Every once in a while my past lives resurface.  My lives lived in other countries.  I think my favorite past life may be been at 6 years old in Singapore.  Maybe Singapore is my favorite because it was my first overseas move?  Or maybe Singapore is my favorite because it is an indescribable place.. unless you’ve been.  Singapore even has its own smell.  I swear it does… As soon as you step off that plane, the smell bombards you, and I mean in a good way.  It just smells like Singapore.

And every once in a while, in the middle of the Mid West, I get hints of Singapore.  How you wonder?  Well this time the hint was pretty powerful.  It is called Milwaukee’s Asian Market Phongsavan.  The overall concept reminds of the hawker stalls in Singapore, mixed in with random electronic stores, clothing, brooms, dishware and groceries. I could spend way too much time wandering the makeshift aisles and rediscovering foods of my past.

Prawn chips? Check. 

All the Sambal Chili you need? Check.

Black chicken? Check.  The only thing missing was the hanging poultry from food stalls, however un-FDA approved that may be.

Here in the Middle of the Midwest, at this particular moment, my mother and I are  the only white women in the market.  This brings a few curious glances and stares.  It brings me right back to being a 6 year old natural blonde in Asia, and the multitude of times I was stopped, as curious people would run their hands through my hair. Strange?  Yes but it was something I just got use to.  ( Remind me someday to tell you the Aquarium story….)

Feeling at home with the curious stares and mix of languages surrounding us, I quickly filled my basket with familiar flavors.

Not only can you shop here, but you can eat! Similar to hawker stalls, there are pictures to point and order.

Sadly the market is out of curry puffs, a huge favorite from Singapore.  I guess it is just an excuse to return 🙂  Spring rolls and papaya salad it is.

Thanks Asian Market Phongsavan for the flashback!