Currying favor in Seattle

August 16, 2010 11:56 AM

What is the best source of kaffir lime leaves and holy basil in Seattle?

Uwajimaya does not seem to stock Thai curry standards, like kaffir lime leaves and holy basil. Seattle-ites, where do you go for your Thai ingredients?

posted by Blazecock Pileon to Food & Drink (10 answers total)

Depending on where you are in Seattle, it's a bit of a drive, but when I was living in the area my housemates and I got a lot of Thai and Indian spices and foods at B&I Market at 8012 South Tacoma Way. Can't promise they'll have what you need, but it's probably worth a try.
posted by Caduceus at 12:10 PM on August 16, 2010

I've heard there are some good Thai markets up north - Shoreline / Bothell area. I have a friend who shops for Thai ingredients around there... I'll see if I can get a hold of her.
posted by rossination at 12:10 PM on August 16, 2010

Best answer: You could also try the HT Oaktree Market on Aurora -- I've heard good things about it, especially as far as produce goes.
posted by rossination at 12:13 PM on August 16, 2010

There was a quarantine on kaffir lime earlier this year; we're still having a hard time finding it fresh in Colorado. But it looks like HT Market does indeed have it (last post to the thread).
posted by peachfuzz at 12:24 PM on August 16, 2010

I was going to say I've found both at Uwajimaya in the past, but it sounds like there may be a quarantine or other supply issue with kaffir lime.

Besides HT Market I would think any number of shops in the ID/little Saigon (like Viet Wah or Lam's Seafood Market) would have both.
posted by O9scar at 1:24 PM on August 16, 2010

I have a couple more ideas: Central Market (around 155th and Aurora) is often a good source for Asian groceries and I know I've seen both items there before. I'd call first and check, of course.

Also, there are at least three good Asian groceries further north on Aurora, including the 99 Ranch market, the Ho Do Ri market, and Boo Han Oriental market. (99 Ranch is Uwajimaya size.)
posted by bearwife at 4:10 PM on August 16, 2010

This may not help you now, but if you have a yard with a southern exposure, you can grow a kaffir lime in a pot. It needs to be protected from freezing, just like other tender citrus. It's much nicer than trying to find leaves in the stores. Holy basil is also easy to grow, and you can freeze it for winter use.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:21 PM on August 16, 2010

When I still lived out there, all the Lao and Thai friends hit up Mekong on Rainier.
posted by yeloson at 5:26 PM on August 16, 2010

Blazecock Pileon, sincere apologies for the very quick thread-jacking, but is there a way to talk to you in private? Would you consider activating your mefi mail or creating a throwaway email account?

You commented in a question of mine about iPad printing and I wanted to talk to you some more about that.

Again, apologies. It won't happen again. I assure you, part of my followup will likely benefit you as well.
posted by smersh at 6:38 AM on August 17, 2010

Response by poster: HT has dried kaffir lime leaves, not fresh, but it worked well. No holy basil, or I couldn't find it. It's a great place for Hispanic ingredients, too — the brand of chipotle peppers I usually get were about half the price I pay at a Mexican grocery downtown. Thanks for the tip!
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:54 PM on September 19, 2010