Asheville Budget Eats: Asiana Market
Kai Meyer | December 11, 2024
Last week, my friends and I went to Asiana Market hoping to find fresh kimchi. I had never gone and was surprised by its size, it felt like reaching an Asian food mecca, where the light shines down on the entrance and a magical tone plays.
Upon entering the shining gates, a body transcends, becoming a vessel for pork belly and fried rice––only kidding––but, as I laid eyes on the full buffet at the front, I thought I might ascend. Maybe it’s because the only thing I had eaten that day was a Gladfelter apple and I was on the verge of passing out.
Before circling back to the buffet, I grabbed a basket and wandered. In the front stacked high were massive bags of rice. Feeling stressed? Have you ever smacked a 40lb back of rice? If not, this is your sign. *Only smack if purchasing.*
Although the sights and smells were alluring, we were there on a mission: fresh kimchi. We hightailed towards the refrigerated section. You can find freshly made kimchi for $11.99, $3 bags of fresh bok choy and mushrooms, and $12 tubs of miso. Sales that Whole Foods and Ingles could never touch.
The adventure only began there. Next, we moved into the tea aisle. I was not ready for the beautiful metal containers of green and jasmine tea, for only $12, a price I would have paid for the container alone. However, I was feeling stingy and opted for crystalized ginger and honey tea, which cost $3.99.
Next, the ramen aisle called. Hello? Lined top to bottom and side to side in every type of instant ramen you could imagine. The snack aisle was the same with savory and sweet Asian snacks bursting from the shelves. I opted for some green tea wafers which cost $3.99.
Finally, I found my way back to the buffet at the front, a long-awaited destination. I was greeted with a big smile from the woman behind the counter who convinced me to get the combo meal for $12.99. Now, I understand that does not sound like a deal but just hear me out. You can get one massive portion of rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles, or you can mix and match, and then you get two hearty sides.
Their sides vary, but I chose pork belly and green beans. The pork belly was tender and savory and the green beans were garlicky and slightly spicy, a perfect combo. The portions they gave will easily stretch to 2-3 meals.
However, if you are not in the mood to spend that much on the meal, you can purchase a side order of everything at the buffet. The price varies depending on what you order, none exceed eight dollars. Especially if you are looking for a hearty, cheap meal, the six-dollar fried rice is a great option.
I recommend checking out Asiana Market if you are tired of Gladfelter’s fare. The people are kind and it has tons of affordable ingredients, frozen meals and hot meals. So get yourself a little treat, God knows you deserve it, sweetie.