WHAT A SUPERMARKET IN CHINA IS LIKE! Strange prices and products

Chinese supermarkets diverge significantly from their Western counterparts, particularly in Brazil. Unlike freestanding, colossal hypermarkets, Chinese supermarkets are typically integrated within shopping malls or large galleries, often spanning multiple floors. This unique structural approach leads to a distinct shopping experience, where the sheer size and vertical integration are immediately noticeable. The design can sometimes make it challenging to navigate, especially for those accustomed to more open, single-story layouts.

Upon entry, even the locker system presents a challenge, as its operation is not immediately intuitive for foreigners. Despite spending nearly two months in China, many visitors find themselves unable to utilize the lockers effectively, often opting to carry their bags. A peculiar habit among tourists in China and Southeast Asia is to store their luggage at supermarket lockers after checking out of hotels, allowing them to explore the city without the burden of their bags before heading to the airport. This clever use of supermarket facilities highlights a different approach to urban tourism and convenience.

The fresh produce section in Chinese supermarkets is a striking departure from what is typically seen in the West. It is common to find live animals such as turtles, along with other unidentified aquatic creatures that resemble a cross between lobsters, shrimp, and cockroaches. Whole, dead fish are also sold, often with their heads separated, reflecting a different approach to food presentation and consumer preference. This emphasis on live and freshly prepared items underscores a cultural preference for ultimate freshness in culinary ingredients, providing a unique and sometimes surprising visual experience for visitors.

A curious aspect of meat purchasing in China is the sale of chicken pieces by weight in grams rather than by the kilo, a stark contrast to common practices in many other countries. The pricing structure for chicken parts is notably different from Brazil. For instance, chicken breast, which is often considered premium in many Western countries, is priced considerably lower than other parts like half-chickens or gizzards. This inverse pricing strategy indicates varying consumer demands and culinary traditions where certain cuts may hold different value.

Unlike the free sample stations found in Brazilian supermarkets, Chinese supermarkets offer a multitude of individuals providing product samples. This can be challenging for those who do not speak Chinese, leading to amusing mix-ups, such as mistakenly purchasing an egg thought to be deodorant. The prepared eggs, often dark and hard-boiled, have a distinctive taste that is not universally appealing to all palates. Additionally, milk in China is generally expensive, with prices often exceeding {100 RMB} per liter, although more affordable options can occasionally be found. Before arriving in China, visitors might encounter milk priced as high as {15 RMB}, highlighting the considerable cost of dairy products.

The cookie selection in Chinese supermarkets presents a gamble, as the quality can vary wildly from excellent to quite poor, making purchases a matter of luck. The dessert section is notably diverse and intriguing, offering many Chinese pastry options that might already be familiar to some. A common practice for purchasing sweets, similar to buying fruit, is to select items by weight. Customers choose their desired quantity, place it in a bag, and then weigh it at a designated station. This self-service, bulk-buying approach is a distinctive feature, allowing for greater customization in snack purchases.

It's difficult to know, it's a matter of luck.

The noodle aisle in Chinese supermarkets is extensive, featuring multiple corridors dedicated solely to various types of noodles. This vast selection reflects the centrality of noodles in Chinese cuisine. Beyond noodles, the spice section is a paradise for culinary adventurers, brimming with exotic spices and ingredients unfamiliar to many. Additionally, Chinese cuisine frequently incorporates mushrooms, and supermarkets stock a wide array of different types, catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the local population. These aisles highlight the rich and complex flavors integral to Chinese cooking.

Chinese supermarkets offer at least five different types of rice, also sold by weight, allowing customers to purchase their exact desired quantity. The availability of fresh fruits in China is surprisingly good, dispelling any initial fears about a lack of produce. While fruits and vegetables can be somewhat more expensive compared to tropical countries like Brazil, the prices are generally not exorbitant. China is a major producer of tomatoes, making them relatively affordable and often found in gigantic sizes. Other widely available and reasonably priced fruits include watermelon and ginger, underscoring the country's diverse agricultural output.

