Spice Asian Market — Local services in Siesta Key

I had been going to this store long (many years) before the current owners took over the store. Needless to say I supported this store for many (24) years. Being Korean myself I would order the huge jar of kimchee on a consistent basis. When the current owners took over all of a sudden they started charging sales tax on kimchee (not to mention charging a quite hefty price for mediocre at best kimchee). Kimchee is basically pickled cabbage, equivalent to pickles in a jar. Hmm I thought that’s not right. When I buy a jar of pickles (also a prepared food) at Publix I’m not charged sales tax. It’s not like buying a sub from the Publix deli which IS a prepared food made especially for me and ready to eat. To charge sales tax on a jar of pickles isn’t right. In fact when I buy kimchee at Publix or at Walmart I don’t pay sales tax (I’ve bought kimchee at both places). So I mentioned it to the owner. He got extremely angry at me and refused to sell me the kimchee and basically threw me out of the store! This is after supporting their business for 24 years (well before they took it over). That was months ago. So today I went there because my daughter had a craving for kimchee. The owners wife was at the front counter and outright refused to sell me kimchee saying I “complained” about their kimchee when the real truth is that I caught them cheating the customers by charging sales tax on a food item that doesn’t warrant sales tax but these people are so money hungry that that discreetly charge sales tax on items that they shouldn’t. Now I must admit their kimchee is by no means as good as “the real thing” but in Sarasota the selection of Asian is slim at best - “slim pickings”. But I was totally shocked that she had the nerve to refuse my business especially after ALL these years of supporting their establishment, and when they know very well that they are illegally charging sales tax on an item that shouldn’t be charged sales tax on!. I will never return there for as long as the current owners are there. I will be reporting them to the county for fraudulently charging customers sales tax on food items and hope they get fined or better yet be forced to shut down for their fraudulent practices (kimchee is not the only food item they charge sales tax on). If I could rate them with 10 negative stars I would! The owners of this store are naive and playing with the law and will get caught very soon. Cheating customers and pocketing the proceeds from fraudulently charging sales tax and not report it (because there is no sales tax for food) is a felony and they will...

Edit 1/25/20: Been coming to this store over 16 years. When the son-in-law took over a lot changed, they carry more stock, but many favorite brands and items are no longer offered, I've had to turn to amazon, gmarket, or family overseas to find these items as I cannot go without. I miss Miss Sue and hope she is well!

Been coming to this store over 15 years and the ownership is kind and very knowledgable. Family owned and extremely reputable / clean. The selection of dried goods is larger than you'd expect for Sarasota; Seasonal Kimchi, frozen goods, fresh ginger/korean vegtables, hot pot ingredients, and other staples are available. My personal favorite is the Seasonal Kimchi and Saturday lunch boxes - delicious - show up before noon to try them as they go FAST!!!! Very worth it! If you don't see a specific item ask the shop keep and they may be able to source it for you or offer an...

Amazing selection of any Asian food item you can think of with personal customer service from husband and wife owners Moni and Karol. From aisles of every brand and size you need to fresh veggies and even fresh cooked food Saturdays! They make fresh rice balls daily great for a quick lunch bite. I love the authentic dishes that can also be beautiful gifts including tea pots and ceramic cups. I love the gluten free options, bulk spices and the mini alcohol wines section. I always find a new surprise here as they keep the shelves fresh and fully stocked including treats like hi-chews, hard candies and ice cream. We loved the tea selections especially as they are health promoting. If you haven’t been here absolutely stop by you will be pleasantly greeted and given personalized service thru the aisles. We love shopping here and supporting this family owned local...