I've visited Fooks twice now, and I've had great experiences both times. The pricing is fair and competitive even compared to the bigger stores in the area. The other plus is the variety of products you just won't find in other big box stores in Athens. There is so much diversity packed into this tiny gem! I saw another reviewer complain about service, but that hasn't been my experience. The people working checkout were perfectly friendly and not rude at all. What the store may lack in cosmetic ambiance it completely makes up for in the availability and quality products and services. If you're looking for specialty Asian products, I highly recommend checking them out. read more

Owner was so nice and helped me find exactly what I was looking for. Fresh veggies come in on Wednesdays. Like it so much I got a tshirt I will be back! read more

Great selection, but the owner is rude and foul tempered. I have been a customer since the store was on Baxter Street, and cannot remember a single time when the proprietor wasn't rude to me. Staff are fine, but the owner clearly has an issue with the human race. read more

You will see in my previous review that I was being fair to this place by giving 3-stars and doing a quality assessment. After almost 2 years of being a regular customer here (I only continue to go for group-shopping's sake), here are some of my observations. 1. The lady boss here is the meanest person I have encountered during my stay in the US. Not even in big cities like New York I find such rude people. I don't know how she survives in Athens, GA where they have very high standards for courteous and polite behavior. 2. This lady treats foreign students, on whom her business depends, like shit. I have observed this countless number of times. For example, the way the employees greet foreign students is significantly different from the way they welcome the others. It has been apparent that the employees are told to follow the students to see whether they steal. This is f***ed up! 3. While they accept Visa and Master for payments above $5, they always give a frustrated look when we try to pay something around $10 with card. If you have a problem, adjust your policy! 4. Mean-toned remarks at the counter are frequent. "Step aside", "Put what's in your hand on the table"...what's your problem? I kindly ask the local patrons to observe this disgusting manner this place treats its customers and do something within your capacity. read more

I was greeted upon arrival and also asked if I was finding everything okay as I shopped. This store is small, but has some good Asian staple necessities. Lots of different seasonings and sauces, snacks, noodles, drinks, etc. The produce is limited and I was hoping to find some beef short rib, but they did not have any. There's not many international marts in the area, but this one has the basics which is nice. The price is fair and the lady who checked me out was really nice. read more

Fooks Foods - Various Ramune flavors - Imported Food Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Only true Asian Grocerie in Athens. Great selection of Soy sauces, Sushi rice fresh mushrooms and fish roe! Opens at 12 pm Recomend read more

I know how that feels right now. I can't believe it. the boss did it to me today during a COVID-19 problem. she gave me an attitude for real. she tells me to have to take a shopping bag when I tell her I just need to go grab my crab cake and that's what I want to buy, so I don't need a shopping bag and she tells me she doesn't think I should stay in her shop anymore, after that when I take a shopping bag and stay on check-out line I see the white guy in front of me, he has plenty stuff on his hand and he doesn't use any shopping bag for it and I don't hear anything from the boss to tell him to have to have one as she did to me. she does some other stuff to me and I know for sure she is racist with Asian ppl. she keeps telling me about why she needs to do it since COVID-19 is really dangerous and guess what, she is the ONLY ONE doesn't WEAR A MASK to protect herself and the other. read more

I love going to FOoks :) The only local place with an assortment of Asian ingredients. However the female that is heavier does not have the best personality. I don't think it is intentional but just the way she is. Where as the Filipino short thin lady with glasses is more approachable and eager to assist in a welcoming manner. If I am looking for anything and unsure of where to look she walks me right to the item needed. This is not an establishment that is making a profit from students alone. Plenty locals shop at this establishment and support it as well. I have seen all races, nationalities, shapes and sizes in the store and no sign of any type of "profiling" of any sort. However; my Mother always said a "Hit dog will Holler" so maybe it's a guilty conscious that made it seem as if he/she was being followed. read more

