SOUTH RENO'S 168 ASIAN MARKET

A wish to cook healthy Asian meals at home drew me to 168 Asian Market, 3090 S. Virginia St. in South Reno. 

My shopping list wasn't complicated.  Products such as lower-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce and rice wine vinegar are available at regular supermarkets like Smith's and WinCo.  But I figured there must be some unique products at this Asian specialty store, which is located near the Atlantis and Peppermill Hotels and Casinos. 
  
168 Asian Market isn't as spacious or lively as Seattle's Uwajimaya: http://www.uwajimaya.com/ 

Yet the Biggest Little City's 168 Asian Market does feature a lot of interesting and unusual merchandise — at least unusual for someone who isn't super-knowledgeable about authentic Asian grocery items.  

Freezer cases were brimming with containers of beef blood and pork blood, fish and octopus meat rolled into balls, "Young Buddhist Ducks with Heads and Feet On," dumplings, tofu, moo shu wrappers, wonton wrappers and more.  (Also, some unfamiliar brands of hot dogs!  Who knew that hot dogs were popular in Asian countries?) 

168 Asian Market seems to have every kind of rice or noodle imaginable ... 

And a dizzying array of cooking oils, vinegars and sauces ... 

Produce, both fresh and dried ... 

Canned meats, salty snacks, teas and other beverages, plus housewares  — dishes, pots and pans, steamers, utensils.  It's a fun place to browse and get ideas for exotic meals, whether you're into Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese or Indian cuisine. 

168 Asian Market does not have a Web site but for further information, you can call the market at (775) 823-9918.