Hmong Grocery Store

The area around 72^nd Avenue between Lowell and Federal has a number of interesting ethnic food purveyors for your perusal. One that stands out in particular is the Hmong-​owned market called — surprise, surprise! — Hmong Grocery Store.
As you step inside you will be captivated by the many items on offer. «Ooh» and «Aah» at the coolers filled with tantalizing meats such as Nraj (pheasant) and Hnyuv Ntxwm (herby pork sausage). Then, wander up and down the aisles and behold big bags of Fawm (rice noodles) and bottles of seasoning mixtures for such delights as the spicy chicken soup known as Qhaub Poob. Or maybe some durian chips will interest you? Oh, stop that — they’re delicious.
As you take it all in, you will notice that many of the items feature an image of a smiling lady in traditional costume (decorated in the vividly colorful Paj Ntaub style). And once you visit you’ll grin from ear to ear too.
While you’re in the area, pop a few doors down in the same stripmall and buy some coffee candies, or get a Thai video, at the Overseas Oriental Market. Then, go a couple blocks north on Irving to 74^th and check out the Vietnamese and other goods (like cans of bran gluten!) available at Tay Do Market. Finally, zip over to 68^th and Lowell and enjoy some smashing Khmer and Lao food at Woody’s Wings ‘N’ Things (see prior review).
Oh, did I surprise you with that last one?