At the tender age of 15, my first job ever was at Tan Tien Asian market in west Orlando. I did everything from stock boy, produce, cleaning fish, meat butchery, and cashier; many of the core skills that I still use today as executive chef at Seito Sushi Baldwin Park. Being born and raised here in America, what I loved the most about the market was exploring and trying ingredients I never tasted before. The owner would make family meal for the staff and I got to help him. Eventually it became my responsibility, and my first chef position was there at this little Asian market.
A tradition in culture and a fundamental part of life in Vietnam is to visit the local Asian market daily – the backbone of the community. Asian markets in American create a bridge for culture sharing and allows me as a chef to source ingredients not typical with our restaurant purveyors. I am able to introduce recipes that are uncommon with the American palate and also represent who I am as a chef. I’ve learned to let the market tell you what to cook, starting with finding the best quality ingredients and what you are craving, sort of like reverse engineering recipes. My favorite memories though will always be the interactions and meeting people from the community there.
I am among the many Central Floridians that are excited for the arrival of H Mart – the massively popular Korean supermarket and food hall (slated to be the largest H Mart in the world) finally opening its doors in Orlando this September 25th – but also hope our community continues to support the diverse markets we already have here in Orlando, such as Tan Tien. Whether you’re looking for South East Asian to East Asian ingredients, each market specializes with their own uniqueness. To my chef and restaurant foodie friends, I hope that you can find time and food budget to continue to source from these local Asian markets here in Orlando, and I hope we can preserve them as long as possible.
Huy Tin
Executive Chef/Partner
Seito Sushi Baldwin Park |
