Mangosteen, jackfruit, soursop, and durian are just some of the many exotic fruits at Linda’s Tropical Fruits shop, opened in 2018 by Linda Nguyen. Customers are amazed by the variety of fresh fruits, drinks and tropical desserts. Houstoname will tell you more about it.
Flavors of Vietnamese childhood
Insurance agent Linda Nguyen was born and raised in Vietnam. There have always been easily accessible tropical fruits, some even grew in the girl’s own backyard. Not having the same abundance of fruits in the United States, Nguyen decided to import them to her new homeland, Houston. The woman wanted to share the flavors of her childhood with other people.
In 2018, she opened Linda’s Tropical Fruits shop in Houston’s Chinatown. Nguyen had been cherishing the idea to start this business while working as an insurance agent. She also went on numerous business trips to establish partnerships with fruit producers and suppliers. All the tropical fruits are fresh and grown naturally. They are supplied depending on the season, so customers can try something new at different times of the year.
To ensure that the store remains accessible and open to customers, Linda personally consults buyers, telling them about Sugar apples and encouraging them to try durian and other fruits.
More than just fruits
In the store, you will also find freshly prepared smoothies, juices, smoothie bowls (not just a glass, but a whole plate of smoothies with various toppings, including nuts, dates, fruit slices and seeds), cereals and Vietnamese desserts.
Linda’s Tropical Fruits is a real tropical paradise with Asian delicacies. The example of this shop demonstrates how one can establish a business with exotic fruits and support the local economy.
Where else can you buy tropical fruits in Houston?
1. Houston Farmers Market
At the oldest and largest farmers market in Houston, Houston Farmers Market, one can find a great selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices. In addition, there are plenty of entertainment, food trucks and restaurants.
2. 99 Ranch Market
This is a supermarket chain offering Asian goods, including meat, seafood and baked foods.
3. Central Market
Imagine a place where every day is a celebration for food lovers. Central Market in Houston fulfills this role perfectly. Here you will find fresh organic products, fruits, meat, over 700 types of cheese and wines from around the world. It is not just a food market, there are a variety of cooking classes, live music and meeting rooms. Central Market brings together foodies, thus creating a true gastronomic community.
4. Urban Harvest Farmers Market
When Urban Harvest Farmers Market was opened in Houston in 2004, there were only seven vendors. Thanks to the market, local residents got the opportunity to sell fresh produce. Since then, Urban Harvest Farmers Market has grown significantly. All farmers and producers at the market grow their products in Houston or the surrounding areas, offering right-off-the-vine local produce and meat.
5. Hong Kong Food Market
This food market, located in Chinatown at the Hong Kong City Mall, is one of the best Asian markets in the city. Vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, seafood, bakery and much more are sold here. Most of the products are directly imported from Asian countries such as China, Japan and Korea. Moreover, you will find wine, beer and other beverages at the market. If you get hungry after shopping, you can go to any of the cafes in the mall. Bring some cash with you as some sellers and stores do not accept credit cards.