My Go-To Persian food place! You'll love the wide array of international cuisines available within the grocery, fresh produce and prices are reasonable to boot! Very helpful and friendly staff and and always a lively vibe... read more

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This is the worse place you go and get anything It was third time I went to the store I just buy ice cream and bread. I stand in line when it got to my turn I saw he didn't put two of ice cream I told him those are my groceries also then he started charging the other person stuff on my check I told him isn't mine he started yelling at me why you didn't put divider . I told him why you yelling at me he said you want my manager she is there I do what ever I want to do . I explain everything to his manager she just look at me the way that means so what is his right to yell at customers and she didn't respond at all. Is unbelievable you feel like you are in some third world countries vendors are doing favor to customers read more

My mom found this grocery store and it has the best oranges, sweet and juicy. We buy 2 large bags at a time, prices are decent. Don't really want anyone else to know about this secret, since the oranges are the best. read more

I've been coming here for years - where else can you find a star studded food court that serves up a medley of cuisines from all over the world? While I always take a gander around the food court to scout my options, I always end up at The Grill that slangs Mediterranean/Persian fare. My go-to order is always the chicken shish kabob plate (~$12-13). It comes with a generous helping of chicken (at least 8 substantial pieces) over a bed of rice and a charred tomato. The chicken is so flavorful and juicy that it doesn't need an additional sauce. They give you a generous portion of food that can be converted into two meals. Kudos on the food. On a recent visit, I leisurely perused through the aisles. Although Wholesome Choice is advertised as a Persian supermarket, they carry a generous selection of other Asian staples marked substantially lower than most grocery stores. Most notably is the produce section where items are so incredibly affordable that it's almost robbery. What can I say? I like grocery stores and Wholesome Choice is a good one. read more

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This is an update. The produce section is still cray-cray busy with barely legal widths jamb packed with people, but I did not come in for produce specifically today. Today, I shopped for spices I could not find the last time I shopped at Ralph's Fresh Fare. I was looking to buy dried Fenugreek and Savory and found them both for a decent price. Then I also purchased Bob's cornmeal and three ears of corn so I can make fenugreek leaf fritters. Loved finding the kosher and hummus-specific refrigerators near the back aisle. read more

Well Wholesome Choice, ya redeemed yaself. Since my last review, I have made a couple trips here, & the last trip, made me really love this store. You see I've never really 'combed' the aisles of this store. My trips usually are quick, going straight to the food court & going to one specific aisle. I'm so glad I took the time to check out each aisle! To start, I found Russian Sunflower Oil & Turkish Hazelnut Cream spread... and the best find? Polish Nutella in a *glass jar* OMG for a cheaper than Ralphs price too!! (yep it's even the large size) Another good find??? Lots n lots n lots of Chinese LAYS chips!!! Flavors they have (which I haven't seen in any other store): :: Numb & Spicy Hot Pot :: Grilled Squid :: Cucumber :: Spicy Crayfish :: Fried Crab :: TARO Sea Salt + Black Pepper It's confirmed: Thums Up soda is sold here!!!!!! Dumb me, I never checked out the amazing Indian food aisle. Lots of spices too! no need to go to the desi store!~ In conclusion? Wholesome Choice is your one stop international stop for exotic cooking! Yumyumyum read more

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I arrived at the store at 9:56, just 4 minutes before closing time at 10:00, and they didn't let me in, saying it was closed. I've been shopping here for 15 years and have never experienced anything like this. The person at the door and the manager acted like enemies. I will never shop here again. They are extremely disrespectful. I am giving the lowest rating of one star only because I can't give less--otherwise, they wouldn't even deserve this. Humanity: zero. read more

The best grocery outlet with great prices and halal meat. Indian grocery also available with warm service from the staff.

