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All you need to know about Umamicart
Umamicart is an innovative online service that aims to revolutionize Asian grocery shopping. Founded by Internet entrepreneur Andrea Xu, Umamicart offers a curated selection of Asian ingredients, including established brands and emerging Asian-American brands. With over 500 ingredients available, Umamicart strives to make Asian cuisine more accessible to food enthusiasts who may struggle to find specialty ingredients at their local grocery stores.
The Umamicart Vision
Andrea Xu’s upbringing in Spain, where her Chinese parents owned a local restaurant, inspired her to create Umamicart. She realized that her parents had to conform to the perception of what Chinese food should be in Spain, which limited their creativity and the variety of ingredients they could offer. Umamicart aims to break these barriers and provide a platform that is not limited by preconceived notions of Asian cuisine.
Expanding Asian food options
Umamicart goes beyond the typical Asian grocery store by offering a wide variety of ingredients and products. The site features sections such as “Pantry 101,” which offers a selection of essential items for any Asian kitchen, including soybean paste, fried chili oil, oyster sauce, Japanese curry sauce and miso. Another section called “Asian American” features boutique labels created by Asian American founders. Umamicart also offers listed ingredients for specific Asian dishes, such as hotpot, dumplings, and mapo tofu.
A focus on quality and sustainability
One of the unique aspects of Umamicart is its focus on quality and sustainability. Andrea Xu’s interest in the Asian food supply chain led her to discover the freshness and reduced waste associated with Asian vegetables sourced from small farms. Umamicart leverages this parallel supply chain to provide customers with fresh meat, vegetables and seafood. By working directly with local suppliers and farms, Umamicart supports immigrant-owned and Asian/Asian American-owned businesses.
A social mission
Umamicart is more than just a business venture for Andrea Xu. She launched the platform at the height of the coronavirus pandemic and seized the opportunity to support local suppliers and Asian American businesses. About ten percent of Umamicart’s products are sourced from Asian American women-owned businesses. Xu’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is evident in her efforts to share the stories of these businesses and help them gain visibility.
Convenient ordering and delivery
Umamicart offers next-day delivery for orders over $49 to addresses in the northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. However, Xu plans to expand the delivery footprint by the end of the year. She also wants to expand the range of Southeast Asian products available on the site to appeal to a wider audience and meet the diverse culinary preferences of Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
Bottom line
Umamicart is changing the world of Asian grocery shopping. With a carefully curated selection of ingredients, a commitment to supporting Asian American businesses, and a dedication to quality and sustainability, Umamicart offers a unique and convenient online shopping experience. Whether you’re looking to recreate authentic Asian dishes or explore new flavors, Umamicart has the ingredients and inspiration to elevate your culinary adventures. Experience the joy of discovering and cooking with a wide range of Asian ingredients through Umamicart’s easy-to-use platform and next-day delivery service.
FAQS
What is Umamicart?
Umamicart is an online service that offers a curated selection of Asian ingredients, including established Asian brands and emerging Asian American brands. It aims to make Asian ingredients more accessible to those who love Asian food but may have difficulty finding them at their local grocery store.
Where is Umamicart available?
Umamicart currently offers next-day delivery on orders over $49 to addresses in the northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The company plans to expand its delivery footprint by the end of the year.
What ingredients can I find in Umamicart?
Umamicart offers a wide range of ingredients, including fresh meats, vegetables, pantry staples such as chili oil, soy sauce, marinades, and cooking wines, as well as specialty items such as soybean paste, fried chili oil, oyster sauce, Japanese curry sauce, and miso. The site also lists ingredients for specific Asian dishes such as hotpot, dumplings, and mapo tofu.
Does Umamicart support local suppliers and Asian American businesses?
Yes, Umamicart actively supports local suppliers, immigrant-owned businesses, and Asian/Asian American-owned businesses. Approximately ten percent of the products available on Umamicart are sourced from Asian American women-owned businesses. The platform aims to provide visibility and opportunities for these businesses.
How does Umamicart ensure the quality and freshness of its ingredients?
Umamicart prioritizes quality and freshness by working directly with local suppliers and farms. The platform uses a parallel supply chain that sources Asian vegetables from small farms, ensuring that ingredients reach customers on the same day, resulting in less waste and greater freshness.
Can I find Southeast Asian products on Umamicart?
While Umamicart primarily lists East Asian ingredients, the company recognizes the demand for Southeast Asian products and aims to expand its offerings in the future. The platform is committed to catering to a wider audience and satisfying the diverse culinary preferences of Asian cuisine enthusiasts.