Located in Chinatown, Bo Wah trading is a good place to go to get all the basics. It's a family owned store that's been around for years. This place is not fancy, but definitely has everything that you'll need. Lots of food items, sauces, spices, and candies. I especially like looking at their woks and steamers. My daughter enjoys the guava candy and the white rabbit candy. They also have a large selection of moon cakes if that's something you like. Prices are fair. I keep coming back to this store every time I'm in Chinatown. read more

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This is my go to place in Chinatown When ever I need to refill my pantry with Asian stuff like oyster sauce etc. The men at the register is always friendly and helpful! There prices are cheaper than most grocery stores and that's why I go there. read more

Discovered them while in line for some manapuas. After Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery I came straight back here. About 3 doors down. This place is a treasure trove of herbs, spices, cookware etc! I had so much fun looking around but my kids were with me and the isles are a little tight so I just grabbed what I could and checked out! Definitely coming back again! Parking is quick and easy right across the street there's a parking garage for just couple bucks. (Card only). read more

Bo Wah Trading - Chrysanthemum tea, snow fungus, sweetened lotus seeds, and red jujubes - International Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Bo Wah Trading a long time merchant in Chinatown. Located on Maunakea next to the Bakery and Police Sub Station. Locally owned and operated. They carry an awesome selection of authentic Asian goods. My go to place for ingredients when I'm making Chinese dishes. They even carry cooking utensils and equipment. The staff knows where everything is located. If you can't find it just ask and they'll help you. read more

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There are no large Chinese supermarkets on Oahu, so shops like Bo Wah in Chinatown Honolulu are where you go for Chinese groceries. The store has a good selection of Chinese nonperishables, but you need to go elsewhere in Chinatown for your fresh produce and proteins. It is a great place if you need things like canned goods, dried noodles, sauces and tea. While the product selection is much smaller than a 99 Ranch, it is about as good as you are going to find for Chinese grocery items in Honolulu. read more

Very tidy and clean Chinese grocery stores with all the Asian essentials that often bring back childhood memories! Parking is available across the street at the municple parking structure unless you are lucky to score a street parking. I scored a mahjong table at my recent visit, which is a rare find in Honolulu Chinatown. The price was reasonable and service was good. read more

After a Google search for MuShu wrappers turned up zilch at the three stores in the Pearl City & Aiea area I texted Paul C aka the Yelp Unofficial Mayor of Chinatown for his expertise. He recommended Bo Wah Trading as the most likely store to have this item and said he'd be in the area over the weekend and would let me know. These wrappers are used in a family favorite dish that my son was wanting to make and was even willing to make them from scratch. I told him to wait and see if Paul could track them down before he went in that direction. As promised Paul texted me a pic of the wraps he found in Chinatown at this store over the weekend. Bo Wah Trading on Maunakea in Chinatown was where I went to purchase the MooShu wraps. Only $3.50 tax included. Parked right in front of the store, illegally like everyone else, turned on my flashers like everyone else and ran into the store. There was a freezer case literally six inches inside and I could see the wrappers. Grabbed four packages, two steps to checkout, gave the Chinese guy $20 bill, got my change and I was back in my car I swear less than two minutes. You can't make them that cheap or that fast! Big thanks and shout out to Paul, YOU'RE THE MAN! Friday night my son made MuShu pork....it was outstanding. These wraps are the same ones you get with your order at any Chinese restaurant that has it on the menu, twelve to a package. read more

Bo Wah Trading - Yay! - International Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

SPICY SEAFOOD CUP-NOODLES?!, BLACK PEPPER CRAB CUP-NOODLES?! YES!!! I Buy Them By The Box! So Far, it cost $46.00 for a box of 24... Am I crazy? NO! It's Good Stuff... The noodles fill the whole container. Not like the USA brand where the noodles is only half the cup... Not to mention, this place has a plethora of Chinese ingredients to make that FIRE Chili Oil and many more Chinese Products... I've Been here about 5 times now... Always loading up on my Cup-Noodles... I love the variety this place has to offer.... The gentlemen at the cash registered is always helpful and friendly.. When you enter this establishment, you know you're getting authentic products from mainland China.. read more

