A tiny but mighty Asian grocery store on Congress, right in the heart of downtown. We picked up our noodle fix, our speciality slices, our fancy cheese cakes and gummies and tea. You enter through what seems like a sketchy back alley door and slide through some heavy plastic curtain, but it's fun. The folks at the register speak English well, and are very helpful with finding what you need or telling what that strange fish shaped thing in the freezer is and how to cook it. Don't be shy to stop in, you won't regret it. read more

Sun Oriental Market - Back door entrance - International Grocery Near Me - Portland, Maine

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This place is an absolute gem to have in the neighborhood, a great selection of Asian ingredients - ambient, frozen and chilled. It was busy when I was in there which made me happy to see for a small family owned shop. Interesting to note, they had a few non Asian staples like raos marinara, Alfredo, and pasta! Kind of nice in case you need last minute ingredients for dinner on the peninsula since we don't have many grocer options. I was able to get everything I needed to make a Massaman curry dish on a whim. Looking forward to returning for specialty ingredients and continuing to branch out from my usual weekly recipes! Everything was clean and spectacularly organized. Tip: the entrance is in the back of the building! read more

Sun Market is a pleasure to shop in. The owner is so helpful when I am looking for ingredients for a specific dish. Something new I've never tried before and he has great advice. The layout is lovely and the store is so clean. It's one of my favorites. read more

Sun Market has everything an Asian grocer could have! Sauces, frozen meals, snacks, and kitchenware. A great, mini replacement for H-Mart (which still has yet to make its way to Maine). read more

Sun Oriental Market - cat dish - International Grocery Near Me - Portland, Maine

If you've never been, the entrance is NOT on Congress St. Despite passing by this market thousands of times throughout the years, I didn't know this. I followed their sign to the parking lot behind the building (which I think they actually have one or two spaces available for customers if you can't find something on street), but there was no indication back there for an entrance either. A man - the owner, I think? - breaking down boxes asked if I was looking for the market and let me in the door (FYI: it's literally the last one on the right; you'll walk through their back rooms before getting into the storefront). "We don't open until 10am, but it's cold out, so come on in," he said. I was so impressed with the organization of this market and the abundance of options; I'll need to come back when I've got more time so I can properly peruse. I picked-up hot sauce, some crunchy snacks, and an armful of kimbap - which is why I came in the first place. I fell in love with the Trader Joe's version, but our local TJs hasn't had it in months. Neither do any of the other Asian markets in Portland (last time I checked), so when Sun posted about carrying not one, but two different brands of plant-based frozen kimbap, I made it a point to finally stop by. I bought all three Sunlit makes: kimchi spicy bulgogi (the best), bulgogi, and vegetable (the least best). I'm DELIGHTED they're carrying this and can't wait to come back to try any and everything labeled vegan (... which there was A LOT of)! read more

I liked how they welcomed me when I entered the store. When I needed help finding something they were happy to help. I ended up buying more than I planned because they have so many interesting ingredients. The only negative I can think of is the aisles are narrow but I didn't care about that. I was able to find what I needed. read more

We finally visited this place this past summer after stalking them for almost two years on social media. I'm glad we did. Many Asian products (and more) from different countries - All packed in a small space. They had everything we were looking for and more. They had Mochiko flour, spring roll wrappers - a very specific kind, Filipino snacks, kewpie mayo, ramen noodles multi packs (just the noodles). I could have purchased much more, but we were just stopping in on the way through the city. The owners are friendly and engaging. They were speaking with customers some sounded like they were first visitors as well, but were treated like family. They appreciate every single person that comes through the door and will treat you with respect. I appreciate their safety protocols throughout the pandemic, and I was happy to see the customers were following them. I appreciate how much they support and give back to the community. I look forward to going back soon. read more

This little market packs a punch, and has great produce, especially a great selection of mushrooms. It's all very well priced, super clean and very friendly. Plus they stick my favorite chilli crisp. read more

This. Is how you supermarket during a pandemic. Clear signage to enter through the back door. Clear signage to explain the procedure. 1. Mask on 2. Wash hands at the sink just as you enter 3. Get a cart (even if you can carry your items) for crowd control 4. Follow the arrows on the floor. Seriously well orchestrated and implemented procedures that got me geeking out at how well thought through this process is. And, top quality kitchen ware, prepared foods in the refrigerated section (banchan, kimchee, even Natto!) Outstanding. read more

My go to Asian market! A wide variety of instant noodles, hard to find frozen items you would otherwise have to travel out of state for. Great music, friendly and helpful owners with a sense of humor. And they have soju are you kidding? read more

