I have been able to randomly find tahini (basically crushed sesame seeds) in markets around Kunming, but have not been able to find it from a regular source. When I have found it, it is usually from white sesame seeds (light brown in colour) and comes in clear containers with a white lid. Its a good consistency for tahini and is quite tasty. The two places where I have managed to find it are in the small market in Hong Shan Dong Lu (only in the mornings, but this was a year ago now) and in the occasional market they have opposite the western side of Green lake.
Does anyone know of a reliable source?
There is a baking store in the north off LinYu Lu that carries Tahini. Near that store is a small import store that also regularly carries it. If you want specific directions let me know.
I was in a search for natural sesame paste and natural peanut butter some time ago, but got tired of asking around (most of those available had salt, sugar and oil). Homemade is also a real hassle. I know it's not that helpful of an answer, but I just order from Taobao now. They also have black sesame paste, which is excellent for men.
Hi bluegrass, could you post specific directions here? Or a google map address is just as good I suppose! Thanks!
Yep, I know I can get it from taobao, but it is one of those items that is considerably more expensive on taobao and annoying/dangerous/heavy to transport. I believe I was able to get 1L of tahini for around 25 kuai the last time I bought it locally so a local source would be much better. I also don't need it very often if I buy 1L of it, maybe once every 3 months.
Bluegrass ! Would really appriciate it if u could write the adress in chinese, i tryed to search linyu lu, but no luck...
Thnkx allot
I use sesame paste, which is a standard item in Chinese supermarkets. Basically ground sesame seeds in sesame oil. I find this in my local supermarket, and luckily it has the words 'Sesame paste' in English on the jar.
If you happen to travel to Dali, they produce tahini in Xiaguan and you can get it in most shops. Cheap and natural.
Sorry for the late response. I have the name and phone number for the baking store (couldn't find the address). It is very near the Carnival Mall. The phone number is 65227052 or 18687193911. The name of the store (on the receipt) is:
昆明市清澄进口食品销售单.
Search these coordinates on Google Maps to find the approximate location:
25.095785, 102.733058.
The store is in one of the small alleys on the north side of LinYu Road.
Thanks for the info.
If anyone is having trouble with the lat/long in Google maps, remove the period/full stop after the last digit.
I bought locally made sesame paste a few times at the vegetable market near green lake (cangyuan alley). little darker than tahini, but with perfect texture and taste.