Had lunch to go from the Indian/Pakistani Restaurant HOT N SPICE inside the store. Mr. Mohammed, the host is a wonderful person and very warm and respectful. Had a very pleasant experience and was humbled by the generosity and the kindness of the host. Had the lamb shank and Chicken Tandoori which was very good. Will definitely recommend this place to everyone and come back again. read more

My Son and I were looking for a place to eat after my Kaiser appointment. We decided to try a local crepe place in Irvine and walked into this wonderful store. They had a food court with lots of different food to choose from. Inside the groceries is several take out venues - The chicken was tender and favorable, Steak and Lamb really good too. Cherry Rice (tart and tasty), another rice (had prunes and cranberries etc.). We were able to taste sample of everything before we purchased to go. The staff was very friendly, helpful and described and answered any questions we had. The cooks and staff took great pride in their talent and culinary expertise. It truly showed in the joy they receive from their customers compliments. The prices were reasonable. Also, the pre packaged cut up fruit was the highest quality and the best I have ever experienced. Even though I live in Buena Park and this is about 30mins away, I will return again. I wish they would open a store in our area. I am sure they would do great business over here. read more

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So I was looking for a bank in this plaza and stumbled across this grocery store so thought I would grab some veggies and go ... well 2 hrs later and a bill of $184. I was loving every minute the Persian holiday is Monday so was crazy shopping but for the love of people everyone was exceptional I met someone at meat counter who shared a recipe with me and the staff were so chill and helpful. I travel all over the world so this gathering of collectiveness makes me smile good people shopping and great pricing food courts fresh veggies and fruit ... fresh salmon with amazing pricing it's worth my 30 min drive .. such a great experience! read more

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The staff here usually very friendly especially the people who are working behind the food service counters but I had a very bad experience with a cashier name Fahimeh. I was standing in line and after I put my groceries, she started speaking to the person behind me and they just had a whole conversation while I waited, I tried to ask her nicely what I should do after I paid for the food, if I should take the receipt to them or if she's going to give me a different receipt and for some reason she found it absolutely hilarious and started laughing with the first thing behind me speaking a different language I don't understand, I just feel like sometimes people need to understand customer service a little better, read more

I purchased Lobia Polo from the Persian food section yesterday 01/13/2025 there is two areas for Persian food I got it from the second smaller area in the corner far left the price is higher and it was soooooo salty that I had to throw half of it away please care about people 's health as well if we pay higher price it gatta be a little better quality read more

Great selections and even had great gluten free options for my family. My favorite non gluten free item was the fresh bread. Stand in line, and get it! Best deal at 4 dollars and it's hot right out of the oven. read more

Wholesome Choice - Getting some delish food for dinner! - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

Rotten fruit and an insane employee. Weird confusing system on premade food. i know this is an international market but would be nice if employees were bilingual and able to speak english. I used to like this place but after today will never return. read more

Love this store, good location right off the freeway, great selection of product both packaged and fresh! Some of the prices on items such as pistachio nuts seem to have gone pretty high.... Fresh hummus from the deli is the best ever and I've traveled the middle east extensively! read more

Love the store and all its assortment! Great fruits, veggies, bulk nuts and dried fruits! But we really go here for three items the hot and fresh daily sangak, some fresh feta and the gyro guy in the food court! And i emphasize the food court chicken gyro plate. The chicken is done on the spit like the lamb and its so flavorful!! read more

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Stopped by Wholesome choice to pick something up really quick. I don't shop here because of the poor quality products and management of the location. Since Super Irvine closed, this is the closest Persian store to me now. There was a worker in the food court area chopping up onions and this was the FILTHY container he was throwing the onions into!! Absolutely disgusting!!! Think twice before you eat here. This is such a big health violation. Not to mention the cutting board and the fact that the guy wasn't wearing gloves!!! read more

Wholesome Choice - Filthy containers where food was being prepared! - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

Overall still solid four stars. The Indian food used to be my favorite but now it is just ok for a quick service option (palak paneer tasted a bit tangy and wasn't as creamy and rich, chicken tikka masala had large chunks of chicken breast but the chicken pieces weren't tikka). Next time I'm going to try the shawarma from the other stand. I got some Turkish delights which were delectable... rose, pineapple, pomegranate and sour cherry. For $14.99/pound, this is the best price I've found for quality like this. I came on a Saturday afternoon and parking was not an issue... it's a large lot. It was fairly busy inside -some people don't understand social distancing - but everyone had masks on from what I was able to glean (I mainly stayed in the hot foods/bakery section and was in and out quickly after I made my selections so I can't say for the rest of the store). They only have one door for entry and exit which I have always thought was odd from a fire hazard perspective. read more

