Fubonn Shopping Center — Attraction in Portland

Hi, hello, why are you reading reviews of fubonn when you should ALREADY BE THERE? Fubonn is a mini slice of heaven in Portland and will forever be on my list of top markets in town. I’ve lived in this city since I was a kid and I have yet to find an Asian-style market any better (I’m looking at you H-Mart 🙄). First, the veggie selection is always great. Things I can’t find anywhere else - baby book choy, whole jackfruit, durian, starfruit - I can find at Fubonn. Plus, they’re basics - carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers, basil - are all good. Second, the meat selection is unique and can be very useful for odd cuts, specialty seafood and bones. Plus, I’m a big fan of certain Chinese sausages - their selection is GREAT. Ok, the dry aisles: I do not have enough space to describe what’s here. Oyster sauce, Pho broth base, tinned seafood, 80 types of rice, furikake, agar base, coconut milk, spices galore, cookies and biscuits, sweets for days. It’s incredible, you will NOT be disappointed. Misc fresh and frozen: best frozen bao game in town, best selection of authentic miso, incredible frozen treats (mochi of all types, including vegan!), and never ending frozen meats. I can even get eggs (including quail eggs, fyi) and milk if I’m in a pinch. Only downside for dairy-lovers: dismal cheese selection. If you’re dairy-free like me, it’s AWESOME - less temptation! Lastly, the actual goods: UM HELLO. Y’all. I can’t tell you the love I have for the non-food sections. I’ve bought a steamer, a giant stock pot, a full set of dishes, a piñata, a Chinese New Year set of red envelopes (a friend requested I look for her family celebration!), great kitchen tools, a rice cooker and a bamboo plant. Enjoy the hunt through their packed aisles and I guarantee you’ll find something that makes you go “oh, I’ve always wanted that!” My one final note: this place is so well priced, it’s almost criminal. In a city where you can spend $50 on 4 items (😑 H-Mart, New Seasons, Market of Choice 😑), it’s refreshing to not pass out at the sight of your grocery bill total. I’m on a budget right now due to pandemic job loss, and fubonn has saved my butt A LOT. I can actually get what I want and need, without having to spend my entire paycheck. Oh, and get some fresh bao from the front pre-cooked food corner. It’s like biting into a bun from Spirited Away - pure...

Every once on awhile I go on an Asian cooking kick. I need Loaganma like I need my glasses. I need gochujang or lime leaves like I need a warm bed with a friendly dog. When I start looking for ingredients, it gets complicated quick. From the shredded seasoned seaweed to the black rice, it's like getting sucked back into the ever tempting rabbit hole. Currently I'm on a homemade Furikake kick and searching for ingredients is like panning for gold.

Fubon Market is the ultimate destination. Take your time to wander up and down the aisles. They have one of the most comprehensive selections I've ever seen this side of the great pacific. You arrive at the majestic entrance as if you were crossing into a Star Gate that delivers you to a far off land. It's as if the building was built specifically to house an Asian market (it used to be a Porland Community College teaching facility).

The mall itself has the feel of a dying city. Lots of closed business and empty store fronts. It's not run down, the place is kept tidy, it just feels like it's hanging on by its fingernails. It does have a bank of massage chairs in the aisle that call out like ocean sirens for those who are tired from shopping, but in general, the only thing keeping this place afloat Is the market itself, which is nothing short of fabulous. They have probably every type of rice cooker on the market, Miles of bowls and spoons and woks. Acres of sauces and condiments and snacks. And an absolutely extraordinary selection of produce and meats.

I won't speak for the Asian Community, although to me the place reminds me deeply of my years abroad, but I will say for the average untraveled American, the place is an adventure. It is approachable in a way that many Asian markets are not. It is open, with wide aisles and good organization. The ceilings are high and the building is modern. In other words it is the perfect opportunity to explore other wonderful...

This is an entire shopping center and there are several small stores, clothing, beauty, and restaurant type shops.

My review is specific to the grocery store at the center of the building. This is a great place to find obscure sauces, noodles, mochi, and a whole variety of Asian cooking ingredients. It may take you some time to walk down the isles and find what you need so give yourself some extra time (there is a lot of stuff packed in there and not every thing is clearly marked or labeled). They have fresh and frozen meat/fish, veggies, and fruit too. There is a section for beer/wine and also misc. household items.

Updated January 2023: on my most recent trip I noticed there were a lot of missing staples. (Like plum sauce). A few items were restricted to how much you could purchase. I think this is due to the supply chain issues all stores seem to be facing.

Parking can be tricky, there is some parking around back. There are a few handicap parking spots in the front and back of the building. It is one level and is accessible from both entrances for those with a wheel chair or walker. I think it is shorter from the front entrance to the main grocery store, however it is crowded with merchandise at that entrance.

Also: if you go into the center grocery store with a cart or stroller, be prepared to enter at the exit and go all the way around to get in. The front entrance has one of those bars you push to enter.

I saw one security guard in the building at the exit of the main...