Grand Asia Market

Reviews 3

MA

Max Cortenz

This place is great as long as you know what youre getting yourself into. The smell from the large fish section at the back can be really off-putting, but remember its just the fish and try to get over it. If you cant read or speak Chinese, Vietnamese, etc, it can be really hard to find what youre looking for (unless you know it by sight.) They do have a nice produce section, and the specialty items are way cheaper than the average grocery store. The fish section is fascinating, but Ive never been brave enough to order from it (the smell - yikes!) Grand Asias Chanelle bakery is the best part of the store - as long as you know how to order and are prepared for their wrath if you dont follow protocol. Also, be sure to bring cash if you are buying from the bakery or Joy Luck Club restaurant, since they both accept cash-only. How to buy from the bakery: If it is a weekend, they should have the Dim Sum for sale near the checkout. Take a look at what is there and decide what you want before going through the checkout (I recommend the steamed pork buns and both the sweet and savory congee.) Do NOT step directly to the register to try to order the hot food, or you will incur their wrath. You will have to memorize what you want & how many, then ask for it after going through the bakery line. Also, do NOT try to place a second order after paying for your first. If you want to add something to your order, youll have to go back through the checkout-line and wait your turn. Go to the opposite side of the bakery from where the checkout is, and pick up a tray to hold all the stuff you want. Use tongs to select items from the hot case, and put them back when youre done (I recommend the curry bun). Move on to the big display and fill up your tray with anything youd like from their huge selection (personal favs - cream bun, custard bun, red bean bun, pineapple bun). Everything is super-cheap, so buy as much as you want! Dont worry about any mystery ingredients until you get to the checkout where the hot food is. The only thing you might be unfamiliar with are the sweet-bean fillings and the hard-cooked egg yolk inside some of the pastries. Next youll come to the cake display. You have to ask for these items, so make sure you know what you want before you get to the checkout. The staff have no patience for those that cant make up their minds. If you cant pronounce something or it isnt clearly labeled, try my method of pointing emphatically and saying that one, and this one." It usually works. Their cakes are gorgeous, and have a sponge-y consistency - not over sweet. Also, before reaching the check-out, decide if you want one of the specialty drinks from their menu on the wall. I havent tried that many, but the bubble smoothies are super-delicious (you can ask for no tapioca pearls if that isnt your thing.) The mango bubble tea is my favorite! Dont worry if you make a mistake and they get poed. Its happened to all of us non-Chinese speaking people that frequent Grand Asia. Also, dont be surprised if they let some people "cheat" and skip in line. This seems to happen on occasion with no explanation. Joy Luck Club restaurant: You can order typical" American-chinese food from their menu, and it is ok. The best they have to offer is on their buffet. Ask for the lunch box, which includes a big portion of rice and three items off the buffet, your choice. Be careful what you choose if youre picky. They often have tripe and other unfamiliar items on the buffet. My favorites are the glass noddles, spicy pork, and any veggies. The tofu is good, too. Try the point and "that one" method to order, since the food is not labeled and you will probably have no idea what it is called. Their portions are always generous, and sometimes they throw in a few extra items like a cup of broth. You can also order one of the BBQ ducks hanging in the display case. Ask them to chop it up, and tell them if you dont want the head. This part of the store is also cash-only. The restaurant employees are usually polite.

MA

May Jerez

I want to complaint the customer service of the bakery section. The woman (cashier at the bakery, who is slightly younger than other worker) was horrible in her job. I’m not a person who complaint ever but she makes me to write this comment (she reach my limit). You can see how bad it is. I have 3 bad experiences with her and the third one make me very upset. First time, she ignored me when I try pay. Second time, she made so many excuses not to pack my Chinese buns. They normally have the buns in a single bag ready for the customer but on Sunday they have them outside without the bag. I always buy a lot so I prefer to have them pack into a box (this prevent the bun from getting smash, the bun will still nice and soft). The third time (Jan 26, 2013), I told her to pack my bun into single bag; she gave me a “bad” look. She just did a few of them (single bag) and then begins to put 2 buns into one bag. I saw it but no saying anything. Then I told her to put them into a box, then she scream at me “why you make me to pack you bun, I can put them direct without packing them!” I explain to her that I would like to have them in single bag so that I can have them for breakfast when I go to work instead of using paper towel or napkin. The way she was talking and acting was very rude and horrible. She makes me feel like I owe her money. I was very mad and would like to talk to the manager but find nobody in the office. I use to like to buy bakery from Grand Asia Market but now I have to think about it and will tell every friends I know about this horrible customer service. Please work on your employees’ quality.

PA

Pamela St. Peter

Ok, I have to update my previous review. Having been back quite a few times over the past month or so Ive familiarized myself a little better with how things operate in there and think I understand how things flow. PLUS I have to report that we had some of the most delicious fresh lobsters and mussels from here on Christmas Eve. We were all very pleasantly surprise. Since then Ive bought more of their bagged mussels ($5/bag!) and have had their salmon filets a couple of time. Always super fresh. Now as for their whole fish on ice; youll notice theres a board above with numbers from 1-10. You pick your fish and you tell them how you want it prepared. Fillets, steaks, etc. I saw some monkfish that I want to try. All in all a pretty neat place... Oh, and you wont want to miss the deli section and theres even a buffet style restaurant! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> As the reviewers before me have stated it is an experience. Im not so sure Id call the clerks rude, but not the gushy how can I help you today type either. But I imagine theyd spend all their day just answering questions from folks like me. Half the stuff in there I had not idea what it was or how to use it. But I can say when I do find an Asian recipe I want to try I head to the Grand Asia Market to find my ingredients. And it is also fun to explore and even try a new sauce or dumpling. One things for sure - it is big!