Just from the endless crowds that frequent this supermarket day in and out, one would think there would be more love for the prominent Hing Long (aka X&L) supermarket. The people, from customers to staff might be the root of many problems here but for Main Street and all things considered, it still is a solid place to grocer it up.
It's true, the produce selection isn't so great, but the prices are reasonable. Couple that with a lack of quality variety when comparing non-Chinese but Asian products like Korean ramyun or Vietnamese cha lua and now the place feels limited. Stick with the weak produce and things will likely get better from there. There is some decent action at their pseudo-smelly seafood section, where I've been able to score a few fresh catches of the day.
Then there are the people. Saturday afternoons are crazy, with lines in random spots (let alone the register), and people often bunching in places they shouldn't (aisle traffic anyone?). The worst is when people are snatching anything from fresh stalks of kale to ripe melons. I'm looking right at you, Chinese granny.
Like any mega Chinese supermarket, don't expect much help from the staff unless you can speak some semblance of the language. Cashiers are there to take your cash, not bag your actual groceries of which you've purchased. Another handy little tip? Take a picture of any item that is on sale so this way the disputes at the register are minimal. (This has saved me at least 3x – trust me!)
Decently maintained Chinese supermarket with reasonable prices, competing against the many markets sprawled along Main St. Vegetables and fruits are usually fresh, as well as the seafood (look for tell-tale signs like clear eyes in fish). The selection of preserved goods are not as extensive as other supermarkets and you won't find the wider Asian (Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc.) ingredients as other markets. The cashiers up at the front can be quite rude, sometimes yacking on the phone and taking their time to get off when there are customers waiting to pay.
Just from the endless crowds that frequent this supermarket day in and out, one would think there would be more love for the prominent Hing Long (aka X&L) supermarket. The people, from customers to staff might be the root of many problems here but for Main Street and all things considered, it still is a solid place to grocer it up.
It's true, the produce selection isn't so great, but the prices are reasonable. Couple that with a lack of quality variety when comparing non-Chinese but Asian products like Korean ramyun or Vietnamese cha lua and now the place feels limited. Stick with the weak produce and things will likely get better from there. There is some decent action at their pseudo-smelly seafood section, where I've been able to score a few fresh catches of the day.
Then there are the people. Saturday afternoons are crazy, with lines in random spots (let alone the register), and people often bunching in places they shouldn't (aisle traffic anyone?). The worst is when people are snatching anything from fresh stalks of kale to ripe melons. I'm looking right at you, Chinese granny.
Like any mega Chinese supermarket, don't expect much help from the staff unless you can speak some semblance of the language. Cashiers are there to take your cash, not bag your actual groceries of which you've purchased. Another handy little tip? Take a picture of any item that is on sale so this way the disputes at the register are minimal. (This has saved me at least 3x – trust me!)
Decently maintained Chinese supermarket with reasonable prices, competing against the many markets sprawled along Main St. Vegetables and fruits are usually fresh, as well as the seafood (look for tell-tale signs like clear eyes in fish). The selection of preserved goods are not as extensive as other supermarkets and you won't find the wider Asian (Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc.) ingredients as other markets. The cashiers up at the front can be quite rude, sometimes yacking on the phone and taking their time to get off when there are customers waiting to pay.