Great Service!! I come here for the lamb-chops,leis and island sulus. It has a small parking space.

Very glad to have found this place. I was looking for kukui seeds for a lei and some plastic flower leis. Place is very small and packed with goodies. Snacks, leis, some other food. Small parking area. Definitely a good find. read more

Tiny store with all the island goods! I come here for Marie Sharp's hot sauce and a fe other essentials. They are always welcoming.

The best hidden gem for everything local! I drove up from Texas to visit my cousin & was looking for local markets to stock up on ALL the Hawaii necessities before I drive back home. Kumar's is usually closed on Tuesdays, but he opened the store so I could grab some things before I make the trek back home. I couldn't be more grateful for Suren's customer service and that he carried so much stuff from home. I'll be making the visit back out again just to support his store and stock back up! He got Hawaii stuff, Puerto Rican stuff, ALL the stuff! read more

Great service very nice. I wish they can ship to Vegas.Always looking forward to visiting California to make the trip.

pastille was $53.00 a dozen. this item was made by the store. I do not know where. I made 4 (because they are very thin). I took one bite and wanted to throw up. They were bad, all four. Not just a flavor I did not like, but they tasted like they went bad. I tired to see when these were made, but there was no information provided. I also got thee lau lau. These did not have the expected flavor either. While they are labelled as pork lau lau, there was only pork fat, no meat. No fish and the luau leave had no flavor. I am concerned with the health and safety aspect of the pastelle and that they might get someone very sick. I think i will be okay as I did not (could not) swallow it. I do not know what the law is regarding date labeling, but I am sure the SCC health department can give me guidance. I really wanted to like this place and their products, but alas, I cannot recommend this store and suggest ewe seek alternatives. There are many in San Jose. Notice this grifter says I attacked him racially when all i did was to say he is indian, not kama'aina like he tries to portray with his phony accent. I belief he may be sri lankan, which would be where he considered saying he is indian an insult. Notice also how this guy replies to a bad review the same way, "nobody else thinks it is bad". Notice the emoji when i told him the product was bad. Here is the text exchange: read more

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I must say for a small store they have what I need. The service is always great and it's good to see that they're people that don't forget about are island roots! Thank you for being there for me. read more

We pass by this part of Santa Clara St. in San Jose almost every week. Our church is right there. And for the love of God, I swear, we have never noticed Kumar's Island Market before. We may have a good excuse though; and it's that our eyes always zero in at the store next door --L&F Fish Market, where we previously bought fresh fish and bakalau. And where we've been promising ourselves to go back to to get some fresh oysters. Today is different. From our church across the street, we did notice Kumar's. And there we met Suren. Kumar's Island Market is a small store in an unimposing building at the very end of Santa Clara St. before it turns into Alum Rock Ave. as you cross highway 101. We didn't go in for anything particular. We were just curious. And we walked away with new knowledge where to buy lau lau, cured brisket, uni, whole lechon, oxtail, New Zealand corned beef and so much more. We did buy a couple of things --a few plantain bananas and li hing mui powder. But the best part of our discovery is Suren himself. We ended up talking and talking about everything Filipino/ Polynesian. We went inside for nothing and ended up staying for the spirited chat. Suren is originally from Sri Lanka but with his knowledge of anything Filipino, he might as well be Filipino. Like today, we learned from him that uni is called "maratangtang" in Ilocano. Anything Polynesian, he knows. He said some folks call him "Kumar" because of the store name. But that was from the previous owner. We completely lost track of time until a couple of Samoan patrons came in to pick up some local goodies. Both of them bought Kalo (taro), for which I promptly asked if they were going to make poi (a reactive and unsolicited stupid question ). No, they're going to boil them and prepare it with coconut milk (Fa'alipu Kalo). I don't remember if we have a similar dish in the Philippines but I know we used taro for dessert. And certainly using coconut milk as well. These discoveries is what we live for. Especially when we learn something new within the neighborhood. I have lived in San Jose for about 8 years now and we're still discovering new things about it. There's definitely so much more about San Jose than meets the eye. And it's only a matter of time when we get to meet another Suren. Salamat, Suren! Bohoma Istuti! Fa'afetai! read more

Kumar's Island Market - Suren, owner of Kumar's Island Market - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

The snacks here (Bongo chips, Twisties chips, Tim Tams, drinks, etc. all taste soooooooo delicious! Highly recommend! Also, Kumar and his assistant are very nice. The ambiance is warm. It's always a treat to buy from here and to see them too. read more

Kumar's Island Market - Bongo chips, Yumo chips, Tim Tams, Arnott's cookies - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

