K&S World Market — Attraction in Nashville-Davidson

Ah, what a grand and bountiful expedition awaited the intrepid traveler within the hallowed halls of K&S World Market! For beyond the live crabs and lobsters, beyond the venerable ranks of pasilla, guajillo, and ancho chilies, and even beyond the delicate soy sauces and endless varieties of rice noodles, lay a paradise of fruits and vegetables so diverse, so wondrous, that it seemed as though the very Earth had gathered its botanical treasures into this single marketplace.

There, piled high like the plunder of a great voyage, were jackfruits, massive and spiked, their golden flesh emitting a fragrance both tropical and intoxicating. Durian, the infamous “king of fruits,” lurked nearby, its pungent perfume warning the uninitiated of its divisive delights. Dragon fruit, resplendent in pink and green, lay beside the humble yet potent bitter melon, its wrinkled skin concealing a flavor as complex as the lands from which it hailed.

The great daikon radishes, white and elongated as ancient scrolls, rested beside Chinese eggplants, their purple sheen smooth as lacquer. Taro, the starchy root of many an island feast, waited in heavy stacks beside the yucca, a tuber of equal fortitude, revered in the cuisines of the Caribbean and South America. Lotus root, with its intricate wheel-like patterns, promised a crisp bite fit for both stir-fry and soup alike.

In the verdant aisles of leafy bounty, banana leaves as large as a sailor’s flag awaited their calling, their broad surfaces destined to enfold tamales, sticky rice, or grilled fish in the ancient manner of tropical cooking. Thai basil, with its anise-kissed aroma, intertwined with the zesty bite of lemongrass, while kaffir lime leaves exuded a citrus perfume potent enough to transport the traveler straight to the bustling street markets of Bangkok.

And what of rice, the very foundation upon which the world’s greatest cuisines are built? There was no single grain here but a legion of varieties, each with its own character and heritage! Basmati, long and fragrant, whispered of monsoons and Mughal feasts; jasmine rice, soft and floral, called to mind the steaming bowls of Thailand; glutinous rice, perfect for dumplings and desserts, sat beside wild black rice, its dark grains shimmering with an almost mystical luster. The humble short-grain rice, ever loyal, awaited its destiny in sushi, while broken rice, prized in Vietnamese kitchens, was no less valuable despite its fragmented form.

Here, in this emporium of the exotic, was a feast for the explorer’s soul—a land where continents met, where every fruit, every vegetable, every grain of rice told the story of its journey across the world. And as I filled my basket with these botanical marvels, I knew I was not merely purchasing provisions. No, dear reader, I was gathering the flavors of distant lands, charting a course through the globe’s most vibrant cuisines, and embarking upon a culinary voyage extraordinary—one that could begin anew with each return to K&S...

K & S World Market is a great wholesale alternative for people who cook or want to become better cooks. Their produce is great. The selection is large and contains products Americans will know and the ability to learn about Asian products you should know. Their fresh mushroom selection is incredible. I love their peeled fresh garlic and fresh ginger root at a fraction of the cost of supermarkets. I buy dozens of greens, g mushrooms, garlic. Fredh bean sprouts by the pound, pea pods, and whatever looks local and fresh. I make a soup with cilrarg chicken broth and U12-15 shrimp, pork tenderloin seared with AH-SO sauce (a way to make the outside red and tasty), and aged soy sauce and some sesame oil. It is an incredibly easy and flavorful soup that costs very little but satisfies. Great for weight loss.

Do not be afraid to look at all the products in all the aisles. Ask questions. You will find those expensive Shumai Dumplings frozen (same ones you get in restaurants) spring rolls and other things you will recognize. Stay long enough and will see restaurant owners and cooks buying there. Kids love the meat and fish counter, but live seafood from crabs to lobsters to fish are their favorites. They like to watch them swim, I like them for a different reason!

Worth a trip....

I've been using this market for years now but throughout the pandemic I've visited more than ever bc of the low cost of frozen goods, non perishables, international soup bases, and quality of vegetables I can find here. The photos listed are from 2 separate runs to K&S. I love their vast variety of produce, low prices, and the wide selection of different types of ethnic foods/seasonings. They've got everything from African spices, Mexican staples, Korean marinades, Japanese/vietnamese/Chinese noodle selections, and a plenty meat & fish options fresh in the back of the store. The 1st picture was a smaller order of vegetables all under $18 & the 2nd photo is a grocery haul in which I combed through the store for some of their best deals! All under $40!!! I find it's the best way to eat healthier on a budget. Please know that the store is older and is rough around the edges unlike chain grocery stores that the avg person ventures. The one thing I dislike about the store is the dank odor when you walk in. I actually was grateful for my pandemic mask bc it makes it easier for me to shop. The money you'll save makes...