Stop & Shop at Super 88…

If you haven’t been to a Super 88, you need to go. This supermarket will change the way you shop.

Super 88 is the leading Asian supermarket chain in the Greater Boston area. It specializes in Asian vegetables, tropical fruits, and fresh, live seafood. When was the last time you fished for your own live crabs at Stop and Shop?

Walking into one of the Super 88 stores is an experience in itself. One of the first things you’ll see is “Rice City,” a wall of 25-pound bags.

You’ll notice the huge produce section with its spread of crimson apples, yellow-green plantains, tan lotus root, purple Chinese eggplant, dark mustard greens, and orange sweet yams. Here, you will find almost every fruit and vegetable imaginable.

The first time I stepped foot into a Super 88, I was very overwhelmed, confused, and somewhat afraid. I didn’t know what the pointy purple fruit was and if I was supposed to fish for my own seafood in those huge tanks. But, I got used to it and now I can cruise the aisles with the best of them.

You don’t have to be from Saigon or Vietnam to enjoy all that Super 88 has to offer for ingredients and food. The owners’ goal is to appeal to a broad range of shoppers and become a “melting pot” of a supermarket.

Super 88 also has some of the cheapest prices around for seafood, fresh produce, and other items. Take a look at the chart which compares Super 88 prices with those of other big competitors. (Super 88 vs. Shaws)

One of reasons I love Super 88 is the bakery and butchery areas that they have in every store. Follow your nose to the smell of fresh baked buns and pastries, which are only about 80 cents each. You won’t find this stuff at any Stop & Shop. Some of my favorite things to grab and go are the buns, which come in a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory. There is the delicious and creamy custard bun filled with sweet yellow cream or the hot dog bun as a quick lunch. Or, have the butcher cut you up some nice pieces of fresh peking duck or soy sauce chicken.

If you want to really eat the world, take the T over to Commonwealth Ave for the Super 88 in Allston, which has a Food Connection food court attached to it. My goal is to try every little food stall in this place, and I’m almost there. Theres chinese food, dim sum, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indian, Korean and bubble tea all under one roof. My favorite is the Korean place called Misono Wok which has the signature Korean dish called “Bibimap.” (Keep reading for more about the Super 88 Food Connection in a future post).

The most obvious reason to come to Super 88 is to do your food shopping and get some items that you wouldn’t know exist and won’t find anywhere else. I always go to get some of their frozen items like pork buns, fried rice, and microwavable dinners. One of the best items that I have found is a microwavable wei-chuan “Beef don rice bowl.” It could blow a hot pocket right out of its pocket.

Anyway, if you have never been to a Super 88 because you didn’t know what they were, thought you weren’t allowed, or were too scared, head over to Malden, Dorchester, Allston, Quincy, or Chinatown Boston for a cheap and tasty shopping and dining adventure.

If you want more information and all the locations, visit the Super 88 website!