One highly distinctive fruit found is the durian, renowned for its strong odor. Its potent smell is so pervasive that it is often prohibited in public places due to its intensity. Despite its divisive aroma, the durian is a popular item, but its consumption is restricted in many public areas to avoid offending others. This characteristic highlights cultural nuances around food and public spaces.

Beyond groceries, Chinese supermarkets are comprehensive retail hubs offering a wide array of non-food items, including electronics and kitchenware. The kitchen section boasts an extensive selection of pots, pans, plates, rice cookers, and electric pressure cookers, catering to every household need. Navigating the electronics aisle can be challenging for foreigners due to language barriers, as manuals and device interfaces are predominantly in Chinese. Even simple communication with sales associates about product features like cellular phones often requires translation apps or pointing gestures, highlighting the need for linguistic tools when shopping.

Chinese homes commonly feature large water heaters instead of electric showers, which can be cumbersome to operate but effectively provide hot water. Another distinct feature of daily life is the prevalence of hard beds, often consisting of a wooden block with a thin mattress. While the health benefits of such firm sleeping surfaces, particularly for back support, are a topic of discussion, many visitors find them uncomfortable. These subtle differences in household items and personal comfort preferences reflect distinct cultural norms.

We don't know if it's customary to be good for the back, but many of us suffer from it.

The price of certain common items can be surprisingly high, such as the equivalent of a

Deodorants are also expensive, ranging from {39 RMB} for the cheapest spray to {34 RMB} for roll-ons. Toilet paper in China often comes in large, square rolls without a central hole, differing significantly from standard designs. While normal rolls are available, they are usually sold in bulk, making it difficult for individuals to purchase smaller quantities. Furthermore, public restrooms often lack toilet paper or provide insufficient amounts, which can be an inconvenience for visitors. Despite the low cost of toilet paper, its limited availability in public spaces remains a mystery.

The noodle section in Chinese supermarkets is truly impressive, featuring a dedicated exclusive area with an astonishing variety of instant noodles. The price of these noodles varies greatly, from very affordable options, similar to those found in other countries, to exceptionally expensive ones. These noodles come in diverse flavors, including mushroom, regular meat, and a unique

While generally tasty, some can be overwhelmingly strange, making it difficult to identify the ingredients. Another curious item is a small, bitter ball often found in soups, which can be quite peculiar to the uninitiated palate. Additionally, some Chinese sausages lack a distinct sausage flavor, resembling a firm pâté instead, sold in large packs. The snack aisle continues to surprise with unique cookie flavors, such as "birthday cake flavor," "green flavor," and even "lemon mousse with mint," alongside a "strawberry flavor" that appears thinner.

The chip selection also offers unconventional options, including "sea salt with pepper," "soup flavor," "squid flavor," and "pineapple flavor," revealing a diverse and often unexpected range of tastes. These distinct offerings illustrate the unique culinary landscape where traditional flavor boundaries are often pushed. Such novelty means that for those accustomed to standard flavors, the experience of tasting these products can be quite surprising.

Chinese supermarkets offer very affordable local beers, while imported options are more expensive. A common local beer, which has a low alcohol content of {2%}, is popular for its pleasant taste. This beer costs around {2.50} RMB. Other options include a {1.5 L} can for {10 RMB}. Local wines are also produced in China, with some being both good quality and inexpensive. A favorite wine, tasting like one from Chile, costs {9.50 RMB} per bottle and reportedly does not cause headaches. For soft drinks, there is a "white Coca-Cola" whose nature is unknown but stated to be {30%} something. Other unusual soda flavors include green apple, pineapple, and pumpkin, indicating a wide range of adventurous taste profiles. Additionally, grass jelly is a common ingredient in Chinese beverages, though it may not appeal to all palates.