If I ever craved Asian food, I would have to drive an hour for groceries. I needed some kimchi and radish for a dinner we were having, and this store came in clutch. They had a big jar in the refrigerated section, and you just pick out how much you want, and they charge by the pound. They also had pre-packaged 5lb and 10lb containers of kimchi, I believe. I didn't have a lot of time to look around, but I saw that they had frozen dumplings, assorted snacks, and assorted sauces in their store, as well. The employees were also very helpful and kind, each one asking if I needed help finding anything. I had gotten some kimchi juice on myself (big oops) when I was scooping it out of the container, and one of the employees offered me a wet rag. Not sure about other reviewers' experiences, but I thought the employees were very really sweet. read more

The store has some great products that we needed for cooking certain dishes. The prices were fair and while I've seen some say they had an issue with a certain employee there, I can only speak about my experience which was that the cashiers who checked us out were totally fine. I have complaints. read more

I go here once a week to pick up produce (shiitake mushrooms, cilantro, spring onions, and papaya), frozen dumplings, spices, and radish kimchi (they have homemade cabbage kimchi, too, but I prefer the radish). The servers are friendly, the place is clean, there is plenty of parking (with easy in and out from the bypass) and they have a great selection of the kinds of things you want from an oriental grocer. read more

Maybe it's just me, but while the selection is nice, the woman hasn't been that friendly on the 4-5 times I've been there. That said, I did buy a nice Japanese-made mandolin for a great price. The man and woman at the oriental grocery store down by Macon Hwy (next to the awesomely-named "Doggie Styles") were much more amicable in my experience. read more

Look...I'm not being a hater here. This place really shouldn't be in business. Except for MAYBE that 1 authentic ingredient...this place has nothing to offer the serious cook looking to prepare an authentic oriental meal. I've been to a few oriental markets around the country and this Has to be one of the worst. I understand this is Athens Georgia, but still...Limited selections and overpriced. Your Publix or Kroger down the street almost has a better selection. That person saying the "Best Produce" must be blind...you can find better at the Flea market in Pendergrass. SERIOUSLY. And the person working there the day I stopped in is just flat out rude and unhelpful. read more

The selection here is fairly comprehensive. Food quality is good and overall a whole world better than the other in town competition. My personal go to for hard to find asian ingredients and items. Don't ever change, Karen. Your service is top notch and you're the only place in town I trust. read more

I am grateful to have Fooks food in Athens. Without driving to Korean town for an hour, I can get various Asian groceries like fresh vegetables, seasoning, and dishes. I personally like the owner of the store. She is not a sweet-talker and straightforward, but she is really caring person. On various occasion, I have noticed. She gave a cooler bag for a new foreign student, noodles, and more. read more

My family typically frequented Fooks Foods when it was at it's previous location, but since the location change it had been awhile since we had visited. The store hasn't changed all that much since then actually. I did like their previous location since it had more light, and looked much more welcoming, however the products are fairly same and a good fix for any Asian grocery needs. They have a lot of Japanese snacks and candies, as well as fresh vegetables. Sometimes grown by local farmers, if I recall, since my family grows several types of Asian veggies yearly, and had done a little business in the past. The store also has cookware and novelty items, fresh noodles and tofu. Last time I visited they had the ingredients to make your own boba tea which a friend had been interested in doing at the time. For the Athen's area, it's not a bad choice especially since the next Asian grocery store is probably in Buford or Duluth. Also really nice just for quick pick up items -- if you need egg roll wraps or noodles right away since Kroger or any of the other Athen's stores are hit or miss on that type of fare and never the brands we usually go for. Admittedly, the owner is very cold and all the" ****s she gives" are gone, type of deal. But, easy in and easy out. Grab what you need and go. read more