This place is great, however, it is small! It has a variety of everything but it's mostly sauces. I was hoping for a larger snack selection, I lived in Japan for several years and was hoping to spot some of my favorite items is all. However, If you're looking for a good soy sauce selection, this is your place. It also has a nice selection of frozen and refrigerated items to chose from. I purchased some pork dumplings that were delicious and some kimchi that did not disappoint! The gentleman working was also courteous. Good customer service. CORONAVIRUS: entry is in the back only so try and park back in their lot. Also you must grab a cart and follow the arrows. This did make it difficult as it was my first time there and I wanted to take my time but the aisles are only big enough for one person. So I had to double back to my spot several times as there was obviously a frequent flyer who was in no mood to wait as I browsed. read more

Sun Oriental Market - Gyoza was great... I didn't enjoy the other item. - International Grocery Near Me - Portland, Maine

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I had a very disappointing experience in the shop today. I had come in with the intention of purchasing snacks and perhaps gifts for family back at home. As I do with most errands, I was on the phone with a family member (who happened to be Japanese and was dealing with a family emergency) while I was in the shop. I was browsing items for about 30 minutes when I was signalled by this man to leave the store. Instead of kindly asking me to leave the store to finish up my phone call, he rudely told me that he would refuse service and I was not welcomed back. His wife just sat there and gloated. I apologized for being on the phone and tried to explain my situation but was met with rudeness. I explained to the wife that I was willing to purchase something but then was upset when she was rude as was her husband. I am of half Japanese descent and I know manners and customs of Asian culture in general. These two individuals made me feel completely discouraged, not welcome and ostracized when I was shopping. They refused to give me their names and then told me 'good luck' when I told them I would post about the experience on Yelp. Well, if you choose to reply back in an inflammatory way, just remember the reputation of your store. I will not be coming back and will not recommend anyone to come to your store. Sorry business is business and I felt unwelcome in your store. Remember, the customer is always right and it is your responsibility as business owners to not make your customers feel unwelcome or discouraged. read more

Sun Oriental Market - Rude and disgruntled owner - International Grocery Near Me - Portland, Maine

I drove from over an hour away as I could not find ingredients I needed to make some Asian dishes I wanted to try. I could not find them locally . The gentle man noticed what I had in my basket and asked what I was making . I told him and help me find some ingredients I didn't know I needed ! Very helpful ! I appreciated it ! I found all of the goodies I was looking for . Reasonable prices . I was hoping to find some retail items like lucky bamboo and lucky cat items. I saw a few but they were behind the register and high up on a shelf .I couldn't see them very well or see the price . Maybe they have a lot of shoplifters . Very unfortunate as I like to look and touch items before buying . I thought I was going to have to go to a few Asian stores to get what I needed but I didn't . They had it all ! Nice store. Lots of offerings . A lot of things did not have English on the label so maybe small shelf signage would be helpful . Soy sauce , Spicy .. ect ect . I'll be back ! Thank you ! read more

Good place to wander around and enjoy the variety of food that fill the store. If your recipe calls for it, it's at Sun. read more

This store has a large section of Asian food. They have stuff that I did not expected. A variety of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian and South Asian products and some produces. There is a limited items of fresh Asians vegetables in the refrigerator. It is like a general store for Asian products. Worth a visit. read more

Sun Oriental Market - Store front. - International Grocery Near Me - Portland, Maine

Fabulous selection of everything you need for your asian cuisine! Can't say enough! Yes parking is an issue but stay with it! Owners are so friendly & helpful but not at all intrusive. read more

Just checking in to say I still love Sun and how much they bring to the 600 Block of Portland. Truly amazing variety of food, great teas, absolutely delicious fresh veggies, and the nicest employees ever. I hope Sun can stay here forever. They're a true Portland staple. Love you Sun! read more

Friendly helpful staff, decent selection of noodles, good produce section, snacks , sauces , kimchi.

Sun Oriental Market is not have a huge store, compared to what it looks like on the outside. However, it has all the essentials that you need. They don't have a ton of fresh produce & meats like other markets, but... I do LOVE that Sun Oriental has the cutest little bowls and tea sets! I was so impressed by it, I bought a few for myself. read more

Drop by few months back to check this place out.. With covid rules in place. You practically have to go thru a gauntlet of rules. From washing your hands in the sink, to hand sanitizer to following the taped markers on the floor. Only one person in the aisle , to maintaining distancing. Owner watches every move from cameras. Plan to go down the wrong way in the aisles... expect a tongue lashing from owner. Anything you touched you bought it.. that's how I felt Way over kill approach. Decided to do my grocery shopping at Tran's produce in Biddeford, Owner much more pleasant. Try this place again once covid blows over. Im hoping outcome will be a lot different... and possibly give it 3 more stars. read more