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One of my favorite stores in China town. I go there for my coffee, Chinese medicine, dried noodles to cook, n some spices to cook. The workers are very polite and friendly. Great customer service. I also bought my steamer racks from them too. The store has almost everything you need. read more

I was having lunch in Chinatown and remembered that I needed red vinegar for my wonton noodles and crab. I called my mom and she said that they sell it at this store. I looked around and they had whatever Chinese items your heart desires. I grew up eating those eggrolls, shrimp noodles and many other things in this place. I finally located the red vinegar on the bottom shelf. The red vinegar was listed at $3.75. However, when I went to pay the boss told the cashier that it recently increased to $3.99. I wasn't sure if they were trying to nickel and dime me since I don't really look Chinese and didn't speak Chinese to them. I could have said something, but it wasn't worth it for 24 cents and they don't charge tax. read more

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We came here to buy their shrimp chips! The store was so organized & they provided great customer service!

I was looking far a particular rice chow fun type of noodles. Thanks to fellow Yelper Paul C. He have mentioned in his previous review when looking for something most likely Bo Wah Trading will have it . He was right I asked one the salesperson if they had something like rice chow fun noodle he showed me exactly where it was . Very friendly and efficient workers there even though they was talking in Chinese. Also since I was there I browse around and believe it or not this place has a lots of stuff. From steam basket like the one they use for dim sum and also big woks. All kinds of ladles with screen to drain noodles or pastas . Also they sell Sriracha and the big bottle for $6.99 way cheap than the supermarkets. Support local and especially small businesses read more

Bo Wah Trading - Cheap!!! - International Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I really don't go into Chinatown very much unless it's for work, or if my dad needs something in particular. If you ever need something unique from an Asian store, may I suggest you check out Bo Wah Trading Co. in Chinatown. Located on Maunakea Street, just a few doors up from "Nam Fong", or if you know where "Bread House" is, it's just next door from Bread House. Bo Wah Trading Co. sells an array of Asian grocery items, household products, health ointments, & seasonal items like fireworks and mooncakes. Since I was taking my dad around town for a few errands today, since we were near the Chinatown area, I asked my pops if he wanted to stop by Bo Wah? Of course my dad was down, so I pulled up my car up in front of the store, & kept the engine running while I waited for my pops to run inside to pick up a few items. Although the owner of this business (Mr. Au) had passed away a few years ago, a couple of his sons took over the store and continued his legacy. My dad told me while he was shopping inside of Bo Wah today, one of the owner's son greeted my dad, as he hadn't seen my dad for about 3 years (I think he thought my dad had croaked, Lol!). I guess when Covid-19 started, my dad tried to minimize his contact with the public, but it's always great to be recognized and get great service! Getting to Bo Wah can be difficult at times, as parking in Chinatown can be rough. If you're lucky enough, there are a few municipal parking lots within the Chinatown neighborhood, and the parking rates are pretty reasonable. Also, metered street parking is available, but you just have to roll the dice on that. Bo Wah does an excellent job of keeping the store neat & tighty! And upon watching the store from my car, I noticed that a lot of patrons inside of the store were pretty good about wearing their mask while shopping inside of Bo Wah. GOOD JOB! Lol! If you're looking for an Asian item that you can't find in a regular store, may I suggest you check out Bo Wah Trading Co. in the heart of Chinatown. read more

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Nice store to get most of your Chinese foods and ingredients. Staff are helpful in finding what you need and answering your questions. Use cash if you can. Credit cards will have additional fees. read more

I was on the hunt for some thick rice noodles for dinner, and Bo Wah Trading saved the day! The man at the front desk, who I assume is the owner, was very kind. Prices are fair and there is a large range of Asian products! If I'm ever brave enough to venture into Chinatown again, I will most definitely support this local business again. read more

