I've lived in Belgium for three years and in this entire time, I've gone without my favorite foods.


Does anyone know someplace I can get corn meal, hominy, okra and pinto beans? I'd ask if you know where I can get hickory nuts, but thats probably asking too much.

Thank you,

schildpad

A disclaimer for Americans. I have a Belgian friend in Massachusets, who told me when I visited her: "NOTHING tastes the same as in Europe". So the opposite must be true as well.

We discussed corn meal on the old forum. I don't exactly know what you're after but do try the Italian shops and look for "semolina di granoturco" (polenta). It might be coarser than what you are used to, but it's a first step.

Okraa are easy to find in Brussels in the African shops of Matonge or Kuregem (slaughterhouse) markets. There is fresh and nice okra when you look for it. There are also canned okras available in the Turkish supermarkets (Haachtsesteenweg, St Joost)

As for the other two things, what are they?

Also, you could try looking to see if there's an online shopping service for US Expats. I wouldn't be at all surprised if you could actually order the stuff sent to you (well, except the fresh stuff that is). It might be a bit expensive though. Failing that, have you any friends coming over for a visit who might put some stuff in the corner of their suitcase for you?

Or do you know anyone US personnel with NATO or SHAPE who could get you something at the commissary? I understand that you can get just about any US product there.

Schildpad is slow in returning to the forum

I meant to reply last week, but I've been in bed with the flu <img src="../images/emoticons/bbutbut.gif">

I can't afford shipping and handling charges really so I'm waiting for a friend to come visit in a while.

I found okra in a grocery store near my future sister-in-laws in west flanders.

As to the corn meal, i don't care how coarse it is so long as it can be made into corn bread.

Hominy is what you get by soaking dried field corn and washing it with lye or baking powder, it's a traditional food where I come from (my family is cherokee) and is widely available there. And you can find it in a lot of US grocery stores in fact, including wal-marts super stores.

Hickory or so-le nuts are another tradish Cherokee food, some small stores carry them in the states in areas where a lot of indians from the southeast live. They are pounded up, boiled, and strained, to make kanuche - nut soup.

I wasn't really expecting anyone to know where I might find hickory nuts, but I was kinda hoping on the hominy. <img src="../images/emoticons/ybigrin.gif">

Thank you for the replies everyone.

Oh I was wondering whether you'd had any luck, schildpad! Keep an eye on this place, who knows, someone may arrive here who can answer your questions.

Sorry to hear you've been sick, I hope you feel better now! <img src="../images/emoticons/ysmile.gif">

Can I understand Schildpad is your tribal name?

I'm sure you will find the stuff you're looking for. Have you talked to the guy who has the "American" shop on Adolphe Max in Brussels?

I also live here 3 years.. Im from Puerto Rico... I found corn meal, Pinto Beans, Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Green Bananas, Bacalao (Cod Fish) and other products....
In Antwerp, there is a Chinese Store
just near to the train station, was great.. Also in the African Stores you can find them... Any questions..feel free to contact me... <a href="mailto:sotocountess@hotmail.com" Target="_BLANK">sotocountess@hotmail.com</a> !!!
Rosa

Quote:

I've lived in Belgium for three years and in this entire time, I've gone without my favorite foods.


Does anyone know someplace I can get corn meal, hominy, okra and pinto beans? I'd ask if you know where I can get hickory nuts, but thats probably asking too much.

Thank you,

schildpad

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Yippee!! I knew there would be someone out there with the answers <img src="../images/emoticons/ybigrin.gif">

Quote:

Can I understand Schildpad is your tribal name?

I'm sure you will find the stuff you're looking for. Have you talked to the guy who has the "American" shop on Adolphe Max in Brussels?

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Schildpad is flemmish for turtle. So no, it's not my tribal name. Tribal names where I come from aren't used in public, they're for close family and ceremony. And they're in our own language. All that stuff you see about people running around calling themselves 'dancing coyote with a crystal up her ass' and such is what non-indian people who've seen 'dances with wolves' do.

You can find corn flour (not corn starch) in most health food stores. It's sold in a small box (250g). The brand I found is Joannusmolen Bioculinair Biologisch. They also carry soy and other types.