As I ripped off the plastic packaging for the slabs of lamb, I did a double-take. A sticker in English said "Air-flown from New Zealand". That was a long way across the globe from the southern hemisphere. The girlfriend grinned and said that it must have tottered over from the supermarket in Sweden. Woah. The price stated on the pack from Sweden were also oddly, similar to what Singapore supermarkets retail for lamb in that weight. Oslo supermarkets are generally pricier than Singapore, although Singapore prices have cushioned any shock to the higher Oslo prices in many areas. I'm not seeing a huge difference in my grocery bills in Oslo compared to Singapore. It's almost the same, give or take S$20.
That sparked off a whole conversation on how expensive the Norwegian supermarkets are and how much cheaper shopping across the border can be, relatively. But of course there're tariffs on how much (in kilograms) meat and fish products one can bring back. On some days, it could be worth a trip to Sweden to do some shopping, considering how silly Norwegian prices can be. Not very different from why Singaporeans will brave the traffic to head into Johor Bahru to buy groceries too. BUT, it has to be worth the hassle or at least have travel companions think it's fun to spend a day in Sweden, and lug a ton of luggage home. But it's nice to receive gifts of food from friends and family who regularly hop across to Sweden on work trips and whatnots.
Having said that, it's been incredibly difficult to find some stuff I want at the supermarked or the apotek. There is Boots pharmacy though. Like those 99% aloe vera gel (maybe the consumers here prefer real plants) in a tube or a damn good 3M non-scratch dishwashing sponge (maybe it doesn't exist because of fantastic dishwashers, but how to wash giant pots), like Vernel instead of just Comfort or Softlan, etc. But the beer and chocolate, bread and cheese sections are great. :P If one or two supermarkets don't stock the fun stuff, I understand, but all?! Oslo supermarkets don't seem to exist or import brands that give me the quality I want. A matter of personal choice I suppose. Choices I don't have to think about unless I'm moving to the city.
Having said that, it's been incredibly difficult to find some stuff I want at the supermarked or the apotek. There is Boots pharmacy though. Like those 99% aloe vera gel (maybe the consumers here prefer real plants) in a tube or a damn good 3M non-scratch dishwashing sponge (maybe it doesn't exist because of fantastic dishwashers, but how to wash giant pots), like Vernel instead of just Comfort or Softlan, etc. But the beer and chocolate, bread and cheese sections are great. :P If one or two supermarkets don't stock the fun stuff, I understand, but all?! Oslo supermarkets don't seem to exist or import brands that give me the quality I want. A matter of personal choice I suppose. Choices I don't have to think about unless I'm moving to the city.
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| Lamb marinated in yoghurt, cumin and saffron, and left for a night to stand before being grilled. |
2 comments:
i think the problem is, in this part of the world, the population is not dense enough for many supermarts / stores to carry a wide range of selection for most products. when i first arrived to where i am now, i also thought they don't carry the 3m sponges, 99% aloe gel etc, but as years passed, i found that i can find these where i am. just that they are sold only at selected ICAs / only in some special shops in my city. as much as these are v common items in sg, i guess, mostly only foreigners would look for them in my current city.
I think so too. Oslo's ICA and Meny don't stock them though, not even those in the city or at the 'specialty outlets'. GRRRRR. Sponges. Of all things, sponges! I think your city's selection is wider for sure.
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