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Fresh variety of vegetables with very affordable prices. The food stands offer different international foods, and they all tasted good. Summer fruits have been exceptionally good and many varieties that you may not find them in other markets. read more

I am in this store right now, I came to buy some Berbari bread and the bread clerk told me that it was not ready now and that it would be ready in forty-five minutes, I waited forty-five minutes and went back and he told me again that it would be ready in forty-five minutes, I told him that forty-five minutes ago you told me that it would be ready in forty-five minutes! So why is it not ready? He spread his hands and said that he did not know and that it was not ready and that it would be ready in forty-five minutes, I called the manager here and he said that there was nothing I could do and that I was still waiting for fresh bread. read more

I called this store to find out if they had pecan nuts. The lady who answered the phone said yes, they have it available. I asked how much was it. She said "we do not tell you the price over the phone. You have to come in to see it yourself". I cannot believe what I was hearing so I asked to speak to the manager. He said the same thing..that if I want to know the price, I have to come in the store to find out. I told them that I'm from another city and it would be easier for me to find out over the phone if the price is worth traveling to Irvine (to save time and gas).I was so disappointed with the response and tone of voice. I think wholesome choice need to work more on customer service or they will lose their customers like me. read more

This supermarket has to be closed for good. I never ever write reviews like this. Not only they rip customers off with their prices, The groceries, food department and deli department is absolutely beyond Disgusting. This is the third time I tried to buy deli meat and the meat was slimy and smelled sour. The first time it happened I was already home and since I lived further away, I decided to throw the whole thing out and not make the trip back there but called and brought up to their attention. Again tonight, I went to buy it and I asked to try a piece. She cuts a piece and puts it in front me nonchalantly, without giving it a thought. I smelled it and it smelled rotten and sour. I couldn't believe it. So I went to the cooked food department and bought a whole rotisserie chicken. When I get home, I cut the chicken in half and there was blood in the middle. The chicken was not cooked at all. This is unacceptable and beyond disgusting. I will call the health department in this regards I guarantee you. But I wanted to make this review and let people know so they can keep an eye on what they buy from the store and be very careful what they eat. On top of all of that the service is horrible. You ask Anybody that works there where something is , No one knows where they're at they keep passing you off to someone else I honestly don't understand why they are even in business. Tonight was the last time I buy anything from wholesome choice. I'm boycotting them and I'm hoping that everyone else does too. read more

This store has the selection of produce, products, and other things that I usually look for and it's my go to store for ingredients I need to cook with. BUT this place is chaotic. I honestly feel very anxious coming here because of how crowded it is. The spaces are so tight, only one cart can fit through the aisle. There are people everywhere and the staff usually don't know any answers to my questions about where things are located. Self-check out barely works half the time and the lines are very long for regular checkout. The parking is a nightmare sometimes with carts being everywhere and too close to the entrance. The entrance itself is stressful to go through. Since they have the Persian and Arabic products I need, that's the incentive to keep going back. read more

This place can be a bit chaotic, but the food court is delicious. They have a large variety of food from many different cuisines to choose from and a delicious bakery. All the workers in the food court were so nice and helpful. Honestly, everything in the food court is delicious. I have been coming here for a while and the lamb gyro is one of the best I've had. The koobideh always hits and the service is very quick. As a grocery store, they have a good variety of products at fair prices. I love that they have self check out too, it's very efficient. read more

Wholesome Choice - Lamb gyro - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

