Golden Gate Variety Store

10/09/2026

Have you ever tried Aleppo pepper? If you love adding a little spice to your meals, this is one seasoning worth discovering!

What is Aleppo pepper?

Aleppo pepper is a chili pepper traditionally associated with Aleppo, Syria, and is widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. It has a beautiful deep red colour and a rich, fruity flavour with hints of sweetness and a mild, earthy tang.

Unlike some extremely hot chili peppers, Aleppo pepper usually offers a moderate heat that builds gently. It adds warmth and depth to your food without overpowering the other ingredients.

Hot Aleppo Pepper Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

* 500 g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast
* 1–2 tsp hot Aleppo pepper
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp soy sauce
* ½ tsp salt, or to taste
* ¼ tsp black pepper
* Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine Aleppo pepper, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, soy sauce, salt and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken and mix well until every piece is coated with the marinade.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness, until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot.

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

Looking for an easy way to enjoy the warming taste of ginger? Nok Cha Won Ginger Tea is a Korean-style ginger tea that makes it simple to prepare a comforting cup anytime.

Made with ginger as the star ingredient, this tea has a delicious combination of warm, spicy ginger flavor and natural sweetness. It’s especially enjoyable on a cool morning, after a meal, or whenever you want something cozy and soothing.

A few other ways to enjoy it:
• Add it to hot or iced tea for extra ginger flavor
• Mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing ginger drink
• Add a little lemon for a bright, citrusy twist
• Use it as a base for a warm honey-ginger drink
• Add it to marinades or sauces for a touch of sweetness and ginger flavor

Korean Ginger Honey Tea

Ingredients

* 1–2 tablespoons Nok Cha Won Ginger Tea
* 1 cup (250 ml) hot water
* ½ teaspoon honey, optional
* A few slices of fresh lemon, optional

Instructions

1. Add 1–2 tablespoons of Nok Cha Won Ginger Tea to a cup.
2. Pour in hot water and stir well until the ginger tea is completely dissolved.
3. Add honey if you prefer it sweeter.
4. Add a slice or two of lemon for a refreshing citrus flavor.
5. Enjoy warm! 🫚🍋

🧊 Iced Ginger Tea

For a refreshing version, mix 1–2 tablespoons of ginger tea with a little hot water first to dissolve it. Add cold water and ice, then finish with lemon slices.

10/04/2026

If you love curry but don’t want to measure and mix a dozen different spices, Yeo’s Malaysian Curry Powder is a great pantry staple to have on hand.

This aromatic blend brings together coriander, chili, fennel, cumin, turmeric, white pepper, aniseed, cinnamon and clove. Each spice contributes something different — from the warm fragrance of cinnamon and clove to the earthy flavour of cumin and coriander, with chili adding a gentle kick and turmeric giving curry its beautiful golden colour. (Yeo’s⁠)

🍛 What makes it special?

Malaysian cooking is known for its wonderful combination of aromatic spices, herbs, chilies and rich flavours. Curry is a perfect example of how these ingredients come together to create something comforting and full of character.

Yeo’s Malaysian Curry Powder isn’t only for making a traditional curry. You can use it to add flavour to:

🥘 Chicken, beef or pork curry
🍤 Curry prawns or seafood
🥔 Curry potatoes and vegetables
🍚 Fried rice
🍜 Noodles
🍗 Marinades for chicken or meat
🥥 Coconut-based curry dishes
🍲 Stews and casseroles

Easy Malaysian Chicken Curry

Ingredients

* 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into pieces
* 2–3 tbsp Yeo’s Malaysian Curry Powder
* 1 onion, sliced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
* 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
* 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
* 1 cup chicken broth or water
* 2 tbsp cooking oil
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 1 tsp salt, or to taste
* ½ tsp sugar
* 1 cinnamon stick
* 2–3 curry leaves, optional
* Fresh cilantro for garnish, optional

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the curry paste:
Mix the Yeo’s Malaysian Curry Powder with about 3 tbsp of water to make a thick paste.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
3. Toast the curry:
Add the curry paste and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. This step helps bring out the aroma of the spices.
4. Add the chicken:
Add the chicken pieces and stir well, coating them with the curry mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Add potatoes and liquid:
Add the potatoes, cinnamon stick and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Add coconut milk:
Pour in the coconut milk and add salt and sugar. Stir well and simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken and potatoes are completely cooked and tender.
7. Taste and adjust:
Add more salt or curry powder if desired. For extra heat, add sliced fresh chili or chili flakes.
8. Serve:
Remove the cinnamon stick and garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice, roti, naan or Malaysian-style flatbread.

10/01/2026

Have you ever wondered what gives many Asian dishes that delicious, nutty aroma? One of the secrets is roasted sesame oil!

