Posted on March 7th, 2016
Shopping at the Reliable Market, a Korean Market located in 45 Union Square st. in Union Square Somerville, is like a vicarious trip through Asia. The shelves are laden with hundreds of exotic products with labels in many languages. Asian staples such as daikon radish, scallions, ginger, tofu and Asian pears are always on hand. Reliable also offers a shelf of kimchi, a mind-boggling array of noodles and rice, sashimi-grade fish, bulgogi (thinly sliced meats), and rice toppings galore including bonito (salty fish) flakes, and wasabi. If you are not familiar with Asian produce, consider starting with a few of these Asian market staples listed below.
1.- Kurosawa Nigory Sake 2.- Soy Sauce 3.- Pocky Chocolate, a crispy cookie biscuit stick dipped in rich, dark chocolate cream 4.- Sushi rolls 5.- Mochi Ice cream
1. Sake
Sake tasting with a representative from Abacus Distributing.
Reliable has an impressive collection of sake, soju, beer, and wine on hand. The Kurosawa Nigory Sake retains a visible level of rice sediments that enhance its body and texture. This sake’s fruit nose and creamy flavor make it an excellent complement to either spicy foods or dessert. It is produced in Japan, has 8% of alcohol, and the 300ml bottle costs $8.99
Reliable has tastings some Fridays, if you are lucky you will find wine, soju or sake tasting with a representative from Abacus Distributing. They have some munchies as well!
2. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a versatile and essential Asian food condiment. Reliable offers premium soy sauces with high concentration of soy protein that are naturally brewed with 100% soy. Stir-fry or marinate your sushi, vegetables, rice, seafood, meat and tofu. Add 1-2 tsp. to perk up soups, gravies and casseroles.
3. Pocky & Pepero cookies
Pokye, Reliable Market’s owner, cooks sushi everyday!
The original Pocky! Introduced in 1966 as “the world’s first chocolate stick snack,” Pocky Chocolate is a tasty, crispy cookie biscuit stick dipped in rich, dark chocolate cream with a unique “handle.” Delicious alone or with coffee, tea, milk, or wine, Pocky Chocolate is the perfect every-day, all-occasion chocolate snack. Try strawberry or chocolate almond, both available along with many others at Reliable.
4. Sushi
Sushi platters
Check out Reliable kitchen at the back of the store where they sell prepared foods. Buy ten rolls for less than $5.00 dollars! Pokye Casserly, Reliable owner hails from South Korea, and has recently renovated the back kitchen to offer a variety of freshly prepared foods to satisfy your hunger. Stop by and ask her what she recommends you to eat. In addition to the updated kitchen, Pokye has added tables where you can sit down and enjoy your food.
5. Mochi Ice-cream
Mochi is Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice that is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. Mochi ice-cream is mochi with an ice cream filling! Find many flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, and green tea.
Did you know?
Raul hails from El Salvador. He has been working at Reliable since 10 years ago!
- The store has been in Union Square since 1982. Pokye has employees that have been working with her more than a decade!
- In addition to all the Japanese, Chinese, and Korean produce, you can find both basic and hard to find fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Reliable can put together sushi platters, as well as popular Korean dishes for your holiday parties, business functions, etc. Call the store at (617) 623-9620 or inquire via Facebook if interested.
Market tour participants with Pokye, Reliable owner.
Visit Reliable Market with us!
Sign up for a market tour, send an email to martinez.mmariafernanda@gmail.com and visit three markets with us.
Market tours dates:
- Tuesday, March 22nd, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 9th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 19th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 28th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
