What Makes PAT Central Market Stand Out
Authentic Korean Offerings: PAT boasts a wide selection of Korean staples, including house-made kimchi, various banchan (side dishes), and popular snacks like taiyaki—fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
Prepared Foods: The store offers a variety of ready-to-eat meals, such as kimchi fried rice and seasoned bean sprouts, making it convenient for those looking for a quick and delicious meal.
Community Atmosphere: Beyond being a grocery store, PAT serves as a cultural hub, reflecting the rich history and traditions of Toronto's Korean community.
Areas for Improvement
While PAT Central Market excels in many areas, there are aspects that could enhance the shopping experience:
Store Layout: The aisles can be narrow, especially during peak hours, making navigation a bit challenging.
Product Labeling: Some products lack English translations, which might pose difficulties for non-Korean-speaking customers.
Final Thoughts
PAT Central Market offers an authentic taste of Korean culture and cuisine in the heart of Toronto. Its rich history, diverse product range, and community-centric approach make it a standout destination for both Korean expats and local food enthusiasts. While there's room for minor improvements in store layout and product labeling, the overall experience...
Read moreSome of the workers there are really nice and welcoming. However some workers INCLUDING the security guard they have act in a racist way towards certain people (Black people) I go here almost every single day, when I’m alone, nobody really acts that way to me, however every single time I’m with my friends (They’re black) I noticed the security guard had been following us around the store, and he kept his distance, he kept on looking at us and following us around like we were going to steal something😭 It makes us all uncomfortable when you have somebody follow you around the store when your literally just trying to get something to eat. The workers also I noticed would act differently when it comes to me and my friend. Once I was with my black friend and we bought ramen, we checked out and paid and we asked for chopsticks, when I asked, she just gave it to me without saying anything, however when my friend asked she rolled her eyes and kind of slammed the chopsticks on the counter, it was so visible that my friend even noticed. Yeah, everything else is great however let’s fire that...
Read moreFor those looking for a wide variety of Asian products, including frozen foods, produce, meats, fish, snacks, drinks and other items, PAT Central is definitely the best option.
The market is located a 5-minute walk from the Christis subway station and the park, and is next to many restaurants, banks and other businesses.
They tend to be crowded on weekends, especially in the summer and spring, so a tip is to go during the week and at quieter times (avoiding lunchtime).
They do not have doors with an open-close system, and the aisles, since they are a supermarket and have many items, end up being narrow on busy days, which makes it difficult for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility to use them. The market does not have any areas with guidance for visually impaired customers, so it is important to go with someone who can help.
Most of the products are always fresh and within their expiration date, but it is always important to check the expiration date on the labels.
For those arriving by car, there are paid parking lots in the area, as well as private...
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