This grocery store is pretty low key and I feel like a lot of people don't know about it. That being said, you should find it and check it out! It's in a warehouse near the Waterfront Hyvee and if you're not looking, you might miss it! This is the grocery store I go to when they don't have what I need at Chong's and Bai Jia. Between the 3, you can usually find everything you need.
The store is probably the least aesthetically pleasing of the Asian grocery stores in the area, but it's in a warehouse, so you should know what to expect before you even walk in. It's also smaller than Chong's and Bai Jia (at least in terms of how much product they have) but larger than the Asian Market on South Gilbert.
The best thing about this place is that they definitely cater to a more SE Asian clientele so come here if you need to buy your green papayas, banana leaves (frozen, but we're in Iowa so what do you expect), plantains, cooking bananas, Filipino cake mixes (lazy girl's saving grace right here), shrimp paste, etc. They also have a fair selection of housewares including incense, rice steamer baskets, and the mortar and pestle you need for papaya salad.
Since I feel the turnover in this store is slower than the other Asian grocery stores, definitely check the expiration dates when you buy shelf-stable items that are more 'unpopular'. I've bought some things that were pretty close to the date marked on the can. I personally don't care too much when it comes to canned food, but just be aware!
Also, make sure you bring cash!! read more