Ranch 99 is a large chain of local Asian supermarkets that stock some amazingly exotic goodies, as well as a fine selection of fresh (often live) seafood, meat and produce. Their frozen and deli section must be seen to be believed, with such treats as durian ice cream and fried pork rectums (no, I'm not kidding) sharing space with ostrich livers, wild game birds, venison, giant African land snails and goose intestines. This place is a must-see foodie tour.
At their Richmond location, the Pacific East Asian mall also shares space with a few excellent restaurants. Phuping Thai may have a funny name, but there's nothing to laugh at about the food. Some excellent original dishes on the menu, including an intensely scented lemongrass salmon fillet wrapped in a fragrant bananna leaf and a dish of crispy mushrooms and fried basil leaves with some amazing spices in the mix. It's a nice place to lunch after shopping at Ranch 99, especially if the takeout counter in the main market scares you with the prominent display of stewed pork uterus in soy sauce. I keep promising myself I'm going to try that one any day now, but somehow I haven't gotten around to it yet....
Another mention of Ranch 99 can be found at MetroActive's site. This article mentions the Milpitas location. Here's their detailed review of the San Jose Ranch 99 Market.
If you'd like to know even more about 99 Ranch, here's an article that talks about their business goals in the developing Cupertino Village shopping center.
Here's a map of the Pacific East Mall in Richmond.
A map to the Fremont Ranch 99 supermarket.
A map to the Milpitas location.
A map to the San Jose Ranch 99 Market.
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This is only the unofficial home page for the Bay area 99 Ranch markets, put up by a happy customer who loves to shop there. If you'd like to see the real 99 Ranch homepage, here it is.
