Written by Michael TaoYi Lee
It is very lucky to live in Irvine, especially if you are from Asian countries! Not a fan of Asian specialties? No worries. Grocery shopping can never be easier then before. From Albertsons to Zion, you can find a wide variety of retailing stores within 10 miles radius of our main campus. Before we get into the list of great places to shop, here are some basics:
Grocery shopping in the U.S. works best if you buy in bulk, because most retail chains do offer discounts if you by a bunch of similar items. For example, if you like yogurt which usually costs 15 cent per ounce, you would find that if you buy a couple of dozens at once then the unit price could be as low as 10 cent per ounce. It is also very prudent to understand the secrets behind price tags. What secrets? For example, you will find prices that end in 4 or 8 mean that the item is on clearance in some retail stores. Some other stores may signify price cut, or discontinuity of an item by 7 or 0. However, the exactly last digit may vary among different retailers, be sure to lookup the blogposts discussing your favorite store before your go.
Below is my curated list of excellent locations to shop. Please beware that some of my opinions may be subjective and I do not endorse nor reject any retail merchandises and this list is by no means comprehensive. If you are also a person who does grocery shopping for a nuclear family (with or without kids), then you may find it useful.
- Albertsons: Why I like it: Reachable in walking distance. Offers deli and specialty desserts.
- Aldi: Why I like it: Very few people know this place. Sells specialty items which you cannot find anywhere else. Produce is very fresh. Good place to shop for frozen food.
- Costco: Why I like it: Hassle free shopping because of their liberal refund policy. Great treatment for indecisiveness. Ideal place to shop if you have roommates who are willing to split grocery bill.
- H-mart: Why I like it: Many Asian specialty items, including Korean, Japanese and Mandarin. Located right inside a restaurant plaza (Diamond Jamboree) which is an advantage and disadvantage because cars always pile up in dining hours.
- Ralphs: Why I like it: A truly American place which sells items similar to Albertsons. Good place to shop for BBQ meat, and ingredients for making American breakfast.
- 99 Ranch Market: Why I like it: The only place I can find Mandarin specialty items, such as spicy chilli crisp, Zongzi, Tangyuan, and Taiwanese instant noodles (yum yum)
- Mitsuwa Marketplace: Why I like it: The only place I can find Japanese specialty items, especially exotic seafood and Matcha.
- Sprouts: Why I like it: They sell truly fresh produce which is very healthy. If you are a vegetarian, be sure to check out this store.
- Smart & Final Extra!: Why I like it: They offer excellent value on particular grocery items. Warehouse style and a very comfortable place to shop at.
- Target: Why I like it: You can get everything you need for your apartment at once!
- Tokyo Central: Why I like it: They offer nice value for Japanese snacks, seafood and BBQ meat.
- Trader Joe’s: Why I like it: Reachable within walking distance. Best place to shop for salad, frozen food and Turkey for thanksgiving.
- Walmart: Why I like it: They literally sell anything and everything at very reasonable price. Deli is also good if you like American food.
- Whole Foods: Why I like it: Premium deli, grocery and pastries. They also work with Amazon prime which may be a good money saver if you also purchase from Amazon.
- Zion Market: Why I like it: We have two Zion marts in Irvine, there is no way you can miss out this one. Best place to get Korean food such as Kimchi, Shochu and produce. Restaurants near both Zion Markets are very good.
In addition to the old-fashioned, shop-goer style grocery shopping, you can also opt for delivery service if you don’t have time, don’t have a car or don’t want to bother your roommate who has a car. Delivery services are offered by many retail chains themselves and third party delivery services, such as Amazon, Shipt, and Instacart, just to name a few. Happy shopping anteaters!