Kum Luen

Kum Luen is one of those old school produce market you would often find in Asia. Like many stores in the Chinatown neighborhood, the cleanliness can be problematic. These markets usually allow you to haggle a deal like buying a bunch at a time for discount, or complain about some of the less appealing fruits or veggies. The list price is generally higher than what they would normally accept.
The produce quality seems fresh and decent enough. The vibe was definitely not for everyone like having a bunch of Asian women screaming Chinese when they haggled. There are similar markets just around the corner, many other options to explore.

Quick… name every produce store in Chinatown. Pause…
Just walk along Stockton Street and you’ll roll your eyes as you look from Washington Street to Broadway at the seemingly endless stalls of fruits and vegetables displayed not only in the store, but throughout the sidewalks and streets. This corner store is a bit away from the full hustle and bustle and their selection and quantities are not as enormous as those monster stores between Pacific & Jackson.
This is my go-​to spot for Asian grapefruits, not the round or pink-​fleshed ones I’d find at the Ferry Building or Whole Foods; the flesh is actually a light transparent yellow color. (
). These are the ones that Chinese moms often display during Chinese New Year’s celebration weeks along with the good luck oranges and tangerines with the lucky candy. When taking the photo, I worried that there might be some comparisons to a part of the human anatomy. I’ll leave that to your imagination!

Kum Luen looks like a typical chinese produce market. the crowds aren’t here like before. (which means they’re not the cheapest on the block).
the main draw is in the far corner– chinese liquors ala 140 proof mao ta and all kinds of chinese herbal wines.
i no longer drink such heavy spirits so i got a lotto ticket instead (2).

They used to carry the best tender greens. They still carry them but definitely not the best or freshest. I do check when I walk by just in case.

This is an Asian fresh produce market.