[Calisport]

I'm from South Orange County near Irvine, CA which has a large Asian population. Vietnamese, Indian, Thai and Korean and others. Would Orlando or Ocala be the closest restaurants? I only saw a few Sushi places or Chinese in TV. I may need to travel to buy groceries in Ocala or Orlando when I'm in the Villages.

[Koapaka]

Orlando would be your most productive area for anything Asian from restaurants to grocery stores. We go once every 4-6 weeks....only an hour away, but since we hit up Costco and Trader Joes while in the area, nice day out.

We also have Ruby Thai and Pho shop here in TV directly for Asian dining very locally.

[Ecuadog]

If you want to go to a food market, I reccomend Woo Sung Oriental Food Mart in Orlando. Take a cooler and be prepared to spend some time. It is big and the people are helpful.

Woo Sung Oriental Food Mart
5079 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32810

[Pinball wizard]

I prefer Oceanic Asian Market in Tampa.

It's an easier ride (IMHO) than going to Orlando. I also make stops at BJ's, Trader Joes, and going a bit more south, Jo-Els and Mazzaros! It's a multi ethnic day!

Oceanic Market

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by Pinball wizard

I prefer Oceanic Asian Market in Tampa.

It's an easier ride (IMHO) than going to Orlando. I also make stops at BJ's, Trader Joes, and going a bit more south, Jo-Els and Mazzaros! It's a multi ethnic day!

Oceanic Market

Thanks for the info. I try it the next time I'm in the Tampa area. Jo-El's and Mazzaro's are already on my list for a St. Pete trip.

[Aloha1]

Closest good Asian market to TV is 1st Oriental Supermarket on Colonial Drive, Orlando. Take the the turnpike south to the 408 and east. Exit at Kirkland (exit 5) and turn right. Stay in right lane and turn right at Colonial. Chinatown is on the right about 3/4 mile. Also a number of restaurants in the same center.
From there you're about 15 minutes from COSTCO, BJ's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Super Target, etc. And Millenia Mall.

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by Aloha1

Closest good Asian market to TV is 1st Oriental Supermarket on Colonial Drive, Orlando. ...

Is it now called Enson Market?

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Calisport

IWould Orlando or Ocala be the closest restaurants? I only saw a few Sushi places or Chinese in TV.

As mentioned above, there is Ruby Thai in Lake Sumter Landing, but the food can be bland unless you tell them that you want it spicy.

[Marathon Man]

Pho Sai Gon near the corner of 301 and 466 is pretty good.

[B-flat]

Originally Posted by Pinball wizard

I prefer Oceanic Asian Market in Tampa.

It's an easier ride (IMHO) than going to Orlando. I also make stops at BJ's, Trader Joes, and going a bit more south, Jo-Els and Mazzaros! It's a multi ethnic day!

Oceanic Market

Good advice, especially Mazzaros!!

[graciegirl]

I am guessing the OP is from California. I think those from New York, Chicago and LA will be disappointed looking for food that they left behind. I suggest some nice Southern Fare.

Get yourself some wonderful Fried Chicken from Publix. When in Rome you know.

[Gpsma]

Gracie...still perfcting my halal chicken and rice recipe...once it done, delivering a big platter to you

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I am guessing the OP is from California. I think those from New York, Chicago and LA will be disappointed looking for food that they left behind. I suggest some nice Southern Fare.

Get yourself some wonderful Fried Chicken from Publix. When in Rome you know.

Op post say coming from CA. OP one does not need to be disappointed moving to FL, when looking for Asian food, and thinking you need to sub in southern cuisine.

There are Asian markets and restaurants in Orlando and Oceanic in Tampa, which is my favorite, will not disappoint. We have Vietnamese restaurants (Pho) close to TV, which are good, enough that our Vietnamese grandchildren have returned more than once.

However Asian cuisine is regional, like most countries, and will vary from one family recipe to another.
Depending on who is cooking in our Vietnamese side, even kimchi recipes vary.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by B-flat

Good advice, especially Mazzaros!!

Mazzaro's is great, but quite a hike. Also, be prepared to hunt for a parking spot and hike even further on foot

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Calisport

I'm from South Orange County near Irvine, CA which has a large Asian population. Vietnamese, Indian, Thai and Korean and others. Would Orlando or Ocala be the closest restaurants?

Here's a comprehensive list:
Go to The Villages Gourmet Club's Search Page, check the "Asian" box in Section 2, and click SEARCH at the bottom.
I came up with 80! The furthest was in Ormond Beach called Thai Erawan. Nice drive.

This is a great resource. I think their next meeting is next month. Open to only TV residents however.

Skip