Nestled in the lower level of Chelsea Market is Pearl River Mart Foods, the little sibling of Pearl…read moreRiver Mart on the 1st floor. While quite a small outpost, I'm glad that a spot like this exists at Chelsea Market! Whereas the upstairs store shelves a plethora of Asian and Asian-inspired decor, handicrafts, furniture and housewares, the downstairs counterpart is like if a grocery and a food court had a small child. I'm not sure how they managed to fit 4 different food vendors along one side of the wall--kinda blows my mind--Mao's Baos, Kimbap Lab, Tea&Milk, and Pearl River Mart Little Eats. I'll be honest I haven't tried the kimbap or baos mostly because I'm not used to paying quite so much for them, though to be fair for the location it's not out of reason considering a single slice of pizza upstairs at Filaga is like $9.** As for the grocery itself, while they're slightly more pricey than other Chinatown groceries that might carry some of the same products, for the exposure and location, again it's pretty reasonable. They carry a mix of food and condiments from different Asian cultures too--for the most part Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai, and some Asian American items*. *these may have origins in traditional Asian cuisine with an American or Western influence that makes it different or maybe more understandable or palatable to non-Asian culture, or truly straight up Asian foods that are branded in English. **let's not even get into the convo of why certain cultures' cuisines are considered "fancier" or affixed a higher perceived $ value than others. Sometimes I need to remind myself of this subtle internal prejudice when ascertaining whether it's worthwhile to purchase a food or product.

I had a lot of fun wondering around Pearl River Mart Foods. It is located on the lower level of…read moreChelsea Market. They sell food to order, with several different options. They also sell all sorts of candy, beverages, frozen dumplings, frozen desserts, and condiments in the grocery section of the shop. Prices are premium. This would be a good spot to buy gifts for the foodies in your life.

What an interesting grocery! Fujianese snacks, anyone?…read more This little grocery shop is an extension of Lucky Zhang restaurant next door. They have a lot of Fujianese appetizers such as Chicken Feet with house special sauce. It's very different flavor from what I am used to. I also like the traditional sweet rice cakes. They are quite sweet and yummy. They also got sesame pancakes and lotus rice wraps! Very authentic Fujianese foods here and I am happy to be exposed to the culture this way!

Tiny little chinese grocery store somewhat out of the way from the usual tourist trade…read more Surprising well stocked, with items I haven't seen at other chinese grocery stores, even the chinese mega-marts in Chinatown. The two recent standouts in my memory are traditional Chinese fermenting jars for under $20, and a bottle of rose cooking wine which I haven't been able to source anywhere else.

My dad told me he was going to take me for a really good fruit drink and when I stepped inside I…read morewas a bit confused. Natural Food sells fresh vegetables and fruits so I was a bit baffled to find a bar that serves the most wonderful fruit and veggie juices. My dad ordered the papaya and I ordered the honey dew drink. Everything is fresh-when you order, they cut up an entire fruit for you and they do NOT MIX IT WITH SUGAR. Fruit mixed with some ice brings out it's natural flavors and makes for a delicious, nutritious and health treat. It might take a few minutes or so for the nice man behind the counter to make your treat but just remember, it's all fresh and delicious!!! 12 oz is $2.99 You can also order fruit smoothies which are mixed with fruit juice and soymilk for $3.99, they serve bubble tea and soy ice cream which is perfect for those that are lactose intolerant. Flavors are pistachio, chocolate, cookie n cream, vanilla, mint chip, strawberry, mango and cherry vanilla. Two scoops for $1.99

I would stop by this store all the time for fresh produce on my way from yoga class - I admit some…read moreof the produce in the back is very questionable... the ones on the sale table are pretty nasty... obviously not Whole Foods organic freshness (hence why its 70% off) but the majority of the items, especially the Asian vegetables are of great quality and super cheap prices. They also have some sauces, oils, and noodles in the back. Also the freshly roasted chestnuts are amazing! Similar prices as the smaller Chinatown stands, bigger selection... so better for your one stop needs.

One of your typical Chinatown grocery store that sells totally random things. They leave a lot of…read morestuff outside which should probably be refrigerated, so I would steer away from that. Inside are shelf-stable stuff like nuts, and dried seafood, etc. that you buy by the pound. They've got candy, drinks, snacks as well. My mom likes to go here because they have the cheapest price on large bags of rice, but inventory is sporadic.

A review of Park Natural managed to slip through my fingers which is odd since I shop here quite…read moreoften. Park Natural is an all around health store most likely similar to same establishments in other neighborhoods. It's much appreciated to have in the ' hood even though it's been around for years. Let me be candid for a sec. I don't represent myself as a person who subscribes entirely to eating only health, organic, raw or plant foods. However; I do make a concerted effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle which is where the difference lies. Everything or most things in moderation! But back to Park Natural. I love this store simply because they have just about everything from organic veggies/fruits, vitamins, and bottled beverages to skin care items, refrigerated goods and cooked foods. Keep in mind, you'll dig a bit deeply into your pocket to pay for them. Most health food stores are on the expensive end. In other words, to eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle isn't cheap. It's why fast food joints are inexpensive. How ironic when we are encouraged to be healthy! Park Natural is the kind of store that appeals to everyone in addition to vegetarians which is great because they carry tempeh and seitan. I like those items myself. Situated near the corner of President and Court Streets, the store is spacious and immaculate. I buy all my vitamins here. And it's comparable to a good friend--you may not always visit them, but you know they are there.

They're good in a pinch, because they're close to me. I should partially blame myself, because when…read morethey rang up my 5 nectarines and the bill came to over $20, I should've stopped right there. It only became worse the very next day when I had to toss 4 of the 5 for being moldy. The 5th one had to be tossed the next day. Contrast that with the 2 x 2lb bags of nectarines and peaches I purchased from Trader Joe's for $10 that were excellent and not moldy. I'll continue to use Park, but only in emergencies and probably not for fresh fruit.

This was a chance find after looking for another business. It's located inside the Elizabeth…read moreCenter, and the space is clean and bright. The sales lady is super nice and helpful. Take a look at my pics - there's a wide variety of snacks and dried goods (I found this bag of white macaroni pasta made of rice! I can't wait to try it).

One stop shopping store offers wide varieties of groceries and vegetables with the lowest pricesread more