Me Loves the Green Noodle Selction here .They have Green Noodle made with Moroheiya which is soooo soo good . 3 Flavors too Yakisoba which is Vegan . Tom Yum and Miso which is Vegetarian . Great location and comfy tidy space . The people who work there are very safe and carefull about masks and handwashing etc . They also have a great spice and incense selection . Pleasure to shop here . Rock on with ten Billion Garlic naan Green Moroheiya socks on . read more

Sun Oriental Market - Green Noodle made with Moroheiya . Miso. TomYum . Yakisoba - International Grocery Near Me - Portland, Maine

Small asian market in Portland. decent variety of asian ingredients at reasonable prices on the pantry staples. In a quick review they had the brands I would normally want to buy at the Boston area asian markets. Didn't really check the greens here as was a quick stop but they had a nice variety of goods, great if you in the neighborhood for sure read more

As an Asian American woman, I have frequented this store many years. I have really appreciated being able to buy the Japanese groceries I have loved eating since I was a child. Unfortunately, it is with sadness that I can no longer support this business. The gentleman who works here gave me some very dishonest comments, in addition to noticing that there are price hikes in certain items that are not remotely reasonable. If you shop here, pay attention to what you are charged (both on the spot...but also in terms of major price hikes if you buy an item regularly). Granted, this Asian grocery store offers more Japanese products than the other local ones...but check out Veranda first. I can still get my tonkatsu sauce and other necessities there. It pains me that I can't shop here anymore because I am a food lover, but I believe in treating people with fairness and goodness. A few Portland businesses have tried to scam me here and there...and while it may only be a few dollars at a time...I can't stand for it. read more

Rude service. Was yelled at to GET OUT by the guy at the register when asking about rules during COVID. I had a mask on and felt so unwelcome. If you're too afraid to operate during this time DO NOT OPEN!!! read more

A very good market with lots of different items reasonably priced! Some times you need to drive around the block several times to find a parking spot near by but it is definitely worth the extra effort. read more

Such a hidden gem! I am so glad I found this place - in rural Maine for the summer (up from Boston where Asian markets are readily available) and I needed to get my kimchi fix so where to? Look no further than Sun Market to gather all of the ingredients to make this yummy treat! Because it was my first time there, GPS took me to the front of storefront where it's exit only, and that's precisely why this is such an awesome market : they are the premier in ensuring safe pandemic practices are followed as we fight this COVID he&l. The entrance is in the back of the store - look for a door that says SUN and there are pictures of the expectations upon entry: mask, must wash hands for 20 seconds, must use cart, and one way only (hence exit in the front entrance). The store is clean, clearly labeled and ensuring everyone is safe and following CDC guidelines. I love this place! Upon entry, I happened to bump into the owner and inquired if I was in the right place as this is my first time here. He gave me directions on what to do expectations because I was clueless and still wasn't sure I was in the right place. He was so friendly! When told that I'm here to load up on kimchi ingredients, he immediately inquired how much napa and daikon I would need and he would get it ready for me. I hadn't even stepped into the store yet! He also pointed me to the location of the salted shrimp but I already had fermented squid ready back at the cottage but picked up a jar anyway! And the best find are the panda sake cups! Coming from another state, the laws are different and Asian markets don't sell these yummy treats. I bought a handful only to come back after lunch to get some more sake for our neighbors. When in Portland, come to Sun's to get all of your Asian grocery fix! read more

Cute small Asian store we came across when out for a walk. The owner was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We live 3 blocks away and left with 3 bags full of ramen packages, spices, sticky rice, a ricer (lol) and he gave us the best recipe for chicken and rice to make in the ricer! Only thing that would have made it better would be if they sold fresh chicken, we had to run to another store for that. We will definitely be back for more items as we explore Asian foods and cooking. read more

Where do I begin? With Covid being on the rise in Maine, going out to eat is just not doable with a one year old so my husband and I decided to try our hands at making sushi at home. Sun Oriental Market had everything we needed and then some. We had been on the search for Tobiko but were out of luck with any other local market we tried. I called Sun Oriental and left a voicemail inquiring about this item and was called back promptly informing me they carried it. (Yay!) When I arrived to the store, the Covid precautions/procedures they had in place were impeccable. Making use of a back entrance, they use a voice recording to state the requirements of their store but also clearly posted the four rules to follow before entering as well-- masks, hand washing, use of carts (to ensure social distancing) and one-way aisles, making for an efficient and safe shopping experience. There are endless options for items and unique candy and ice cream selections too. In addition to the incredible/unique selections, the owners are extremely friendly, offering help as you need it and making you feel welcome. My only regret about visiting Sun Oriental Market is that due to Covid times, only one person from a group is allowed in at a time and I wasn't able to see the pure joy on my husbands face when he entered the store. Definitely visit this little gem if you are in the Portland area and if you have questions about products, call ahead-- such a friendly place! read more

