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| - Surprisingly extensive selection for a store that appears very small. I expected to not find everything I need - we cook a fair amount of Chinese and Thai cuisine. But somehow it is all there. I very rarely think "man I have to trek out to super g for this thing" or "I don't want this exact brand they carry I want a different one." The selection here does the job for me like 90% of the time.
Produce always appears fresh. Sometimes only labeled in Vietnamese but not that difficult to figure out (Google is a thing). The store keepers have always been very patient and cheerful to help when I have asked a question. Suggested a replacement to me once when they were missing something I sought... Feels welcoming.
It's hard not to compare this place to the International Market a mile south down the road, which is similar yet much larger. That place also has an extensive meat and fish section. But I think some of their produce can be old, I have gotten some rotten stuff there. And the selection on their shelves can be expired and spotty. So I prefer this place, I have never gotten anything old or unreliable at Ahn Dao. It feels like "my" store.
I don't get a lot of meat though so I can't comment on the meat selections. I stop at this place for noodles, rice, sauces, condiments, and basic produce (holy basil, birds eye chilis, Kai lan, garlic chives.. Stuff we use frequently.) It does not replace a grocery run, but supplements one.
Speaking of which, this place is just a few blocks from the south end publix- it is an unbeatably convenient location, if you live in south end or sedgefield or around that area. There is a Harris Teeter going up in the lot next door anchoring a pricy new development.... I don't know if Ahn Dao will be affected but I hope they remain.
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