Peter Gosak used to be a banker, until one of his clients told him he was going out of business. So Gosak bought him up - and he and Silver Spring's Thai Market have never looked back.

"The market's been here 28 years," says Gosak. "I've been the current owner for eleven." There's a large Thai community around Washington, he says, which is why as a banker he knew he could turn the ailing market into a going concern when he took it over. "When you go to the Thai temple for its festival every year in April, there are about 5000 people!"

It took him about two years to turn the fortunes of the market around. "It was a challenge. A bank is really pushing you to go in with a goal. I thought, if I have to work hard, it's better to work on my own. It was hard when I started." But there was a ready customer base in the area of Thai students who when they come to study in Washington graduate to Silver Spring to live. One of the attractions of the Thai Market for them and any hungry shopper is the cafeteria adjoining the supermarket that serves a broad selection of Thai stews, stir-frys and soup to eat in or take home.

He buys his fresh Asian produce from growers and sellers at the Florida Avenue market but the shelves are mostly given over to dry and canned goods. One of his sons helps him run the store - "He's a good helper" - while the other is in real estate. 

Everyone who works in the market is generous with their knowledge. If you have any Tahi cooking questions, they'll do their best to help you. 

Thai Market, 902 Thayer Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301 495 2779