The race to open the first new, major supermarkets in Liuzhou, a race which has mainly taken place in the locals' imaginations, is being won. Not by Walmart or Carrefour, neither of whom have even entered the race, but by Taiwan chain RT-Mart or 大润发.

In a break from past thinking, they have chosen to open their latest huge supermarket, not in the city centre but near one of Liuzhou's several new housing development ghettoes enclaves for the middle classes, in this case the Shengli District out by Que Shan Park on Sheng Li Road East in the north of the city.

The supermarket is on two levels, but the entrance forces you to the second level before you can descend to the first. The shopping area is large and spacious. As I wandered around the second floor with its books, dvds, computers, cameras, kitchen equipment etc., I really did wonder if I was in a supermarket or not. But finally, I reached the food areas. This was the same as every other supermarket in Liuzhou and had nothing of special interest and certainly nothing worth venturing to the frozen north of Liuzhou for. Somewhat disappointed (although I didn't expect anything else), I made my way down to the first floor.

Wow! This is the fresh food area and is amazing. I was met by a beautiful selection of fresh sea fish and seafood and immediately threw a pack of fresh raw salmon into my basket. Well, as soon as the guy had expertly sliced it from the huge fish on his slab. I ate it for lunch less than an hour ago and I can tell you it was fresh! The beautiful sea bass, would have been my next choice.

The meat, fruit and vegetable, and bakery counters were equally impressive (they even had six kinds of pizza, available by the slice.) There is a very good sushi selection, either by the piece or in selection trays. The liquor store was also impressive with a wide range of western spirits and a reasonable selection of French and New World wines at not ridiculous prices.
 

I rounded off my purchases with cheddar cheese and butter and my basket was a happy one.

They don't have much in the way of western food and I can't see myself trudging out there every day, but it is certainly well worth a weekly or monthly visit. I just hope they can keep up the standard and that the locals support their fish selection. It would be a shame to see all that beautiful food become unavailable again. Let's just hope they remember to restock popular items which run out, unlike the other supermarkets in Liuzhou!

(Where is it? The supermarket is on Shengli Road East just to the west of the main entrance to Que Shan Park. By public transport, take the No. 19 bus heading north* and keep going till the last stop, which is beside the park gates. Continue in the same direction for one block and there you are.

*If you make a mistake and go south, you will end up at Longtan Park. Quite pleasant but no supermarket. Have a nice day!)

3rd September 2010

If you know of any other goodies, please let me know.