I was on my way home from the city on Wednesday and I remembered that I didn't have any munchies…read morefor games night with the guys. And right next the entrance of Melbourne Central Station there is this grocery store. " The Urban Asian Grocery" reads the slogan on the pillar out front. It had great range of chips with all kinds of Asian flavors, like masala. And the guys kind of compete to bring unusual chip flavors when they come over for our regular Wednesday night games night. This week I had the most novel flavor of chips. Otherwise it is a pretty regular grocery store - what more can I say?

Don't be confused by the name and go here thinking its a Woolies type grocery store. It is, as the…read moresign at the entrance suggests, an Asian specialty food market. Sure, they've got a good variety of Asian goods, yeah its in a central location in Melbourne Central conveniently near the train station, and it is clean and pretty. However, I can get the same, if not better, large range of Asian rices, noodles, sauces, herbs and spices from my favoured local markets around Glenroy, with friendlier and more helpful service and at prices that make me smile, not cringe.

From the first glance around the shelves it's clear that Brunswick IGA is as independent a…read moresupermarket as they come. The tell-tale signs are all there; the comparatively cramped space the store inhabits, the slightly nonsensical layout of the isles and displays (with some exceptions; putting a huge tampon display next to the chocolate isle may not be as illogical as it first appears), the surplus of markdown stickers overtaking the shelves. The latter feature is one of Brunswick IGA's greatest assets, which boasts more specials each week than your pocket calculator could ever dare to comprehend in a quick trip to the shops. Indeed, the prices on the whole tend toward the lower end of the scale when compared to most other independent grocery stores, with a few items managing to compete with the giants of the industry. That said, there are cheaper places in the neighbourhood to purchase fruit and vegetables, but the quality is generally decent enough. The bottle shop is small but moderately priced, albeit located on the opposite side of the store to the car park. License restrictions also require that all alcohol be purchased from the counter on that side of the store, which can be slow during peak times. If you hit the store at the wrong time, the checkouts might be clogged with elderly folk insistent on paying in loose change. Still, the staff are mostly fairly efficient, despite the odd sour demeanour (though this phenomenon is hardly unique to this store). The store also boasts a fairly decent range of obscure and specialty food items catering to the multicultural nature of the area, from Greek through to Lebanese goods. My personal victory find was Harissa paste. One of the main downsides to is the early closing time of 9pm, which is occasionally ushered in a little earlier. On the other hand, it tends to open on most public holidays. On the whole, a Brunswick IGA is a convenient and reliable grocery store (though it couldn't hurt to double check expiry dates).

Not too shabby a supermarket. You have to be careful about the sale items, because I noticed a lot…read moreof expired or near-expired items in the dairy section, but otherwise it's got a good selection and decent enough prices. I wouldn't buy everything here since there's so many good markets nearby, but it's great for the basics.

This Coles is still fairly new, under 10 years old. It services the Manor Lakes Estate and…read moresurrounding area. It has a fairly good selection of your standard groceries. I find I have to usually look elsewhere for any vegetable that is not considered big standard though, and the yoghurt selection is terrible. (All I want are Hungarian capsicums, some decent chillies and the occasional proper yoghurt rather than alien goop) Otherwise a generally good store.

Local. Sweet. Fresh. Fruit. Vegetables. Cheap…read more Need I go on? The Ripponlea Fruit Shop makes Glen Eira Road complete where it spreads out onto the path almost like a market enticing you with the fresh and colourful produce. The herbs tingle your senses as you walk past and the smiles from the staff mean you have to look inside. It's cheaper than your average supermarket so if you're in the area there's no reason not to get better food for less money!

Fantastic array of produce and lovely staff. I always go here if I'm looking for something special…read moreto add to a meal. They also have a great range of health foods.

This is one of those shops that I had walked past a number of times and noticed that they do fish…read moreand chips. Well, being one of those people that loves my fish and chips I decided that I should actually check this place out, and actually buy something, namely fish and chips. Well, they actually weren't all that bad, and having a park nearby where I could eat them also helped. However, this place is actually more of a milkbar that sells fish and chips, but they still do some pretty decent chips.

Me and my boyfriend go there pretty often and they're usually not too bad other than the occasional…read morecold or dry burgers but today when I put their vinegar on our food I realised they had just filled it with WATER so there was plain water on our chips. Dawgs.

The market has most things I want. There are many varieties of fresh vegetables and fruits. Items…read moreare properly displayed and prices are very reasonable. staff are very polite and helpful. The place is properly ventilated and is very clean.

Ohhh this market ROCKS!! I've finally manged to find a deli stocking the gourmet and Mediterranean…read morestyle goods and flavours I love - all in the one place! I came here for the fresh, cheaper than the supermarkets fruit and veg but I've stayed because of the biggest variety I've ever seen for gourmet goods, deli goods, continental, International and ethnic foods and spices. You can't go past the delectable range of olives here, in particular the kalamata olives and green stuffed olives with capsicum or mild chilli's. Bocconcini and feta cheese is to die for, and you have to try out the assortment of herbs and spices. So cheap, so plentiful, so wonderful - you just have to come here to experience true gourmet deli produce.

This gourmet supermarket is a serious foodie heaven. It starts as you walk in, or run in if your…read morethat excited, I won't judge....or will I? Straight away your hit with the smell of freshly squeezed orange juice and to your left a cooler with dips and yoghurt's, freshly made sushi, pasta and pizza to entice you. Next up your in the fruit and veg section where you will find everything that is in season and moving on to the meat section where everything is represented, rabbit? Yes. Duck? Sure. And then your headed past the bread (Philippa's bread for me please) and your almost at the deli. The deli is where the magic happens. A cheese section that would sate a field of mice and most cheese gourmets. The freshly cut meats, salads, quiches and antipasto would be a welcomed addition to your Spring racing picnic. The range here is fabulous, and the staff helpful. The deli is all kinds of right. Then there's the cake and pastry cabinet at the back of the store next to the milk and the baked goods, fresh bread, rolls, danish and muffins. The health food aisle down the center of the store divides the fresh section to the grocery section, where usual supermarket brands are dispersed with gourmet variations. Head towards the checkouts and you will find chocolates, magazines and flowers rounding out your trip. There is usually not enough checkouts open, but its worth the wait for foodie inspiration. The Liquor store is as varied and well stocked as the supermarket. More expensive then your average chain supermarket but you pay for what you get, and what you find at Leo's is a great range of high quality produce. If your a foodie, looking for something special or just want to grocery shop to the sound of popular jazz or world music then Leo's Fine food & wine is for you.

Overpriced and the food was terrible to the point of unedible. Have enjoyed Woolworths brand pasta…read moremore.