Kim's Deli -- a Korean find in Center Valley

My wife has become a bit of a foodie. So when she told me to check out Kim's Deli on 309 North across from the main entrance to Southern Lehigh High School, I knew I was in for a treat.

The deli appears traditional until you start looking at the food case and menu. All sorts of Korean dishes stand out: kim chee soup, lentil cakes, spicy chicken, pot stickers. I mention all of these because my colleagues at Spark and I tried them all. The pot stickers were filled with fresh pork stuffing, while the chicken was nicely hot, but not overwhelming. The lentil cakes were crisp and light.

Kim was extremely helpful and friendly. She obviously takes pride in her cooking and deli.

There are five or six tables inside so you can enjoy the food there or take it to go. Either way, you can't miss.

Three ethnic food groceries

Just a quick note about three ethnic groceries I've frequently recently.

The first is an Indian grocery on the square in downtown Emmaus. (I know, all you people from Emmaus think I must not get out much.) This is one of the cleanest, most widely stocked Indian stores I've been to in the Lehigh Valley since the closing of the Indian market on Fullerton Avenue. They have a selection of prepared dishes (rices, spice mixes for meats and veggies), excellent Indian snacks (spicy!) and a freezer section with all sorts of foods.

Next, I noticed an African grocery in Allentown on North 8th Street near Linden. The hours are strange -- so sporadic, in fact, that I have not been around when it is open. The shelves appear somewhat sparse. Still, I don't know of any other African places in the Lehigh Valley.

Finally, a favorite is the Tiem A Dong Asian grocery on 12th and Walnut in Allentown, just south of the Allentown Library. I've purchased a wide selection of sauces, spices and culinary treats here. They also have fresh vegetables and fish in addition to frozen items. I highly recommend this place.