Roasted sesame oil is made from sesame seeds that have been toasted or roasted before being pressed for their oil. This roasting process gives the oil its beautiful golden-brown colour and a much deeper, richer flavour than regular sesame oil.

🌰 What does it taste like?

Roasted sesame oil has a distinctive nutty, toasted, slightly sweet and aromatic flavour. It is quite concentrated, so you usually only need a small amount to make a big difference.

How is it used?

Roasted sesame oil is commonly used as a finishing oil or flavouring oil rather than the main cooking oil.

Try adding a small drizzle to:

🍜 Noodles — Mix with soy sauce, garlic and a little chili oil for a quick noodle sauce.

🍚 Fried rice — Add a few drops near the end of cooking for extra aroma.

🥬 Vegetables — Toss steamed or stir-fried vegetables with sesame oil and soy sauce.

🥟 Dumplings — Mix it into your favourite dipping sauce.

🍲 Soups — A small drizzle on top of noodle soup or broth adds a wonderful aroma.

🥩 Marinades — Combine with soy sauce, garlic, ginger and a little sugar for meat or chicken.

🥗 Dressings — Mix with rice vinegar, soy sauce and a little honey for an easy Asian-inspired dressing.

🌶️ Spicy dishes — Combine with chili oil or chili crisp for an extra layer of flavour.

Sesame Garlic Noodles

Ingredients

* 2 servings of noodles — ramen, wheat noodles or rice noodles
* 1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
* 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced
* 1 teaspoon chili oil or chili crisp, optional
* 1 green onion, sliced
* 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
* Cucumber or shredded carrot, optional

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain well.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the roasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic and chili oil.
3. Add the warm noodles to a bowl and pour the sauce over them.
4. Toss everything together until the noodles are nicely coated.
5. Top with green onion and sesame seeds. Add cucumber or shredded carrot if you like a little crunch.
6. Serve warm or chilled.

09/30/2026

Have you ever wondered how Japanese soups get that delicious, rich, savoury flavour? One of the secrets is dry Japanese anchovies, also known as Niboshi (煮干し)! 🇯🇵🐟
These small fish are dried to preserve their flavour and are commonly used in Japanese cooking. They have a distinctive savoury taste that adds depth and umami to many dishes.

✨ How can you use dry Japanese anchovies?

🍲 Make Japanese broth: Simmer them in water to create a flavourful base for miso soup, ramen, udon and other noodle soups.

🍚 Cook rice: Add a few anchovies to your cooking water for extra savoury flavour.

🥬 Season vegetables: Use anchovy broth to simmer daikon radish, cabbage or other vegetables.

🍜 Make Korean-style soup: Dried anchovies are also popular in Korean cooking for making delicious soup stock.

💪 Nutritional benefits: Depending on how they are prepared and eaten, dried anchovies can provide protein, calcium and other minerals. If you eat the whole fish, you can also benefit from its tiny edible bones.

💡 Kitchen tip: For a clear, flavourful broth, remove the heads and guts if desired, then simmer the anchovies gently in water. Strain before using. Avoid boiling them for too long, as the broth may develop a stronger or slightly bitter taste.

Japanese Dried Anchovy Soup (Niboshi Dashi)

Ingredients
15–20 g dried Japanese anchovies (niboshi)
4 cups (1 litre) water
150 g soft or firm tofu, cut into cubes
1–2 tbsp miso paste, to taste
1 tbsp dried wakame seaweed
1 green onion, finely sliced

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the anchovies
Remove the heads and dark guts if desired for a milder, less bitter broth. This step is optional.

Step 2: Make the broth
Add the anchovies and water to a pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes. Skim any foam, then strain out the fish.

Step 3: Add the ingredients
Return the broth to the pot. Add tofu and wakame, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Finish and serve
Turn the heat to low. Dissolve the miso paste in a little broth, then stir it back into the pot. Avoid boiling after adding miso. Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.

09/29/2026

Have you ever wondered what makes black vinegar and red vinegar different? Both are popular in Asian cooking, but each brings its own unique flavour to your dishes!
🖤 Black Vinegar
Asian black vinegar, especially Chinese black vinegar, is known for its deep, rich flavour with a balance of tanginess, mild sweetness, and savoury notes. It's perfect for dipping dumplings, seasoning noodles, adding flavour to stir-fries, and making delicious sauces. You can also add a splash to soups or braised dishes for extra depth!
❤️ Red Vinegar
Red vinegar is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and is often paired with wonton soup, noodles, dumplings, and seafood dishes. It generally has a bright, tangy flavour that adds freshness and helps balance rich or savoury foods. The exact flavour depends on the type and brand.
✨ Which One Should You Use?
🥟 For dumplings: Try black vinegar with a little soy sauce and sliced ginger.
🍜 For wonton soup: Add a splash of red vinegar for a refreshing tang.
🥢 For noodles: Both work beautifully in dipping sauces and dressings.
🍲 For cooking: Black vinegar adds depth, while red vinegar brings a brighter acidity.
💡 Kitchen tip: Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. A little vinegar can make a big difference in bringing your favourite Asian dishes to life!

