Asia Food Market — Local services in Town of Henrietta

Oh wow. I've visited Asia Food Market in the past for specialty Asian ingredients and groceries and they are very good for that. Today was the first time I was in on a Sunday, and the little counter cafe out front was hopping. Even before I walked in, I could smell the cooking so I made sure I stopped by and tried something before I left.

There were two small poles with laminated cards offering various dumplings and noodle dishes to order near the register, and a few choices of prepackaged fried whole fish and crab. At the other end of the counter there is a glass case with the roasted meats, with little menu cards of all the choices. I'm not sure if it varies, but today the options were roast pork, BBQ pork, roast duck and chicken with soy sauce. You could get any of those by the pound, or your choice (or multiple meats) over rice. I ordered the roast pork over rice and the woman at the counter passed the order along to a man near the glass case. The woman went to fill a styrofoam container with rice as the man took a large piece of pork off a hook in the case and began to chop a piece into bite sized chunks.

As she was filling the rice, I began to have second thoughts about my choice and almost asked her to switch to BBQ pork, but I'm very glad I did not. The roast pork was delicately seasoned with five spice, the meat was tender and there were little bits of exquisite crispy skin. The box was finished off with a bit of sauteed gai lan and a spoonful of some sort of soy based sauce right over the gai lan and rice.

They have a few tables where you can sit and eat, but the food is all packaged to take...

I was so happy to discover this place after moving to Rochester from NYC. Unfortunately, the two times that I came my experience was extremely unpleasant. The guy that they have working at the fish market refused to serve me twice.

The first time, I disregarded it as an off day for the man. The second time, i was the first only one in line, and the man blatantly ignored me (as I called out "excuse me", and waved my hands). After waiting sometime for him to acknowledge my presence, a crowd of people started approaching the fish stand. The man waited on everyone around me intentionally looking over me as I stood front and center in front of the fish stand. Again, I said excuse me, I was the first one to get here and I would like some fish. He looked at me, and walked away.

As much as I love Asian markets, I refuse to be humiliated over fish. I will not be returning to this...

It's an interesting place, and if you're unfamiliar with Asian foods don't be shy. It's fine to ask questions or for assistance, they'll know that you might not be used to being there. Being near a college area, they're used to inquisitive customers popping on by and seeing what's up. They have an excellent and varied selection of foods, including an in-house bakery for fresh pastries, pies and breads, bubble teas and smoothies, and an area for freshly steamed buns and a variety of meats. The grocery selection is considerable, along with frozen goods, dried goods, fresh fish and other seafood, and even a well stocked pan/cutlery section with all sorts of cooking implements and paraphernalia. Definitely worth visiting, both for those familiar with Asian foods, and those looking to try...