Was around the neighbourhood and my significant other needed some supplies, that to make some…read morehome-made broth for her pho. We already passed up a few other locations and I remembered this place, I haven't been here in years, so I didn't know what to expect. Most people who live in the Lower Mainland might not come to this place, as it literally is in the (as my friend use to say) "armpit" of Canada. From the amount of beggers, crack whores, drug dealers, drug takers, let's just say this is not the rainbow and unicorns neighbourhood of town. I found parking a block up, and once we exited the car, a person asked us if we had any change.... yes... this is a stones throw away from Hastings and Main! We entered, and the guy working here was unloading, and putting things away, as well as setting up the front display of food items, and my dear went off in her world to look for items. This place is spacious, no overloading of shelves, no narrow aisles, no short store, this place is pretty wide, and pretty long. We started on the left side, walking down their open refrigerated section, you see very clean, and packaged vegetables. Anything from Thai chili's, Thai basil, mini limes, coriander, green onions, bean sprouts, just to name a few, everything had their own packaging where you could see what your buying, and everything was, as I said, clean! Through the aisles we noticed stuff like shrimp paste, sections of Sriracha sauce, fish sauce, cane sugar, brown sugar, cans of bamboo, powdered soup broth for your favorite pho dishes, laksa sauces, a variety of different rice noodles, even labelled by the width of the noodle. This place is a specialty store, and one I wouldn't hesitate on sending anyone too, sure you have to actually get out of your car, or go down there with public transit, and open your eyes to a different part of society. Sometimes part of the journey of making your dish at home, is the journey less spoken, that of where the hell you got your ingredients. The words, "you can't believe where I went to get this stuff" may come out of your mouth the next time you actually decide to prepare a Thai, Viet, Cambodian, Malaysian, Indonesian, etc..., dish... but if your working through some cookbook that is telling you things you need for a particular dish that you have no clue where to get cause your normal supermarket wouldn't have a clue what it is.... you maybe surprised here by finding it. The one thing we were looking for.. which they didn't have was freshly package pho noodles..... as all of the noodles we saw were dry, can't win them all!

Being Thai- speaks for itself now. I should know where to shop right? Right?…read more This is the only bona fide place to get That ingredients if you want that authentic green curry with real Thai eggplant (so round and cute, definitely not long and skinny which will give you soggy eggplant) or the hard to find actual Kaffir limes (not just the leaves) for your tom yum soup. Pick up some "real" oyster sauce for your Pad Bai Graprow, and the grapow leaves too (Thai basil). There's so much more, from frozen desserts, great Jasmine rice, rice noodles, and on and on and on.. spices. BUT, caveat, its in a sketch neighbourhood on East Hastings, druggies, street merchants (which are not necessarily sketch), homeless folks (also not necessarily sketch). So you might feel a bit out of place if you plan on sliding up in your Range Rover or Mercedes. But that's just a feeling, nothing bad will happen. It's not the prettiest of places, it's a big warehouse kind of space, no cute labels and fun signs, just the facts and prices. Ladies who work there, super nice, super helpful. A lot of things are kept in the back so use your big girl voice and ask for things if you can't find it. Delivery day seems to be Friday, so the weekend is a good time to go in. Prices are so good, I don't know why anyone and I mean ANYONE would buy Thai ingredients in the Asian food aisle in the supermarket. Case and point, fish sauce should never, ever cost more than $2 for the largest size bottle. EVER. You're welcome. Happy Thai shopping, cooking and eating :)

Came here a few times and the hot food section is always closed. Turned out it's only available on…read moreSaturday. Being a Latin food store, many things are in Spanish. Check the expiry dates of the shelf stable food stuff. Some are expired or very close to the expiry date. It's a popular place for people looking for South American food stuff. It's along kingsway with paid street parking. It's nearer to Joyce street too.

Los Guerros Hispanic Food Products!!! Can't say enough about this shop! The one & not last time I…read morevisited they had all my favourite hot sauces, salsas, pickled veg, AND they helped out a homeless Hispanic man in the line in front of me. AND nothing in this shop is made in the USA. Let's support our Mexican brothers & sisters! The product line extends far beyond what I was there to buy. Many frozen things, sweets, and dried goods I wasn't there to buy that I'm sure are awesome! The place was busy for a random Tuesday, so you know it's good. The community knows, let's spread the word beyond to help this amazing shop bloom! Park on the street around the corner for free and avoid holding up traffic.

This is an amazing Italian specialty grocery store and deli…read more So much selection from fresh pasta to fresh meats and cheeses and pasta sauces. I bought the meat balls and took them home and found out they are amazing!! So delicious and the best meatball I have ever had,wow! It is an amazing store and the atmosphere is so Inviting and I could spend hours browsing. There is a deli with sandwiches and you can enjoy it on the patio outside or upstairs there is a seating area. Lots of help if you need to find anything or choosing the seasoning or ingredients. Free parking out front.

