By Jesse Qin

Food, with a tangible and enduring presence in our lives, forms an integral part of immigrant experiences. Bridging the gap between the "homeland" and where people physically reside, cultural cooking and cuisine establish a robust, day-to-day connection among different immigrant generations, linking them to their memories of the past and preserving their cultural heritage.

The Asian minority historically encountered challenges in sourcing ingredients due to their significantly different daily diet from the Western world. However, advancements in transportation and technology have integrated Asian cuisine into American life. Online recipes and adapted food ingredients have become more accessible, yet these experiences may lack authenticity, particularly when relying on mainstream supermarkets. As a result, ethnic grocery stores have become essential spaces for immigrants to reclaim their cultural identity and other populations to engage in cultural interaction.

With about 6% Asian population, finding places of asian identity like New York’s Chinatown in Providence, RI and its surrounding area remains challenging. This map provides a clear and visual guidance on various Asian-owned grocery stores in the larger Providence area with product overviews, histories, and general observations. It is specially designed for you to further explore the Asian food culture in where we now call “home”.