Hi amnesty96, I vote for the walnut. It has a richer looking grain. Alder can have a texture like pine, even select alder has a more country feel.

Thanks Tony. Do you know which wood is softer, or might have any problems with color change if, say food or drink spills or gets left on it? (Not that I won't watch for that, but sometimes a bit of ketchup or some water gets missed in the clean up...)

You are welcome. Walnut is a denser wood and I feel it would wear better for a heavily used table. I use alder wood in kitchens that have a more rustic feel. The walnut grain is very beautiful and is closer to rosewood type of grain as you say you like old world Asian. Although I don't know the charge, I feel it would be worth the extra money.

I think you're right, that makes sense. Thanks Toni!

Walnut is a very versatile wood n easy to maintain .