Ambiance and Decor Bosa Foods is a vibrant and bustling…read moreItalian specialty store with an inviting deli counter and well-stocked aisles of high-quality products. The atmosphere reflects its reputation as a go-to spot for authentic Italian ingredients, and the staff maintain an efficient workflow despite the crowds, especially during busy times like holiday weekends. Service Quality The ordering process for the Meat and Cheese Antipasto Platter was smooth and professional, though slightly more involved than standard takeout. Calling the deli to place your order and then prepaying via a follow-up phone call ensures accuracy and convenience. On the pick up day, go to the side of the deli counter and get the attention of a deli employee. He/She will get your order in the back, letting you skip the main deli line. Staff were efficient and helpful throughout, making the experience seamless. Menu Variety The antipasto platter was thoughtfully curated, featuring a range of premium meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. The inclusion of mortadella, Genoa salami, and prosciutto alongside cheddar and provolone cheeses showcased a balance of classic Italian flavors. Additions like roasted red peppers, artichokes, and olives complemented the platter beautifully, creating a well-rounded offering for a group gathering. Food Presentation The platter was professionally assembled and ready to serve straight out of the box, which was a major convenience. The arrangement was appealing, with neatly layered meats, cheeses, and colorful accompaniments that added visual interest. It was an impressive centerpiece for any table. Food Taste and Quality Every component of the platter was fresh and flavorful, with the meats and cheeses maintaining their integrity and texture. The salty, savory notes of the prosciutto and Genoa salami paired perfectly with the creamy provolone and sharp cheddar. The roasted red peppers and artichokes added a burst of tangy richness, while the olives provided a briny kick that rounded out the platter. The quality of ingredients was evident in every bite. Portion Sizes The platter for 10 people was generous, providing plenty of food to go around and even leaving a bit for leftovers. It's an excellent choice for entertaining, offering both quantity and quality without requiring additional preparation. Price and Value At $59 plus tax, the platter is a great value for the convenience and quality it provides. While you could assemble these items yourself for a comparable cost, the time and effort saved make this platter well worth the price, especially for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Overall Experience and Recommendation Bosa Foods' Meat and Cheese Antipasto Platter is a standout option for entertaining. From the fresh, high-quality ingredients to the thoughtful presentation and efficient service, it's a reliable choice for anyone looking to impress guests without the hassle of assembly. Whether for Thanksgiving, a casual get-together, or any other event, this platter is a no-brainer.

Kay market is a place that my family and I go quite often to pick up staples for our home. Pandesal…read more(sweet buns) are great to have for breakfast. Simply pop it in the toaster oven for 1 minute and have it with cream cheese, or butter + jam. Actually I may have a list of 20 random things that go well with pandesal but I challenge you to find what you like best! I also like to pick up random 'treats' including Sticko (Pandan or ube flavour wafers), lychee jelly, or Pancit Canton (instant noodles, calamansi flavour). There are so many great snacks actually it would be impossible to list them all :p Honestly for all of us that live in the area, it's a super convenient place to pick up any kind of groceries or ingredients for Filipino cooking. I'm sure all of us have gone like 'oh no I forgot we ran out of______'. No problem, Kay Market most likely will have what you need! Just a heads up it's a pretty small place and they only allow 3 customers at a time due to covid, so please be careful and wait your turn :) the staff is super nice and will signal to you when it's safe!

It has plenty of items from the Philippines. The aisles are cramped and when it is crowded, it is…read morehard to move around. It is an interesting grocery store to explore. The fresh fruits and vegetables do not look that appealing though. And they is a strong smell in one side of the store where the meat and Filipino food items are, very reminiscent of any markets in Asia. There are two cashiers with apparently two lines which are not indicated so I can see it getting confusing when packed with people.

Dumpy old school looking Asian grocery store on Kingsway, just E of Joyce…read more Parking is available on Kingsway, as well as the side streets. I have no idea how they make this place look so dated, considering the business is only a few years old. Looks like something straight out of Chinatown. Definitely has that charm. Most of the store carries dry goods, but there is also a specialty tea and sauce section. They also have the wall of dried herbal stuff, for anyone who wants to make traditional Chinese medicine (tea). Staff are very friendly and chatty. Pretty sure it's a family business, as the kids even have a designated play/homework area in the corner. Pricing is reasonable. I was able to find what I needed without too much difficulty. Good place to check out if one needs the really traditional Asian stuff.

This is a pretty big family ran Chinese herbal store/ quick convenient store. It not only sells…read moreChinese medicinal herbs but also candies, sauces and other food items. The store has good placed outside the store as well. Prices are not bad.

I saw this place on Instagram and knew right away that I needed to come and check this place out…read more So when a friend of mine suggested coming here for lunch I jumped at the opportunity to go. They have hot oden there and it's very reasonably priced. $7.95 for 7 pieces. They also have other hot foods there as well, such as croquettes and takoyaki. Some of it is kept warm and some of it they make fresh in the kitchen! I find most of their foods and drinks are quite reasonably priced. It really is the closest thing to an actual konbini store in Japan. (close, not quite) They don't have nearly the same selection as what you'd find in Japan. For over here in Vancouver though, this is a real gem. My oden was wonderful. Piping hot and everything nicely cooked. I chose a Grape flavored Calpico soda for my drink and it was only $2.30 for the bottle. I love how reasonably priced their food and drinks are, and that they do hot foods just like the konbini stores in Japan. For Vancouver, this is really a step up from places like Fujiya or Suzuya where you can get cold sushi and onigiri, but no hot foods like oden.

Secret hidden Japanese convenience/grocery store on 2nd, just E of Renfrew. I really do mean…read morehidden. This is on the side of a building, away from a busy street. Parking is plentiful on the side streets. The place is mainly a convenience store selling mostly Japanese snacks, but they also have some staples, such as rice, and frozen foods. They have a small hot food stand, and sell some combos as well. Staff are friendly and quiet. Definitely plays into the Japanese stereotype. I tried a few items. Saba bento - 2 small pieces of saba on rice, with a separate bowl of salad. The pricing is quite low, and this is reflected in the really small portion size. Something to keep in mind. Fish tasted decent, and the salad was tasty. Takoyaki - not the freshest (they were from the hot display), but decent. Once again, really can't expect too much. Tuna mayo onigiri - pretty tasty, though it is a bit thinner than some of the other places I've seen around town. Good for getting authentic Japanese goodies, but for a larger selection, there is T&T a very short walk away.