Dumpling Dipping Sauce with Black Vinegar

Ingredients
2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp finely sliced ginger
1 tsp chopped green onion
Chili oil (optional)
Instructions
Mix the black vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
Add ginger and chopped green onion.
Add chili oil if you like a little heat.
Serve with steamed, boiled, or pan-fried dumplings.

09/29/2026

Have you ever tried Mexican mole? If not, this is a delicious one to start with! 😋

Doña María Mole is a traditional Mexican-style mole paste made with a blend of chilies, spices, nuts, seeds and other ingredients. It has a wonderful combination of sweet, savoury, spicy and rich flavours all in one.

Mole is often served with chicken or turkey, but you can use it in so many ways! Try it as a sauce over roasted vegetables, enchiladas, tacos, rice bowls or even as a delicious addition to shredded chicken.

Looking for something new to try? Come check out Doña María Mole at Golden Gate Variety Store!

👉 And remember, if you see something interesting in our store but aren’t sure how to use it, just ask us! We’re always happy to help.

Easy Doña María Chicken Mole

A delicious Mexican-inspired dinner that looks impressive but is actually quite simple to make! ❤️

Ingredients

* 4 chicken thighs or chicken breasts
* 1 jar Doña María Mole paste
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
* 1–2 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)
* 1 small piece of Mexican chocolate or 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
* Salt, to taste
* Sesame seeds, for garnish
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken with a little salt. Pan-fry in oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the mole sauce: In the same pan, add the Doña María Mole paste and gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
3. Add extra flavour: Stir in peanut butter and Mexican chocolate or cocoa powder if using. Simmer on low heat for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes so the chicken can soak up all those wonderful flavours.
5. Serve: Spoon the rich mole sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

09/27/2026

If you love Thai and Southeast Asian cooking, fish sauce is one of those pantry staples that can make a big difference! Healthy Boy Fish Sauce adds a delicious salty, savory and umami flavor to your dishes.

It’s not just for dipping sauces! You can use it to season:
🍜 Noodle dishes & soups
🥢 Stir-fries
🍚 Fried rice
🥗 Thai-style salads
🥩 Meat & seafood marinades
🌶️ Dipping sauces

A few drops can add that extra depth of flavor without needing lots of other seasonings.

💡 Simple idea: Mix fish sauce with lime juice, a little sugar, minced garlic and chili for a quick Thai-inspired dipping sauce. Perfect with grilled meat, seafood, spring rolls or fresh vegetables!

Thai-Style Fish Sauce Chicken

Ingredients:

* 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breast, sliced
* 2 tbsp Healthy Boy Fish Sauce
* 1 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tbsp lime juice
* 1 tbsp brown sugar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 small chili, sliced (optional)
* 1 tbsp cooking oil
* Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic and chili.
2. Add the chicken and let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
5. Pour in any remaining marinade and cook for another 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.

09/26/2026

Wood Ear, also known as Black Fungus, is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. It gets its name from its thin, dark, ear-like shape and its unique crunchy, slightly chewy texture.

Unlike many mushrooms, Wood Ear doesn’t have a strong mushroom flavour. Instead, it has a mild taste that makes it perfect for soaking up the flavours of sauces, soups, and stir-fries.

✨ How can you use it?
• Add it to hot & sour soup 🍲
• Stir-fry with vegetables and meat 🥢
• Add to dumpling or spring roll fillings
• Mix into noodle dishes
• Add to salads for extra crunch
• Use it in soups and hot pots

How to prepare dried Wood Ear:
Simply soak the dried mushrooms in plenty of water until they become soft and expanded. Rinse them well, trim off any tough parts, and they’re ready to cook!

Asian Wood Ear Mushroom Stir-Fry

Ingredients

* 1 cup dried wood ear mushrooms
* 1 tbsp cooking oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 onion, sliced
* 1 cup sliced bell pepper
* 1 cup broccoli or bok choy
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tbsp oyster sauce
* 1 tsp sesame oil
* 1/2 tsp sugar
* 2–3 tbsp water
* Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in plenty of water until fully rehydrated and tender. Rinse thoroughly and trim away any tough parts. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add garlic and onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
3. Add the wood ear mushrooms and vegetables. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.