After the original owner retired, their service here has gone downhill. Last week my mom purchased 2 packs of incense, but came home and realize it was too short. We came in today to exchange it for the longer ones. Anyone who knows Chinatown, there are NO RETURNS/REFUNDS. You can exchange but can't be opened or used. The shorter incenses were more expensive than the longer ones, my mom knows she would have to buy a little bit more to make up for the difference because they don't return or refund. The lady wearing glasses said ok. Then another lady with a ponytail came over to see what we were doing. She picked up the longer incense my mom was exchanging for and repeated what my mom and the lady with glasses said. And she threw the incenses down and walked away. read more

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- Love all the variety of lucky envelopes they carry here. Very unique and higher end envelopes.

Exquisite Buddhist supply store! This place has everything you need to pay tribute to the Buddha. I got myself a big brick of incense that I burn to pay respects. This store offers all kinds of cheaply made Chinese stuff, usually paper products, in red, with Chinese lettering stamped all over it, which when translated has something to do with Buddha's teachings. Need red envelopes for tips? They got 'em! I didn't see the paper lanterns though. I love that they sell reams of fake currency to throw around, for religious purposes. They give away free red calendars when you spend a few bucks here! Score! This location is in an old movie theater of some sort, and they've lovingly turned it into a religious supply store. It's in a fun location, right across from Ross Alley, which is a definite stop for me. When I went, there was a lady before me that bought about a ream of paper each, of all these designed papers. Instead of selling her a stack of this, and a stack of that, the clerk had to painstakingly count each and every sheet to make sure that the proper price was charged. read more

Sometimes writing reviews make me feel like a Chinatown tour guide. Yes, there's the fortune cookie factory. And that's the popular take and go dim sum store. Oh, there's the gate of Chinatown. Yep, that's the historical alley where many a movie has been made. Well, this store is a converted theater space, hence the slightly sloping flooring. It is certainly bright in here with the fluorescent lighting a brilliant colors of gold and red throughout the store. The gold is mainly from the buddha statues and decorative good luck signs and charms scattered along the walls. The red, a symbol of prosperity in the Chinese culture, is also popular, hence the red envelopes used for gifting mostly during celebrations like Chinese New Year or birthdays. There are also more somber items here like props and supplies used for funerals or to celebrate memorials to family members or friends. From incense sticks to 'Chinese money' (not negotiable currency, mind you) and papers bearing sayings that are often burnt at home or at the loved one's grave site. I came here recently to pick up some daily Chinese calendars, the ones that you need to peel daily. Besides listing the parallel Chinese calendar date, they usually include other words on them ranging from telling you whether it's a good day to wash your hair to inspirational sayings. I am not literate in Chinese to read these, but my parents used to tell me about them. I didn't have any service issues like mentioned in several other reviews. I knew what I wanted, got them and left. Will be back likely in late 2022 to replace the ones I just bought. read more

Buddha Exquisite - 2022 daily calendar - Souvenir Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

We live in YOLO county and my Father had a service in the Bay Area and we were able to get the goods for the burning (fake money, objects etc) without having to stop by SF Chinatown . Friendly staff, nice selection. Seemingly reasonable prices read more

Buddha Exquisite - Shirt, electronics and gold bars for burning - Souvenir Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very nice lady help me find what ever I was looking for for my dad who recently passed away. This is a one stop shop for everything you need for your love ones in their afterlife. I even got a free calendar. Very nice, very understanding, sincere folks working here. read more

The name King Exquisite doesn't tell you anything, nor does the store have any English name on the storefront. I only recognized it by the Chinese characters telling me that this store sells relics and merchandise related to Buddhism. If you're familiar with the traditions of Buddhism then the items on sale here won't be surprising. Even hubby found a lot of it really interesting. For instance, they sell a bunch of 'necessities' for when you go into the after life. There are packets of clothing, accessories such as cell phones, even a McDonald's Happy Meal which was kind of weird. They have altars ranging from the average to the super flamboyant. As we walked through the incense and various statues of Chinese folklore hubby chanced upon a "Louis Vuitton" handbag and turns to me and says "hey, that's what you'll get in your after life". Oh very funny!! I'm more of a Gucci gal thank you very much! read more

Buddha Exquisite - Souvenir Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

Avoid this store at all costs if you aren't Chinese. They'll charge you triple. Horrible ownership with items that you can purchase elsewhere. Don't give them your business! read more

Red envelopes galore! They come in a lot of sizes and colors with some very nice designs here. Prices range from individual sales at under a dollar each to sets of 30 or so for $15-20. I'm sure if you ask, they can customize print or point you in the right direction to get custom red envelopes created. Somehow thru them, my parents were able to find a set or two with our surname. There is also a variety of other paper goods for festivals or celebratory rituals. This is my spot in San Francisco for purchasing these traditional items. So, there's my secret spot! read more

I like their small store across the street because the lady there is very friendly and helpful. She helped me so much when dad passed away - tried to help me understand and guided me through the difficult times. So why am I here in the other store? Because the lady was not there and I needed to run in, pick up what I need and pay quickly - this was not possible with the sidekick. I only come to these stores when it's time to visit dad with some goods. Other times are either Chinese New Year for red envelopes or Moon Festival for the paper lanterns...God forbids another death... read more

I barely write a comment, but must do for this! I purchased some need stuff for my mother, when I asked for recommendation, the help lady introduced the higher price among the others! When I asked questions for confirmation since I had no ideas what is the right steps, the help lady was pissed and be like she didn't want providing information, go to figure it out on your own!!!! I was like, seriously?!!! Is that customer services you provided? I am very disappointed on such a shop that is religiously related! People in the shop are not kind enough to be serve community. I would definitely find other shop next time, no more red envelopes or others shopping needed in this shop!! read more

Was in need of incense and not knowing they raising all their prices for 90 to 100% saying export is restricted due to coronavirus issue in China. Making money out of this situation....SMH. read more

Walked in to browse and was ignored by the older lady working the shop. Beautiful music was playing and when we asked about it, she gave us the impression that she did not understand our questions. After looking around, we saw some CDs on the shelf for purchase. My wife (ethno-musicologist) and I (world traveler) ascertained that these were similar to what was being played in the shop. After I had a few of the CDs in my hand (we were going to purchase 6 of them), the younger of the two women, rudely took the CDs from my hand stating "CDs no good!" If they are "no good", then why are they being offered for sale? Racist much?! You have a problem selling Buddhist music to Caucasians? I checked with a few sources and there is no prohibition for this. In fact, some Caucasians are actually GASP!! Buddhists!!! Really sad, especially during times like these. I realise that you are not representative of all Buddhists, but you are a poor example. No worries love...we will ensure that all know to not patronize your discriminatory shop. read more

This is the place to go to buy items for the Ghost Festival in August. I am writing this as this is my first time honoring my Grandmother and Grandfather this way. Whatever you could possibly want to give your loved ones in the afterlife is in this store. The prices are very good and the lady behind the counter was very helpful, especially to me as I came in saying "backpack" in Cantonese when what I really wanted was a suit of clothes for my Grandmother and another for my Grandfather! I could not ask for kinder treatment of a stranger. If you are looking for siu baau (somebody please correct me if that's wrong), zai ban, and jam si zi, among all other things, come here to this lovely, beautiful shop. There are so many items to look at, but please---no photos! It is disrespectful. Come to learn about a custom, and perhaps to practice it yourself. Take the #30 or #45 bus to come to Jackson between Stockton and Grant. There is no parking. read more