Whenever I travel abroad, I always make a point of visiting the local supermarkets. I love everything about them – the new smells, the labels I can’t read, the shelves of foods I never knew existed.

But you don’t have to go overseas to find a supermarket that offers something a little bit different – just head to Cowcaddens, which is home to Glasgow’s own mini Chinatown. It’s not much of a town – just a shopping centre, really – but it has a fantastic Asian food shop.

Every aisle at Chinatown Groceries has something you never knew you wanted to try – chrysanthemum tea, mock duck, bitter melon, green tea cakes, grass jelly – proof that authentic

Chinese cuisine is far more varied and interesting than what you can get in your local takeaway. They also sell a good selection of Malaysian, Thai and Japanese groceries.

Adventurous eaters will no doubt leave with an odd assortment of goodies. I came home with two kinds of curry paste, vegetable gyoza, chili oil and several bags of tofu puffs, and I exercised considerable self-restraint.

Next time I don’t think I’ll be able to resist the lychee wine.

Chinatown Groceries

42-46 New City Road

Glasgow

G4 9JT

0141 353 2338