Saigon Marketplace — Attraction in Citrus Park

This neighborhood Asian market is large compared to others in this area. Very compact with long thin aisles, messy floors, stacks of boxes, tons of inventory and an overall disheveled look. Located on Waters just west of Dale Mabry, it's owned by the same folks at Saigon Deli and it's in the same strip center.

This place in particular looks a bit sketchy when it comes to prepared foods, fresh meats and seafood. Be very observant, discerning and selective. The ambiance does not exude confidence. I do not touch the seafood here unless it's frozen. I avoid most of the meats and only buy the freshest. Tiny aisles give it a tight crowded vibe. You can, however, find just about anything your recipe calls for. It is much larger than it 1st looks, an entire large area of product is somewhat hidden off to the right past the entrance.

Even as a seasoned and frequent shopper in Asian stores, there are a 1000 things that are completely foreign to me. I cook a lot of asian food but the main draw for me is fruits, veggies and pricing. Asian products in a grocery store can cost much less in these markets, not to mention better quality brands. There is a goldmine of vegetables that will expand your appreciation of greens but also an enormous variety that gifts a never-ending opportunity for discovery. I never stop asking questions even if we resort to sign language. I'll pick a vegetable and have them point at a meat that pairs well.

Since I already do business at 2 places in this plaza, the market offers me the convenience of being nearby when I want products for my pantry or seasonal fruits...

This is an alternative Asian Market to the bigger chain Oriental Market that was not in operation for a few months during the pandemic. I could find good prices (but lesser quality) for select seafood and pork items. But be careful, as some of the items do not have price tags; or would show a different price when you pay. If you don't understand Vietnamese, you can't really tell what some of the items are in their frozen section. So I just skip. Their ground pork sometimes include inedible soft bones; and oftentimes have an odor (bad smell of unclean pigs).

Today, I bought some frozen cuttlefish, and these have melted while I drove around town. When I got home, the bag was dripping with water. I was shocked to find big chunks of ice when I put the bag on my sink. They had filled the tubes with water before weighing and freezing them. Just out of curiosity, I weighed the item after I took out all the ice and water, and it weighed just about HALF of the weight I was charged for. So, I was paying for the ICE at the same price! I'm sorry but I do not like to do business with...

Nice sized Vietnamese grocery store tucked away on the corner of Dale Mabry and Waters. Located in the small plaza behind a hotel and a restaurant, it can be hard to find if you don't know it's there. Once inside, there's quite a selection of Vietnamese and other Asian goods throughout the aisles, from noodles, sauces, snacks, fresh vegetables, and a small butcher shop towards the back. There's even a decent frozen section with plenty to look through including a vegetarian/vegan section. Just make sure you look at the expiration dates on some of the items. I knocked a star because some items I looked at had expired a while ago. It happens and doesn't bother me, you just have to be diligent and find the expiration on certain items that might slip by rotation. Still, we'll be coming back to shop here, so come out and take a...