Quebec, the gourmet city: you'll love this Asian grocery store

Subscription grocery is more than just an Asian market. Delicious soup dishes, the best imperial rolls in town, and two friendly owners who make it fun to find the best produce.

The name Santa is not new Food eaters From Quebec. Maxime Chanhda and his partner Olivier Parent ran a fine Thai restaurant in Sainte-Foy for seven years.

In the fall of 2021, they chose to close the door to embark on another adventure: buying a Lao-Indochina grocery store, owned by Maxim's aunt.

Maxime Chanhda and Olivier Parent are in charge of the grocery store from autumn 2021.

Photo by Stevens LeBlanc

Since then, the store in the Saint-Sauveur district has become a destination for fans of Asian cuisine.

“Our desire is to put grocery stores back on the map and do it our way with the essence. People who have been coming here for 30 years are disoriented but happy,” says Oliver, who was a journalist before taking the entrepreneurial leap with his partner. Since then, the two have continued to inspire and amaze with their projects.

“We're invested, we spend a lot of time in what we do,” Oliver admits, leading me through the narrow aisles of their business.

For the love of rollers

The owners have brought a breath of fresh air to the grocery store, while also making it popular: Maxim's Aunt's Imperial Rolls.

Rollers are very popular among customers.

Photo by Stevens LeBlanc

“Rollers are the soul of the place. At least one out of every two customers comes for it!” exclaims Maxim.

His three aunts and his mother come to help make the rolls, which can reach 400 dozen a day.

The chef had the brilliant idea of ​​adding his famous egg rolls to the menu. I fell in love with this new classic made with ground chicken without the cabbage (hallelujah!).

If you want to play chef at home, their ready-eat counter also offers wontons, banh mi sandwiches, kimchi, soup dishes and the best Thai soup broth.

Spring rolls are also available.

Photo by Stevens LeBlanc

Well selected products

I was impressed by the complete offering of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Japanese and Korean products.

“We are generalists, but at the same time specialized. We like to surprise and look for unique products,” explains Olivier, who tries to please his Quebec customers and Asian culture.

The cozy establishment has a wide range of ramen and treats, as well as kitchen accessories. In the back is a section of Vietnamese cilantro, fresh kaffir lime leaves and fresh vegetables and herbs you won't find in supermarkets. that's it, An herb reminiscent of mint with a clove coating.

There are fruits and Asian desserts.

Photo by Stevens LeBlanc

Don't hesitate to ask for advice from the owners who will be happy to guide you.

The building where the grocery store is located at 538, rue des Oblats will soon undergo major renovations. The business will move to 626, rue des Oblats from mid-February for the duration of the work.

Open Tuesday to Sunday.

5 favorite products from owners

• La Sauce Soya Golden Mountain: Maxime's favorite choice, especially fried rice. It is flavored and gives a lot of flavor. Note, the sauce is pale in color, so if you want more color, pair it with a darker soy sauce.

La Sauce Soya Golden Mountain.

Photo by Marianne White

• fish gravy: Brand fish type Offers excellent value for money. If you want to treat yourself or aspects of your meal to fish sauce, give it a try Red boatA premium sauce made in a less industrial way.

La Chaz Poison Red Boat.

Photo by Marianne White

• Thai Sambal Chilli Paste: It is used like sambal oleg, but spicy. “It gives the dish a kick. It's not the vinegar, it's the pepper that takes over,” Oliver explains.

Thai chili paste.

Photo by Marianne White

• Maysri Curry Pastes: These little preserves are delicious and taste like homemade curry paste. Store the paste in a glass or plastic jar.

Maysri Curry Pastes.

Photo by Marianne White

• Sauce Unagi Sushi: This sweet soy sauce is used as a garnish, for example on bok choy or noodles.

Unagi Sushi Sauce, in the center.

Photo by Marianne White