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It was about 15 years ago or so when I first found out about wholesome choice. I moved from a not-so-diverse state to California and it was in this store I experienced the most culture shock, and this may have been one of the places that comforted me when adjusting to the move. I may get into that later in a separate review (one day) but this review is strictly for the Persian cuisine at the food court (there are other options like Indian, Chinese, and other ethnic foods). The Persian food section has a plethora of all kinds of Persian food, from different kinds of pollo, stews (Gheime, Fesenjan, etc.), kebabs/meats, to side dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves), kashk o bademnjan (Eggplant dish), and salads. I went last Sunday at around 6 pm with my family and had a good experience. I usually always order my all-time favorite rice dish (or, pollo), zereshk polo, and order chicken with it. I could eat zereshk, or barberries (tiny red berries with a sour/tart taste), every day but this place does an amazing job with satisfying my cravings as they are not stingy with the amount of zereshk they put in the rice (think, about 10, 15 berries per spoon full)! I absolutely love it. This time when I ordered chicken, I really enjoyed the taste and flavor of the chicken! It had just the right amount of garlic, spices and was moist/easy to chew. I also ordered baghali polo (rice mixed with dill and fava beans), which was just as nice and fresh. Overall, I've never had a bad experience with the food or the servers, the chicken is sometimes dry but not always. I've had Fesenjan stew (chicken cooked in pomegranate molasses and toasted walnuts) and I personally love the way they make it. Some people make it too sweet for me and I tend to like the sour version more, and this place does a really good job in making it just right! The servers are kind and friendly and are never stingy with their portion sizes! I always have leftovers which is perfect for next day's lunch. Most servers speak both English and Farsi and some also know Spanish. Since most of the food is laid out in buffet style, it took us only a few minutes to order and receive our food. Drinks are all canned/bottled. Make sure you ask for some plastic packets as they have lemon, raw onion, butter, sumac, and salt and pepper packets. You don't pay directly in the food court so once you're done shopping for groceries (and don't forget to get some fresh Sangak bread at the entrance), you can pay for your food at the cash registers. The prices for the food are fair and decent! There are a lot of chairs and tables at the front of the store outside to enjoy your food as well! read more

Wholesome Choice - Zereshk pollo - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

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Clean, well lit, well stocked. Fruit and produce are fresh, meat is of first quality. Service is fast and always available.

Best store in the area for produce, spices, and dairy. Tons of fruit & veggies + fresh herbs. Food court is best I've had at a grocery store and has lots of options. read more

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I like the fresh merchandise and reasonable prices. However, the store is very congested and it's such an annoyance to push the cart around. Looks like shoppers are not welcome here because the market is always busy, we can tell by the cashiers' attitude. Won't be back ever. read more

Unfortunately its the worst persian store. And im so sorry that it presents our culture. The prices are so high for the quality The fruit were rotten , ready food was smelly n twice price as other stores. I had my last shopping ever at wholesome choice yesterday. read more

This is by far one of my favorite grocery stores when I'm in or passing through Irvine! They have a variety of chips from other countries like shrimp/crab lays, but it's a hit or miss because of what they have available. I'd definitely pass on the Indian food tbh, but their desserts are all pretty good. My favorite not-too-sweet Latifeh never fails, their lemon cake is pretty good, their creme brûlée cheesecake is a lil bit too thick for me, but the regular New York cheesecake is pretty good. I always come back trying new stuff. Also, their hidden secret is the roasted peanuts in the snack section. Not a fan of peanuts but it's some of the best, which you can also find at 99 ranch as well! read more

Lots of fresh, delicious halal foods here. Wholesome Choice of Irvine has a food court and offers catering services, too.

Its been a while since I have been here, but I enjoy the selection of food (esp the Persian food), in the deli. In addition, the prices are low. Wholesome Choice is in Irvine on Culver & Michelson. I chose the chicken koobideh ($9.95 | w/ rice & tomato) from The Grill. They will give you some tahdig and bread for free, if you ask. The Grill also has lamb shank, cornish game hen, and half chickens for $8.99 or less. Other options include an International station, Indian food and Asian food. The portion of fluffy rice they gave me was massive. I should have asked for 1/2 rice and 1/2 salad. In addition; the koobideh was nicely seasoned and tender. The plate could have easily fed two normal people: 5 Stars. Regarding the ambiance, its a food court. Nonetheless, the area is clean, and there are plenty of seats inside and out: 5 Stars. Likewise, the service is fast and efficient. The Latino guy behind the counter was surprised I knew what tahdig is: 5 Stars. I work two miles away, so I plan on coming here once a week. The food is really good and so are the prices. read more

Wholesome Choice - Chicken Koobideh from The Grill ($9.99) winnahz - Ask for complimentary tahdig & bread - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California