THIS ONE DOES NOT DESERVE A STAR THERE NEEDS TO BE A "NO STAR BUTTON"! I've been going to this store for a few years since it is the only Asian Grocer in Athens that I know of. I liked the fact that it is affordable, but most Asian stores are. It is small and can be hard getting around even if just a few people are in there. My biggest problem with the store is the owner. At first I thought she just was not very sociable, a little dry maybe, but I have experienced more than once a less than friendly, condescending comment or two from her. I love food, all kinds. I love experiencing new things and cooking new things, talking about food and sharing tips...well, I'll just say the lady comes off as if she is offended everytime I have a question or comment about an Asian product. I mentioned freezing tofu and then thawing it and wringing out the water to give it a meatier texture when cooking it and she rolled her eyes saying "You Gringos are so strange". I then informed her that I learned that technique from a Japanese Chef and she just rolled her eyes. I guess I'm just a stupid Gringo as well? Ok, but Japanese was my language of study for two years in college and have been cooking Asian cuisine for 25 years.That's just one time too, there were several. I went back regularly because it was the only one in Athens, and I didn't discover the H Mart and Hong Kong Market until about a year ago. This last trip to Fooks was my last. I asked her a question about preparing this product she does not carry that I got at the Hong Kong Market on Jimmy Carter Blvd in Gwinnet. She sarcastically stated " Why don't I ask the Hong Kong Market". If I hadn't already paid for all my groceries , I would have walked out. It is very hard to find anyone at the Hong Kong Market that speaks English and since I know that the Fooks Food Lady has taught classes on Asian cooking, she might know. Again, I guess she was offended that the stupid Gringo would ask a question while sinking another wad of cash in her store, I have spent a lot of money at Fooks. I will drive to The Super H Mart or Hong Kong Market for now on, they are less than an a hour away, gigantic places and are the best places for anything Asian-and the people are nice too no matter what language they speak, the food courts at both rock as well. Please though, will someone open up another Asian Grocery store in Athens, Fooks lost a good , regular customer today! read more

Just got home from my first visit at Fooks Foods. It's a nice little Asian market with foods and ingredients friendly to a regular or vegan diet. Fooks carries canned jack fruit and agar powder which was difficult to find in other shops. The vegetables are unreal. Huge heads of regular and Chinese cabbage. Big, fresh carrots, sprouts and cucumbers. Lots of variety in mushrooms. The tofu selection has fresh store made as well as packaged. The freezer was stocked with potstickers, noodles and dumplings. They have a bunch of other items that I have no clue why or what it is used for but it's fun to shop the shelves. Spices were a good price and loved that they have peeled garlic in different sized tubs for purchase. There is a nice selection of Japanese/Asian sweets which my son will enjoy. He loves Pockey Sticks! The gal at the register was nice and answered all my questions. When I walked in she was helping another customer and even went to the back room and pulled out a spiral cutter to show the customer what the kitchen tool looked like. As other customers were checked out and leaving they all said bye and would be back next week. The appearance of the store is typical of a small, specialty grocery. It's clean, stocked and has a few unusual items. I'll be returning as soon as soon as my pantry runs low. If you are vegan and looking for "clean" items it's just like any other store; you have to read the labels but they have them. read more

It was after a lunch shift that I headed towards Athens for a sick relative to find this place by accident looking for directions because the GPS was acting all" screwy." Something smelled interesting unfortunately was not able to get any "grab and go" eats here but they did have a nice (small) selection of herbs, veggies, squid & seaweed salads and even soy milk. Curries and sauces are available by the jar or package. Prices are average. read more

Fooks Foods - Store front. - Imported Food Near Me - Athens, Georgia

My great discovery today. Store is small but I found more Filipino goodies here than other big asian market.

