Chinatown. I’m originally from California, so I’ve been to San Francisco and Oakland Chinatown. I kinda feel that Chinatown whereever you go, is the same. The smells, the sights, the sounds. At least from my personal experience, since I have three locations to base my opinion on. One place to visit on Oahu is Honolulu’s Chinatown. Boasting fresh produce, meats and seafood from local farmers, its the best place to get a great deal. Parking can be a bit of a hassle if you find metered parking along side streets, but there is also a parking garage that is a 5 minute walk to the shops and open air market of Chinatown. Truthfully, I only go to Chinatown when my mom is visiting.
My mom loves the fresh, exotic fruit that she used to eat in her homeland of Bangkok, Thailand. The fruit on the right is mangosteen. It is spendy $14.00/lb!! Across the way, they were asking $17.00/lb!! Mom passed on them, she couldn’t stomach spending that much on them, pun intended! This is the most expensive fruit I’ve ever seen. I have yet to taste one! It sure is pretty though!
If you go, bring a big bag to place your purchases… your hand starts to hurt carrying all the plastic bags. Tip: Chinatown would be a great stop to stock up on some fresh fruits on your way to your day’s hike.
In case you are wondering, I photographed these images with my film camera. I love experimenting and I love that I can send it out for developing and it’s done for me. I don’t have to think about it. Otherwise, honestly, it will sit in my hard drive waiting months for me to get to it. Flip side, I am blessed to be a busy professional photographer where my clients come first!
Inside the markets, you can find seafood and meats. I have barely made a dent with all the shops here you can meander into. When my mom is here, we are on a mission and we just go and get what we need.
There’s my mom right there with some sweet, ripe mango’s in her hand.
My mom loves Chinese barbeque pork or what is known in Hawaii as char siu. A sweet, carmelized roast pork. Don’t ask me how they make it, I have no idea. Tip: Along with your fruit, buy a half a pound of char siu and have them chop it up in bite size portions and bring it with you on your hike. Yummy!
Various types of rice, beans and Asian bottled sauces and such can be found here. We were lucky enough to find Thai Ice Tea Leaves here… Yummers!!
I think during Chinese New Year, we’ll have to come back and partake in some fun festivities.
Our loot from the day, watercress, chines eggplant, green and ripe mango, lime, onion, and galanga root. We used our galanga root for this delicious recipe.
Rambutan, longhan fruit, and papaya. You can also check out this place if you love fresh produce. Yes, when my mom is visiting, there is no shortage of food and my refrigerator is jam packed! Yes, very blessed and fortunate to have a packed refrigerator… I count my blessings!
Film: 35mm Kodak Portra 400
Developed at Richard Photo Lab
Oahu, Hawaii based professional photographer Jennifer Brotchie specializes in vacationing families and large groups, high end weddings, international, destination, portraiture, candids. Jennifer’s website showcases the wonderful families and couples that she photographs professionally as well as provide you with Things to Do, Places to See while vacationing on Oahu. Contact her at jenniferbrotchie@gmail.com to schedule your professional photo shoot at the beach today.