I rebelled about my Chinese heritage when I was growing up. Now as an adult, I realize how much I missed out, especially when I could have learned first-hand from my first generation mother who rigidly followed all the traditional customs for every occasion. My mom loved to shop in Chinatown, as that's where she could find all the familiar items that she had while living in China. I remember one of my mom's favorite stores, Bo Wah Trading Co. While I often had to go with my mom to Chinatown, I paid no attention whatsoever re what she bought at Bo Wah, let alone what this store even had. That has completely changed today, as I am passionate about my Chinese culture and heritage. A year after he emigrated from China to Honolulu in 1976, Tin Yau Au established Bo Wah Trading Co. in Chinatown, a grocery store of imported Chinese products. Mr. Au operated this successful store until his passing in 2020. With his three sons and five daughters, son Danny Au took over the helm with his brothers, Sammy and Elton, who oversee the operations today. Ironically, my first direct in-depth shopping experience at Bo Wah was just after my mom passed. In planning for her funeral, the Taoist priest put together a list of funeral items to be purchased at Bo Wah - a car, a house, a trunk, servants, paper money to be folded, gold and silver coins, joss sticks, a comb, a cultural pearl, a fan, a white handkerchief, red paper for li see, coconut candy, firecrackers, food servers for the soul, and more. While explaining the significance of each of these items for this ritual is another story, but what was important was that Bo Wah had all of these. As I've learned how to make gao for Chinese New Year from my mom, Bo Wah is my go-to store to get all the ingredients: glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, raw sesame seeds, dried dates, red paper, and gao containers of various sizes. Although I have my mom's steamers, Bo Wah also carries aluminum and bamboo steamers of different sizes. Over the years, cooking Chinese foods has often brought me to Bo Wah. Basic Chinese cooking ingredients were easily found here: light shoyu, dark shoyu, thick shoyu, shao xing cooking wine, red vinegar, ground bean sauce, dried bean curd, red bean paste, boxed shrimp chips, bottled sauces, dried mushrooms, and more. Dried cuttlefish, scallops, and seafood are available for soups. If you're looking for snacks, they have them: roasted peanuts, various packaged hard candies, instant dried noodles, packaged cookies, Hong Kong moon cakes (seasonal), and others. Wished that they had samples, though. Bo Wah also has a good inventory of kitchenware: woks of varying sizes, porcelain dishes, colanders, utensils, wire-laced scoops, chopping boards, tea pots, meat cleavers, and others. Other non-food items include: colored twine, mahjong sets, and fireworks (yes, fireworks, which bring many non-Chinese to Bo Wah, seeking them after the regular stores have sold out of their inventory). The male dominated staff is very helpful if you need assistance. While the older ones do not speak or understand English, the younger staff is able to converse in English, and if they need further clarification, they will ask the older, seasoned staff. Staff is friendly and wants to see you satisfied. Lots of clutter but relatively clean among the shelves, as there are numerous items stacked here and there, generally by category. Aisles are narrow as you make yourself through, brushing past other shoppers. Grab a basket and put your items in; when you're done, head to the front counter of the two cashiers taking your payment. Be warned that Chinese shoppers may appear rude, as they bump into you without saying, "excuse me" or cut in line to pay for their goods; it is a cultural thing, so just accept it. Prices are reasonable and generally less expensive for the same items sold by its competitor on Hotel St. Avoid the busy times of the year (e.g., the week prior to Chinese New Year), as it's wall-to-wall people in that small store and long lines to pay. Bear in mind, though, that with COVID, supply chain issues also affect Chinese imported goods, as prices have significantly increased since pre-COVID days or they may be out of an item. Bo Wah is located in the heart of Chinatown's Maunakea St., next to Nam Fong and Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery. Hours of operation are: Mon to Sat, 8a-4p and Sun, 8a to 1p. Metered street parking available (free on Sundays and holidays) or nearby municipal lots. Cash and credit cards accepted. While I wished I had paid more attention to this family-operated gem of a store of imported goods, I'm definitely making it up now, as I just love to browse through its aisles to see what "treasures" I find. And if you're looking for something specific, they probably have it. After all, moms are always right! read more

This is one of my favorite stores in Chinatown. Granted, the aisles are a tad bit crowded so beware and walk carefully, hence the 4. For supplies, though, it rates high for me personally. My go to for cough syrup, cough drops, ginger tea, and jasmine tea pearls that unfurl in your hot water like a long trellis of aromatic sweetness. Great with the sweet meats (sugar cured fruits and vegetables) when pouring tea for parents and elders at New Year's and weddings. (The main man knows exactly what you're asking for if you just say you need cough syrup or drops, cause I don't speak Chinese, either!) read more

Found a Wok for our outdoor stove. Excited to make some chinese dishes! I asked for some recommendations and they were helpful.