I love Kumar's Island Market so much! The owner and staff are so friendly and so kind--they make it easy to fall into conversation and feel at home. I am always so happy when I visit this one-stop shop of all the best island goodies! My little one also enjoys looking through all the packed shelves and aisles with me. This is the only place I can get everything my family and I want, and it's the only place that has all the different flavors I look for. My favorites to pick up are: Li Hing Mui powder and candies (strawberry belts, salted plum, mango, sour green apple gummies, peach, and lemon rinds!), Tim Tams, lilikoi and guava jelly, bongo chips, garlic and chili peas, and Hawaiian pancake mixes. I've also purchased cans of the chunky corned beef, packages of spicy dried squid, Pascall milkshakes, and boxes of chocolate covered macadamia nuts! We are hoping to try their uni soon, too. So grateful they are open during the COVID pandemic still! read more

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They have what you need for Polynesian food place is packed with all the island ingredients including poi that is good even though it's frozen. Love the frozen ulu too read more

Place is a original island market I remember when my parents would go there when Charlie was the guypricey but place has everything u won't find anywhere else read more

Anybody who knows me, knows that I'm always on the hunt for any way to tap into authentic Puerto Rican culture. There's literally nothing here in the Southbay! This Island Market sells you all of the ingredients and spices to make your own but will also sell you some of the best Pasteles out there! It's super small, crowded and the hours aren't ideal but it's not as big of a deal when it's literally a one-stop shop. -1 Star for looking like hoarder owns it read more

Kumar's Island Market - Heaven on earth for islanders and those who love the culture! - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

Loved this store. Did not want a hoeley store and it didnt disappoint. This store was the real deal. Cant wait to come back . Living the aloha life read more

This is the epitome of a hoarder's shop. There's tons of everything everywhere you look, even overhead. Got my lilikoi jelly my regular shop was out of! Plus they had an interesting product I'd never seen - canned corned lamb from my brand of canned corned beef - so I had to try that. Both were reasonably priced - the jelly was even cheaper than my go-to (a little expired but who cares? I live on the edge, lol). Owner Sirin(sp?) was really friendly and helpful. Apparently he has a shop down in Anaheim too, that has cooked food. Must check it out next time we're back home. Just must remember to not wear my duster - walking around in that tiny shop filled with musty boxes, my duster certainly lived up to its name (ick). But I'm brave. And the duster is washable! p.s. Hey, wow, this was my 200th review! read more

Kumar's Island Market - Interesting name on this curry goat flavor packet. Did I just get sexually harassed by a food? - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

Excellent service and great selection of items that I needed. Awesome person to talk to and ask questions.

I love Kumar's. They are well stocked with so many different international island groceries, and can sometimes bring in certain things if you ask. He has a great assistant there as well- they work well together. I have not been fortunate in the way of I have never lived close by- so I do not frequent the market as often as I'd like to. But I would take the 30-40 min drive from time to time when I really had to have some good ackee & saltfish or beef patties or nice, nice plantains. amongst other things. But now I live nearly 90 minutes away! It's been a couple years, I've given some new places in my area a chance and I can't find a market as nice as Kumar's- they are either a one track mind market or missing too many items . So now I have to work out how I can fit Kumar's in my next drive to the area . I miss my Caribbean food! So I appreciate it while I had it, and his jovial attitude. It's worth checking it out. read more

We shop here often for Hawaiian and Puerto Rican groceries! The owner is always friendly and helpful.

Kumar is the nicest shop owner I've met! His shop contains an array of miscellaneous items from/of the Pacific Islands, including (but not exclusive to) Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, the Philippines, Guam, New Zealand, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. He has various canned foods, island essentials (Li Hing Powder and Seaweed & mix for Poke), snacks (Kauai Cookies... mmm!!) and he sells fresh fish straight from the Islands, too (get your tuna here)! He also has various island stickers, kukui nut leis, flower leis, money leis, islander shirts, island decals, bags from the Philippines, Hawaiian print bags, and more stuff than I can tell you about. Come here if you feel like picking up some exclusively island goods or repping your island. Kumar is more than accommodating (we had a good 10 minute conversation with him!) and will definitely help you find what you need. read more

Kumar's Island Market - Front View - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

Kumar sells a lot of brands that are popular back in the islands, esp NZ products like corned beef & lamb...& also carries a variety of goods that are shipped from back home. Good stuff if you need products for Polynesian cooking, come here he has it ALL! :) He also sells stickers, movies, CD's, clothing & tons of other goods that have Polynesian branding on it. read more

Just as good as the Aussie shops, they carry an array of meat & island products looking for meat pies. Guy super nice! They have New Zealand lamb chops which is the bomb for marinading and broiling yum! They got Fiji products & UK stuff, chocolates, Bongo, Big Sister fruit cakes, cans of Mackerel, and Mutton! They got goat and Lamb cut up... Definitely coming here again, the guy is really talkative and super sweet! Easy on the eyes I might add :) but great selections I'm coming back. read more

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Five stars for this tiny store packed with goodies from the islands! I stopped by to grab food that I've been craving. Pork/fish laulau, Puerto Rican pasteles and Kauai Cookies (guava, my fave). They also carry a variety of kukui nut leis...perfect for graduations and special occasions. Will have to come back to get taro and coc. read more

