Sunday, November 18, 2012

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Super Market

Author - Debbie Brown

Disclaimer:  This information is put together to help others moving to Chongqing.  This document is a compilation of information gathered from other expats based on their experiences.  It by no means is intended to be the gospel but to provide some background information to hopefully make your transition smoother.  Chongqing is a rapidly changing city so this document is a living document that may need to be updated as Chongqing and China grow and change.  Please forward any updates, recommendations and/or corrections to Deborah Brown, grosseilebrown2@aol.com.  

Your relocation provider should be able to help with recommendations, as well as other Expats you get to know once in Chongqing.  But here is a list of some essential places you may need for staples.
o   Metro – Similar to a Sam’s Club.  Metro carries many household goods and western/international foods.   You can generally get very good meats and frozen food selections as well.
o   Ole’ – Ole’ is an upscale store that carries many western/international foods, some similar to Metro and some unique foods that Metro doesn’t offer.  Groceries typically more expensive than Metro.  One located in Jiangbei district and another in Jiefangbei District)
o   Walmart/CBest/Lotus/YH – Carries house goods, cleaning supplies, and groceries similar to US, except groceries cater more to the local Chinese Market.  Few or no international foods.
o   B&Q and JanMart – Carries household repair items similar to Home Depot.
Note:  There are many foods you can get here in Chongqing to make many of the dishes you love.  You may have to improvise or start from scratch, but generally most of the ingredients can be found.  (Sometimes it takes a little work because the grocery items are in Chinese, but with some effort you can find them.)  If you are a foodie and like to cook,  I highly recommend you bring your favorite spices in case they are not available here (e.g. poppy seeds, allspice, etc...).  In addition I would recommend you bring some baking supplies (e.g. vanilla, baking powder, cream of tartar, etc…).  Other items I have personally not found here in Chongqing are Artichoke Hearts, Hearts of Palm and Mandarin Oranges, puddings to name a few. 

No comments:

Post a Comment