular deep-fried triangular snack. They have a shell made of all-purpose flour and a filling made of potatoes and peas. Come to Patel Brothers, where there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Patel’s History
This croissant is the most flavorful thing you’ll ever taste, with its crunchy outside and the drizzling inside dripping with chocolate.
This delicious chocolate covered wafer is perfect for someone who likes crunchy and chocolate sweets.
Patel Brothers, a family owned business in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, opened in March, 2009. The original chain was founded by Mafat Patel, and it was opened back in 1974 to serve the Indian community of the larger Worcester area with fresh food and regional cooking delicacies. Most of the extremely nice employees come from countries in South Asia, such as Nepal and India. Most of the customers are from India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Although this market was intended to serve the Indian community in the area, anyone can enjoy Patel Brothers because of its fresh produce, unique and diverse snacks, and authentic meals.
These are just some of the many items that Patel Brothers keeps on their shelves. Come explore!
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