Came in here today after my order was shorted and needed some noodles. Met Karen and her lovely assistant and they were not only helpful but very nice and pointed me in the right direction of what I needed and then some. This place is awesome and has the good stuff! Glad I found this store and now I know where to go! Great prices and selection and digging the island jams too! Got my hula on! read more

Karen is very unprofessional and rude. The first time I went into the store earlier this year I thought she was just having a bad day, and ignored her disrespectful behavior. After the encounter today, I am assured it wasn't just a bad day, she just lacks professionalism and basic customer service skills. read more

I have been shopping here since the store opened on Milledge. They carry a wide range of specialty items and are always a great price. The fresh vegetables are a good buy because they are fresh. If Karen is there she helps me pick out the best items or helps me find items I need for different recipes. read more

Great Asian grocery store. Always well-stocked & well-organized with everything we've needed for the Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai & Vietnamese recipes we've tried. Great fresh vegetables too, with a nice little selection of snacks, gifts and baked goods. We're extremely glad Karen and Fooks are in Athens. read more

I couldn't be more pissed at Karen Fook and her ginger-haird assistant right now. I bought some soy bean sprouts there a few hours ago and they were clearly soaked in a non food grade level of chlorine effin BLEACH. I was taking the bean heads and tails off in preparation for making Pho and tasted one. No, I thought, that can't be bleach. My husband smelled them and drew back his head with a sharp movement. Oh, he said, is that Bleach? They suck for this move, I was going to feed these to my kid. read more

Strange those two one star reviews and both from Louisiana. Anyhoo, this is a great Asian market to have nearby with lots of useful items for Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cooking. In addition, some fresh vegetables, several of them very unusual, and every now and then, some fresh seafood. Prices are very reasonable and parking is a cinch. read more

Not sure how many people drop into Yelp to check for Asian groceries, but this place rocks. Karen is a sweetheart and you can sometimes get sweet pea tips here, which sums it up for me. Great kimchee by the pound, some of the best tofu anywhere, racks of spices and pastes and such, love the Fook's Foods experience. read more

I love this store, I don't know what everyone is complaining about. I personally like the selection of food. When i want to make something Japanese, this is where I go. The lady that works there is nice too! She has never been mean. She might not be bubbly, but who gives a shit! I like that way better. I don't need some bubbly person in my face every 2 seconds asking me if I'm ok! read more

Fooks is fabulous!!!! I have been going to Fooks for many years since it began on Baxter St. and now is on S. Milledge. Everything I could want and more for every Asian Cuisine. I have also known Karen for all the years and she is great. While some say she is rude, I wholly disagree. She has a very dry sense of humor and is a great source of knowledge. I totally respect her ability to bring in new products on a regular basis and most recently has added a large Indian selection. Taking time to get to know her and being cordial, I find she gives the same back. The products at Fooks are amazing and I especially love the kitchenware that is pretty great quality for the price. And I can never resist the cute little gadgets on the wire racks in the front. As far as the Asian grocery selection goes, it is varied and unique and affordable. Over at the snack isle where the ramen is, I can spend an hour checking everything out. On the other side I love the white pepper and the best canned powder chicken broth I have ever found. Noodles and rice and seasonings -oh my! The fresh seafood is wonderful when she has it available. On many occasions she has special ordered me larger quantities of fresh oysters in the shell at an unbeatable price. The fresh head on shrimp is sweet and unavailable anywhere else in Athens at her prices. Blue crabs are fresh and tasty if I can get there before they sell out. Frozen seafood in the back is limited in selection but high in quality. Her pork items are very good and often from local farmers. Fresh produce selections are also great. Amazing fresh ginger and fresh turmeric and galangal and lemongrass. The limes and cilantro are always a good value. I like the baby bok choy. She has recently added more root veggies I noticed. On the back side wall is fresh tofu- not homemade by Karen-ha ha- but sourced from Atlanta and very tasty. I am addicted to a sausage I will not name as I usually buy much of her supply when I visit. This review could go on forever. But my point is that this place is a real treasure and I hope she stays in business a long time. Don't judge a book by its cover - you might be missing a Pulitzer Prize winning piece of literature. Don't overlook Fooks and cut Karen some slack. You might be surprised what you uncover! read more

