In the shadow of diverse neighbors like New Orleans and Houston, it’s sometimes easy to forget that Baton Rouge is an international city, too. Ethnic groceries carrying goods from Mexico to Thailand line the sides of streets like Florida Boulevard, windows papered with colorful signs in dozens of languages.
It’s a reminder that the full flavor of Baton Rouge isn’t just boudin balls at tailgates. It’s also pork belly swimming in a steamy bath of pho, braised lamb with fatoush dressing and tamales dripping through their wrappers.
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Rarely does this cultural mix make itself known more than at Chinese New Year, the annual celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) marking the start of a new Chinese calendar year. In Vinh Phat, one of the biggest and most enduring ethnic grocers on Florida Boulevard, you’ll find a table stacked with a centuries-old staple of the festival: candy and snacks.
Find out more about getting your Chinese New Year fix below:
