“Asian & Specialties” refers to a diverse category of food products that cater to specific regional cuisines from around the world. These items include spices, condiments, vegetarian ingredients, sweets, and preserved foods that are essential for authentic cooking in Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, Japanese, Italian, and other international cuisines.

Indian Cuisine

• Spices & Condiments: Turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cardamom, mustard seeds, and ghee.
• Vegetarian Specialties: Lentils (dal), chickpeas, paneer, basmati rice, and pickles.
• Sweets & Desserts: Gulab jamun, jalebi, ladoo, and soan papdi.
• Preserves: Mango chutney, pickled vegetables, and tamarind paste.

Chinese Cuisine

• Sauces & Seasonings: Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and Sichuan pepper.
• Noodles & Rice: Egg noodles, rice noodles, jasmine rice, and sticky rice.
• Specialty Ingredients: Dried mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and Chinese five-spice.

Filipino Cuisine

• Sweet & Savory Flavors: Banana ketchup, ube (purple yam), coconut milk, and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).
• Staple Ingredients: Jasmine rice, pancit noodles, cassava flour, and corned beef.
• Desserts & Pastries: Polvoron, leche flan, bibingka, and pastillas.

Thai Cuisine

• Curry Pastes & Herbs: Red, green, and yellow curry pastes, lemongrass, galangal, and Thai basil.
• Sauces & Condiments: Fish sauce, tamarind paste, chili sauce, and coconut milk.
• Noodles & Rice: Thai jasmine rice, rice paper, and glass noodles.

Japanese Cuisine

• Seafood & Preserved Ingredients: Nori (seaweed), miso paste, bonito flakes, and wasabi.
• Noodles & Rice: Udon, soba, ramen, and sushi rice.
• Specialty Items: Soy sauce, mirin, dashi stock, and pickled ginger.

Italian Cuisine

• Pasta & Grains: Spaghetti, penne, arborio rice (for risotto), and polenta.
• Cheeses & Dairy: Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, and mascarpone.
• Sauces & Herbs: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and basil.

Other International Cuisines

• Middle Eastern: Hummus, tahini, dates, pomegranate molasses, and za’atar.
• French: Truffle oil, Dijon mustard, foie gras, and croissants.
• Mexican: Corn tortillas, chipotle peppers, mole sauce, and refried beans.

Why Are “Asian & Specialties” Important?

• Authentic Taste & Flavors – Essential for preparing traditional dishes.
• Global Culinary Diversity – Supports restaurants, catering services, and home chefs.
• Wide Range of Ingredients – Includes fresh, dry, frozen, and preserved foods.
• Essential for Ethnic & Regional Markets – Meets the needs of different cultural cuisines.

This category ensures that authentic flavors from around the world are accessible, whether for everyday cooking, restaurant menus, or ship provisions.