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Very very small shop, packed to the brim with island goodies. From food, clothing, accessories, car accessories...this place is where I get my chorizo españot and anything chamorro related. I travel from the valley to get my fill. read more

I bought Taro leaves but when I got home and opened it , I found out all the leaves were too old and broken into pieces . They also turned black and very mushy. read more

I've been going here for years. This is my go to place for Sea urchin. Like other reviews it's a small place, but if you need something from the island this is the place. So if you have a craving for sea urchin call first but more than likely to have it. To my suprise i went in thinking they will not have any sea urchin but I got lucky. read more

Kumar's Island Market - Craving for Sea Urchins. Kumar Island Market got you covered. Pictures doesn't do it justice!!! It's yummy goodness. - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

Wish I didn't live so far otherwise I'd go there once a week for Cherizo. Would love it if there was a way I could get it mailed to me and if there is, please respond back. My husband and I would greatly appreciate it. I'm from Guam Sincerely, Maria read more

Bought some good Puerto Rican pasteles from dis joint! Now I know where to get my Porto Roc Pasteles. I'm a happy AmeriDominiRican. read more

This tiny market lives up to its name with groceries from Australian, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Hawaii. There's fresh locally baked Hawaiian bread. Difficult to find cuts of meat and sausages from the islands are available. Most of it is frozen. Ask at the counter. They carry items like Puerto Rican pasteles, New Zealand white sausage & goat meat, Filipino longanisa, Italian sausage, hot links, and Hawaiian linguisa. Just a few canned items - various brands of canned corned beef, canned Camp pie, canned mutton, jack fruit, breadfruit, passion fruit, and extra-huge cans of coconut milk. It has the feeling a small back road Hawaiian store with wooden shelves holding the groceries. Tropical shirts, shell necklaces, music & movies are also for sale. read more

Love this place, full of "island friendly" folks. Lol, did I say full? This place is full when there are three or four people inside. I needed taro leaves which I failed to find anywhere else in bay. Was happy I made the drive. Five stars for the attention to the customers. This is what customer service looks and feels like. Don't believe me? Head on down and see for yourself. read more

It is a nice LITTLE market stuffed with island foods. The owner is cool and wants to help his customers. I bought lau lau which is taro leaves stuffed with pork and some fat pompano fish. No ambience here and he needs a bigger, cleaner store. Not fancy but okay if you are from a polynesian island and need your fix for taro roots or some island comfort food like lau lau or octopus. read more

I love this little hole in the wall. There is a lot packed into a small space. Many hard to find spices and ingredients used in island culture recipes are stocked here. The fresh frozen lamb is an excellent bargain though it is only available in 10 lbs boxes. read more

Small store right before 101 freeway. Its a small cramped place but he carries various good from hawaii. Best place to go if you need those types of island food. He also sells hawaiian shirts, leis and flowers. I was happy when he carried the kuikui beaded leis for cheap. You can also buy the beads here separately. His customer service is great !! I wish I could give 6 stars for that. read more

Kumar's Island Market - Got the lei from the store and the money flower I made - International Grocery Near Me - San Jose, California

There's not many places left in the Bay Area to purchase fresh kalo and bananas. One place I can count on that has everything could think of.. read more

I come every three years or so to San Jose. I love this small store. It has some great Polynesian Kukui nut leis,clothes and food.

My HS students actually introduced me to this place. It has a lot of stuff packed ceiling to floor with clothing, accessories, food, bumper stickers etc. which is both super cool and super overwhelming. The owner is extremely nice and knows all of his customers. read more

I get my patties, curry and jerk seasoning....always in stock. Great prices!

So happy to find this gem! I missed being able to cook authentic Caribbean meals!! There's everything here from yam, tin ackee and callalloo, salt fish etc. A big slice of home away from home. The clerk was quite helpful and friendly. Some items were a little pricey but that's expected. read more

What a neat little store. The staff is SUPER friendly and welcoming! While not your conventional corner market, this place is stocked to the brim with items that may be hard to find at your local grocer. read more

the open sign is broken here. make sure you yank on the door to check if they're still open. lol i called the shop and the owner called me back and told me that the open sign is broken so come back. u-turned the car and walked into this tiny store to look at the leis for my little sister graduation. if you are looking for girlie leis, dont expect to find it here. they only sell the neutral looking leis. if you know me.. thats too manly.. i love girly stuffs (dont blame me, blame my surroundings lol) there was a lot of random stuff that reminded me of hawaii but i didnt have time to look around.. the owner is suuper nice btw, and the friend that i met when i walked in read more

When you take the East Santa Clara turnoff from 101, it's the first store you see to your left so slow down or you will miss it. It's a tiny market with everything you can imagine but I was there for one thing - pasteles. And they do not disappoint. They are really good. It doesn't matter that they're frozen. And you won't mind buying them by the dozen because you'll be able to have them whenever you want! They also have a restaurant a few blocks down to the right with a Pacific Island menu. Can't wait to go back and try some Island food. read more