I wouldn't survive as an asian without Sun Oriental Market. Don't get me wrong, I love TJ's but I need to give my pantry/kitchen LIFE with all the staples and unique goodies that Sun Oriental has to offer. From the dumplings, noodles, sauces, to snacks, this place as it all. It obviously not as stocked with options as H-Mart or Super 88 but, are we in Boston/NYC/SF or are we in Portland? This place packs a big punch for its size and gets the job done. Also, I never felt more safe than when I shopped here. The owners REALLY cared about everyone's safety and prioritized that over profit the entire past year during Covid. When ppl were scrambling to find staples like rice, eggs, noodles at Whole Foods/TJs, I felt like they were missing the mark by overlooking Sun Oriental, esp given how they prioritized safety. Bags of rice GALORE! In fact, I will never buy rice or asian goods at WF or TJs again. They have nothing on Sun Oriental and can not beat the options/prices. Thank you for existing in our community and being an example of what it means to be a small local business! I would not be able to survive in Maine without you. read more

Good selection. Clean store and friendly. Will be back. They do have fresh kimchi. And frozen fish.

Good little Asian market. Sake and tea section is really good. Also the frozen dumpling section. Huge assortment of noodle/ramen soups and spices. We love the vibe, owners are very nice, will answer any questions about their products and give you suggestions and ideas for Asian flare meals. read more

I cannot adequately express my love for Sun in words. It's small but mighty, stocks a large variety of products, is well organized and clean, and has very affordable prices. And the owners are so so nice - I always leave here smiling, with everything I needed in my bag. So grateful they're here! Pro tip: they do have (limited) parking spots in the back! I was street parking and hauling everything for blocks for the longest time until I realized. It's a small lot with a few spots set aside for their business and they very reasonably ask that you don't abuse the privilege of parking there. Suits the needs of a quick shopping trip perfectly. read more

Upon moving here from Hawaii, this was the first Asian market I visited for my pantry necessities. The owners of the store are very welcoming and friendly. The shop is a bit small, SO it's easy to find everything I need. Parking is difficult to find out on Congress st, I recommend walking or park and walk from a back street down Park St (enjoy the beautiful row of townhouses, photo op!) I am a little sad there aren't fresh groceries on-site, then again, it's not needed with Portland's farmers market on Saturdays. Did I mention I went during heavy snowfall and they were still open, a perfect example of dedictation to their customers! read more

Love this place! You won't find a better shop for Asian goodies. The owners are kind and knowledgable as well. What more could you want?

Awesome little store for all my Asian groceries, with impeccable Covid/ customer protocol, which I really appreciate. Enter from parking lot in rear of store, then go thru handwash station and get cart follow arrows on floor for traffic flow. It is a small store, so only a small amount of people come in at a time, but I have never had to wait. They have wonderful dumplings and ramen, some very fresh vegetables, frozen sliced meats for making Pho, many sauces and snacks. I love the tempura wrapped spicy seaweed snack. The owners are friendly and helpful if you are seeking something specific. read more

I have been going to Sun Oriental for over 8 years and ALWAYS buy my rice, dumplings, soy sauce, etc here. I always find myself getting into long conversations with the owners about new bags of rice they got in, or how to properly season a wok. I bought my rice cooker here, mostly so I could get their advice on the matter (very important decision). I not only find all the best asian foods here, but I enjoy every trip I make here. read more

This is a pretty small Asian market that carries a decent amount of spices, sauces and other non perishable foods. They have a VERY limited selection of the other items most markets would carry such as frozen foods, produce and prepared noodles, pickles or other cooked items. If there weren't so few options for Asian markets in the area I'd rate them lower but beggars cants be choosers. read more

I absolutely love Sun. They are wonderful people who take the time to answer questions and give suggestions (they were very helpful picking out a rice cooker among other things). We buy items to make sushi, rice, treats and drinks as well as refrigerator and freezer items. Noodles? The have it. The onigiri is wonderful and the gift section is awesome. Bowls, sake sets, tea pots and cups, chopsticks and Maneki Neko items, to name a few. The store is clean and they take the safety of their customers and family very seriously, as they should. They have very clear rules on covid procedures, which is very helpful. read more

This is the best market around. They have a great selection of beer, seaweed snacks, and cool migs and bowls. The food is great and the owners know the store inside and out. They are very helpful and if you have a recipe you want to make or cook they can help you find the best ingredients. read more

What a great find! We arrived minutes before closing time, but Se-Jong was super friendly and helpful. Plus he recommended a great place in the neighborhood for dinner. We'll be back to shop here as our go to Asian market from now on. read more