Greater East Bay: Richmond, Pacific East Mall

Pacific East Mall 3288 Pierce St., in Richmond.

99 Ranch Market ((510) 769-8899; http://www.99ranch.com/.) dominates this mall and has a vast selection of Asian grocery items. At this supermarket, rice can be purchased in 50-pound bags and delicacies include dried black moss and pork blood soup as well as roasted duck and exotic vegetables. And the price is right—cheap.

It’s also fun to pop in for a quick meal at one of the many Asian restaurants. Try Pho Saigon II ((510) 528-6388. L-D daily.) for Vietnamese noodle dishes; 168 Restaurant ((510) 588-9168. L-D daily.) for Shanghai Chinese cuisine; or Asian Pearl ((510) 526-6800. Dim sum M-F 11-2:30, Sat-Sun 10-3.) for dim sum.

Outside and in front of the mall, Daimo ((510) 527-3888. Dim sum daily 9-5; open to 3am.) serves excellent fresh seafood and dim sum.