The prices are very good here. A new Asian grocery just opened up next to my house so I don't drop in as much anymore, but it's always well stocked with interesting and fresh foods! The owner is not very friendly, but other than that this place is great. There's another store across the street as well and I would recommend dropping in both because each are unique. read more

The only place in Athens where you can find decent fresh asian ingredients. As an example, if you are into thai cooking, you can find fresh galangal and kaffir lime leaves! What's more, they usually have live blue crabs on Fridays. Sometimes clams. And you can order and share a peking duck, which I am told is great. read more

I love this store for heathy eating,low prices,friendly service! It is the only place we have in Athens to get the right ingredients for Asian recipes. I love to buy the fresh vegetables and spring roll wrappers. Also I love to buy the barley tea, so heathy and good! Yummy, go now they are even open on Sundays. read more

This spot is close to my home and great for a quick run or if you have lots of specific things you need. I go regularly and everyone is always friendly. The owner (I think she was anyway) has even helped out with certain ingredients I was unsure how to cook. They have lots of things you can't find in the usual grocery stores and the produce is always nice. read more

I purchased 3 frozen items on 9/7/2018 at 12:01 PM and soon realized that one of those items was not what I should have purchased. I placed it in the freezer during a brief appointment that delayed my effort to return or exchange the item, then put it in a cooler with an ice pack to transport it for the 6 minute drive back to Fooks Foods, and attempted to return or exchange the item on the same day at 2:45 PM. Unlike most customer oriented businesses I was unceremoniously told NO! This is disappointing because I have liked this establishment in both its former location and the present one but now I'll probably just go on back to Trader Joe's. read more

So affordable and the best place for tofu (raw, baked, marinated, fried, etc.) in Athens! We purchase the baked, marinated tofu in large quantities and freeze it. Fresh produce is available, although the store is small so there isn't a huge variety. Fun deserts are well represented. We live on the delicious pre-made, frozen dumplings (vegetarian & meaty available) that are easy to make and pretty darned healthy! Honestly, this is our default-dish so we eat it whenever we don't have the time or energy to make anything more complex. Kimchi, fresh and dry noodles, and many sauces & seasonings can be bought here. The woman who runs the shop is very friendly and will happily offer product and prep suggestions, if asked. A great, inexpensive place to find ingredients from back home, or to broaden your weekly menu, as the case may be! It's small, so there is no room for a potty, and thus no potty review. read more

Love the store but don't think I'll be back. The woman's got a major rectal burr. Asked her if she'd explain the difference between two products and she told me to buy them all then I'd know. I Laughed it off. Ended up buying some fresh tofu I assume she had made and asked her how one goes about making tofu. She told me to google it. WTF Soup Nazi's sister? read more

This clean, organized, well-stocked shop is a decent source for Asian groceries that are hard to find in Athens (my kids especially appreciate the Asian junk food section). The gruff, brusque lady at the register somehow adds to the full ethnic-grocery-store experience. read more

The best place, and maybe the only place in Athens to get real Asian produce, frozen goods, candies, etc. I highly recommend shopping here for all of you Asian good needs. The owner Karen as mentioned in the other reviews is extremely nice and willing to order you items that aren't kept in stock. read more

The only place in town with affordable tofu, Asian veggies and sushi supplies, Fooks is also a great place to find new and different foods to expand your cuisine. The owner is not effusively friendly (fine by me), but is very helpful and nice and other employees, though less knowledgeable, are equally helpful. And if they don't have something you want, just ask and they will try to get it in or let you know where you can get it. It is also a great stop for an unusual frozen treat for the kids! read more

This is really one of the hidden gems in Athens. It has the best produce in town (admittedly, limited), and it is quite affordable. Additionally, you can't be locally made tofu for 89 cents a block. That is worth the trip alone. Pick up specialty ingredients (ghee, curry powder, thai basil, galangal, paneer, etc.) from across the Asian and Sub-Asian continent. I recommend going on Friday afternoons when the fresh produce has just been delivered. You'll also find live blue crabs and mussels (when in season). read more