Shopping in Honolulu Chinatown... When my mom couldn't find some ingredients for jai (Monk's Food), a vegetarian dish, I suggested that we come here. Of course, Bo Wah had it... And she found other items that she needed. It was a couple of weeks before The Lunar New Year, so, it wasn't as crowded as it could be. I've shopped here in the past because the shop is conveniently located on the same block of Maunakea Street as the Feng Shui store, Lin's Lei shop, the Chinese bakery (Sing Cheong Yuan), and the butcher shop (Nam Fong). This left side of the one-way street has a lot of activity! The Chinese grocery store that my mom likes is on Hotel Street. It seems more cluttered than Bo Wah, even though Bo Wah is smaller. I think Bo Wah has more variety of items. Besides canned goods and dried ingredients, they also have dishes, towels, brooms, lucky red envelopes, bamboo steamers, cooking utensils, woks, tea pots, folding paper money, and incense to burn at shrines and graves. During this visit, I was gathering a bunch of items for hot pot. I wasn't able to carry everything, so I started making a pile at the counter. One of the gentlemen asked me (in English) if I needed help. He must have noticed that I was wandering for a while. I just couldn't find ginko nuts. He said that they were out of stock at the moment. I asked if it might be available in a couple of weeks... He said, "Yes!" Okay, then! I'll be back! Maybe I should get a few more items like raw, shelled peanuts, dao foo mui (preserved tofu), dried mushrooms, and bean curd (foo jook) ... Yum yum! read more

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Found this shop in Chinatown this shop is amazing. They hold all types of Asian foods supplies, equipment spices everything you need. I will definitely go back to shop there. The prices are great too a good find. read more

Thank goodness that Bo Wah Trading is still here and in business as the COVID restrictions really knocked a lot of businesses out. I still shop here and stock up for my Chinese teas and other delectables on my rare visits to Chinatown from Central Oahu. Unfortunately, they stopped offering those Chinaman's straw hats a long, long time ago and my old hat is falling apart, and I haven't seen it in any other store here. Bare in mind that you still have to spend a specified minimum amount in order to use your credit card, and they will charge you the general excise tax on your purchase. They don't charge the excise tax if you pay cash. read more

General store with anything you might need to cook, clean, maintain good health. This is not a fresh food store unless you're looking for some imported mooncakes (cheap and good when bought after Mid Autumn Festival) or frozen tang yuan. Sauces, vinegars, dried ingredients, cooking implements, Chinese meds, materials for ancestor worship, all at fair prices. Pay cash to avoid card surcharge. Boss is efficient and helpful. Open later than many other Chinatown shops 8a-5p M-Sa, 8a-1p Su. read more

Parking are at Kekaulike or Marin Tower parking lots. This place is located on Maunakea St and by Hotel St. It is about 2 businesses down from HPD Chinatown station. My mom and I love this place because they have affordable prices and is an one stop shop. I buy 1 commercial container of Knox gelatin, Cafe Du Monde French coffee to make Vietnamese coffee, and my favorites snacks such as dried squid and coconut candy. On Saturday, they are busy because sometimes no room to walk with small aisle. read more

Bo Wah Trading - Walnut Date Candy - International Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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"Hey, I need this! Now!" "It's not available at this store, and it's not available at the other store too." "Ok, I'll check Bo Wah...... they have it. Go, go, go!" That's Bo Wah. That's always been Bo Wah. This small store located along Maunakea, across Hong Kong Supermarket has been a a staple in Chinatown. Same store, same owners ever since I can remember. This store will have everything Cantonese people need and will always be in stock. Need sauces? Dry goods? Kitchen utensils? Giant steamers and woks? Snacks? Newspaper? Calendars? Herbal medicine? Cigarettes? Bai San/Qingming? Mahjong?? Bo Wah has it. The owner and the people who work there are always friendly, helpful, and kind. Their prices are a slightly more expensive on maybe half items, but only from 10-25 cents to a few dollars, so still reasonable. However, you'll find a lot of items that are cheaper compared to other stores. For instance, the mooncake here are cheaper than everywhere else, and they carry a lot more variety. Bo Wah is a solid, reliable store to get all your Cantonese goods. read more

