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I have found it to be a bit challenging at times to find all of the raw ingredients in Manila for the various cooking projects I have undertaken. Though selections in supermarkets have improved when cooking non-Filipino foods especially, you have to do a little searching.
That’s why I’m adding a new category to this website to assist others as I assume I’m not the only one. For any market report I do I will add a Where to Find tag for the primary items that can be found at a given market, beginning with spices at Assad Mini Mart. Most places in Manila still don’t have much of an online presence so I’ll help them along.
Assad Mini Mart is am Indian grocer with a good selection of grocery items and halal foods. They sell frozen and fresh flat breads, as well as dairy items and dried legumes. However the one thing I got excited about was their large selection of inexpensive spices.
I stocked up my pantry on a number of the spices that are either hard to find at the grocery store or prohibitively priced. In many cases you will pay 6-8 times the money per gram than you would here. Although if you are not too familiar with the looks of different spices you may want to ask for assistance because they aren’t exactly well labeled.
At the front counter they have a hot case with potato samosas for p15. I picked up four and made an all-starch lunch out of them. They have a nice curry kick to them and the tamarind sauce is perfect.
According to the calling card I procured they have three locations which I will list below. The one I go to is in Makati on Jupiter. As always feel free to contact me or leave comments if you’re searching for something in particular and I will do my best to point you in the right direction. Otherwise share your findings so we can have a consolidated resource here on mrdelicious.ph to assist home cooks in procuring ingredients.
Assad Mini Mart Locations:
Unit 1-A Eurocrest Building
126 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Vil,
897-2543
Midtown Executive Homes
1268 United Nations Ave.
526-1349, 526-5034
Door #5 Thaddeus Arcade, San Roque
Marikina City
645-1596
I love this place! I was so happy when they opened their branch in Makati (after being in UN Ave for so long…not exactly near me)
I haven’t been for a while though and I can’t believe the samosas are still only P15!!
This is where I get all of my corned beef spices. Extra-secret formula!
http://www.tajgrocery.com/contact.htm
Taj, also in Makati, also has a similar selection and may have some items that Assad does not, or has them for cheaper. Last time I was there, I was looking for curry leaves – they gave me some for free because they had some plants out back
Their samosas are also really good, haven’t tried Assad’s though so I don’t know which is better.
Thanks for the tip, Paolo. I will definitely try Taj for comparison.
Assad has my favorite samosas! Larger than most, flavorful, with that amazing tamarind sauce. I can identify them when they’re served at parties. When I used to go to UN Ave. to visit clients many years ago, I’d pop into Assad to buy a couple of samosas for lunch or dinner and try to get out as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the others in the car with me would complain about the store’s smell stuck to my clothes. Are the samosas seriously STILL P15?! I’ve gotta head to Jupiter soon, then!
Still p15, about 4 to make a great all-starch lunch
hi guys .. just an inquiry.. do you guys sell cecic flour as well ?
hi. are you guys selling besan flour ?
Hi Zhay,
For your inquiries you should contact Assad directly at the number provided.
Thanks!
Jeremy
Hi Zhay,
Yes, you can find besan flour in Assad. I just bought it a couple of weeks ago.
Thanks for sharing!
Do you think they sellndried lavender there?
I have not seen lavender here or for that matter anywhere in Manila. Maybe somebody can recommend where to get it?
Try the plant store in market market global city i saw some lavander plant there its around P250 per plant.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thanks for sharing Mr. D!
Thanks for visiting!
Hi, I came across your website when I was looking for reviews on Assad… Thank you so much for the article, I contacted them and asked about the spices I needed, all except for Juniper berries. I was wondering if you knew where I could get them? Thank you so much and more power!
I have been looking for juniper berries myself. The only place I’ve found them is at the spice vendor in the Salcedo Market. However I bulked at the price (around p800 for a jar if I recall correctly). If you really need it though they have it.
And if you’re making gin I will be waiting for a sample
Hi Yssa F just wanna share where to find juniper berries. Its at SM Supermarket in makati there is a Spices Store outside the supermarket inside the mall at the groundfloor a jar cost P450.
Thanks for the info
The Marikina-Gil Fernando store closed down. Just sayin’, in case someone wants to visit that branch.
Thanks for the head’s up!
I ALWAYS stop in Assad before I head my flight back home in Cebu. Tho I aim for sweet goodies …..I’m always tempted to bring some samosas from too. It taste much much better and most affordable….
It’s a handy place to have around if you cook a lot. I also like the selection of dried beans and legumes.
You are a GODSEND!!! I’ve been craving for Assad’s samosas for quite some time now (I’m 4 months pregnant) and was heartbroken at the thought of how far away they were all the way at UN Avenue. I started Googling anyway to tease myself and discovered that they have a branch just along Jupiter street! I work at Paseo-Buendia so it’s super near from me lang!!! I will drag my husband there tomorrow haha
You flatter me.. but glad to be of service
This may give your baby insatiable curry cravings.
Hi. Would you know if they have rosewater there? I forhog to get some in india and i need it badly. Please help me
I believe they do. I’ll check next time I go.
Hello, do you have any idea if they sell fresh galanggal?
They do not, however Herbana Farms in the center of Salcedo Market often has it.