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Bo Wah Trading is one of my go-to hole-in-the-wall shops in Chinatown. Conveniently located on Maunakea Street, my husband usually drops me off curbside while I do a quick run in to pick up a few things. Although their selection of goods is not expansive, they typically have most of the ingredients I need that can't be found at an American market. Todays visit was the first time in over 4 years since COVID began and yet the store remains the same reliable place as I remember. The staff there are helpful and knowledgeable....in their Chinese sort of way. The 1-star deduction is only because the interior space is tight as usual and untidy as usual. Oh well! read more

After eating lunch in Downtown and mentioning to my friend that I was looking for a wok he brought me here. This store is filled with cookware, dishware and a big variety of different products. I did find the size that I was looking for and inquired with the owner/gentleman about the price. At first he said $16 then paused and said no $17, Whaaaat.??? I don't look Chinesey enuff? That's because I'm not and a dollar wasn't going to stop me from buying it. I left happy because I found a wok for my burner, but they really could use a sprinkle of Happy Dust in here. I said Hi when I came in.. No response, I said Thank you after my purchase.. Barely a response! *If you smile on my next visit I'll give you that 4th Star for sure.. :-) read more

Bo Wah Trading - International Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I lived in Chinatown for a good 17 plus years on Maunakea Street so I know my stores quite well. Bo Wah has been in business for over 30 years now. They used to be located on the corner of Maunakea Street and Pauahi Street. This store pretty much is your Chinese general store that carries your all-purpose Chinese goods. You can get your soy sauce, dried vegetables, canned goods and preserved foods, too. I primarily come here to purchase Chinese paper and incense that I use to offer my ancestors. They also carry seasonal items, such as Chinese moon cake and you can pick-up your firecrackers during the holidays. Price-wise they are very reasonable and most of the staff at the register here are bilingual. This is a good place to pick-up your ingredients if you plan to cook a meal. The only setback is that the customer service here is typical of a Chinese establishment. They are not friendly and don't smile. They also don't carry fresh produce or meats but that you can get if you walk down a couple of blocks to Oahu Market or Maunakea Marketplace. NOTE: (1) This place is pretty legit to me but it doesn't hurt to check the expiration date before you purchase your goods. (2) Credit cards are accepted here. read more

Last weekend we decided to beat the Chinese New Year crowds and headed to Chinatown to pick up supplies for gau making. It's been a few years since I've helped Auntie make gau, so I need a refresher, and never did learn where she goes to buy the ingredients: Bo Wah is the place! As in most typical Chinatown stores, Bo Wah is stuffed to the gills with tons of different things! Many of them have no labels, and or only Chinese labels with very little English translation. What's different about Bo Wah is that when Auntie wasn't sure which brand of glutenous flour to buy, she asked the store employees (3 men), who were all very friendly. When we needed to find some non-gau ingredients that my Mom requested (north and south peeled almonds), we asked and they quickly found them for us. Warning, it helps if you can read the Chinese characters sometimes since the English labels said "Peeled Almonds" on both bags, and who knew the difference? Of course the shop guys did! I've gotten scoldings from shop owners for not speaking or reading Chinese. Not these guys, they were really nice! I'm not an expert on prices since I only get to Chinatown about once a year, but the throat lozenges I bought last year at a different store were over $1 less at Bo Wah!! Tip: If you're stocking up for Chinese New Year, go as as soon as possible to avoid the crowds. HUGE Tip: You know how it's crowded and parking is a pain in Chinatown on weekend mornings? Try around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Easy parking is right across the street in the municipal lot next to Cindy's Lei Stand. We were parked, in and out in 30 minutes. I'm guessing that even the Bo Wah guys are more patient, relaxed & friendly when it's less crowded! read more

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We finally found the Lan Chi Garlic Chili Sauce at this place in Honolulu Chinatown coming all the way from North Carolina. We stocked up 10 of them as we couldn't find it anywhere else in North America. They are selling them at $3.75 each. read more

Bo Wah Trading - Lan Chi Garlic Chili Sauce - International Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We frequent Bo Wah Trading company every time we're in Chinatown. The service and products are superb! Thank you for your services and goods we will continue doing business with you for many more years! read more

A great shop in China Town. In and out in no time and they were very helpful. I was extra lucky and found parking right in front of the store! read more

After wandering in here like a lost puppy, my grandma showed all the dried herbs. Oohhh yes. They have herb packages for various types of soup. I hunt for the one for samgetang (Korean chicken soup). It's hard to find restaurants that have traditional soups. So...if you're craving for it you have to make yourself. Or in my case...ask grandma! Haha! read more

It's tough to find good quality Chinese tea, oolong, Jasmine, etc in Hawaii. Here's the place!

One of my favorite to-go Chinese stores to find instant coffee, dried salted fish, nylon twince, dried fruits and veggies, and just about anything traditional Chinese. Prices are somewhat fair, but there were some items that were on the expensive side. Don't be afraid to come here, becasue the smells of preserved fish, and they somewhat unclean grounds make the shopping experience a fun one! read more

This merchant double charged my debit card! When I asked about it and tried to get a return he was extremely rude! Avoid this store if at all possible. Super rude! read more

I stumbled upon this place when I was in desperate need of Chinese fireworks (that required a permit) for Chinese New Year. I find less and less stores carrying firecrackers as the years pass by but Bo Wah is one of the only stores left that sell it for the Chinese New Year season. I bought 4 of them at $35 each (20,000 crack) which I personally thought was a little over-priced (12/31 DQ was selling them for around $30) but I guess that's my fault for procrastinating the purchase. When I lit them, they definitely delivered as far as noise goes. I was also pleasantly surprised that they honored the line system at the cashier. Normally, places in Chinatown will take the first customer that throws money to the cashier to pay for their goods but Bo-Wah frowned upon line-cutters and told them to stand back and wait their turn. ~(^o^)~. They have a lot of other goodies including ginormous incense sticks which at first I didn't understand the purpose for until the guy working their explained it was for lighting firecrackers. Hehehehehe, goes to show I'm a newbie at this Chinese New Year thing. read more

Chinese (Vietnamese?) grocery store in the heart of Honolulu's C-Town. Down the road from Lin's flower shop and Nam Fong (the roast duck shop). Lots of great Asian items, esp. canned, dried, herby, bean, grain, flavoring/seasoning, and powder goods. I get my base mushroom (powder) soup stock here, a vacuum-sealed bag of both the regular one ($8.50) and the shiitake one (not sure, something like $13?), great for vegan stews and other veggie-friendly dishes, surprisingly not that salty. If you use East Asian ingredients especially, the staff is very helpful and knows their stock quite well. They're relatively friendly, but be clear, quick, and to the point. They gotta business ta run, dontcha know? Takes credit cards if over $10, I believe (the Chinatown rule). read more

Not easy to find but finally did and they have my Vietnamese coffee. I'm happy camper. AND it was only $3.00 :)

This is a small shop in Chinatown. I used to come here when I was younger with my family to rent videos. I recently bought a bunch of those Chinese soup spoons (made of cemamic?) for 50cent each. That's a steal! We buy salted fish from here too. read more

The sales guy was a total jerk (polite way to say it)... Went in looking for a mahjong table and found one. It was at the end of a row between the shelf and another item so I slid it out into the aisle to have a look at it. Immediately, the sales guy says "why did you pull that out?". I said I was looking for a mahjong table and wanted to have a look at it. He said I was a troublemaker(really?). After an exchange of some choice words, I walked out and told the sales guy he can put it back himself for being such an *ss. My wife was going to buy some ramen bowls and spoons, so he lost out on a sale there too. To put it into context, I'm a clean cut 44 year old and was wearing a nice shirt and shorts. I was with my wife, two daughters and mother-in-law and in no way looked or acted like a troublemaker. Does he really think I woke up this morning and decided to go to Chinatown to pull a mahjong table into the aisle just to be a troublemaker...The guy is delusional!!! read more