Emmert Cali Saigon Mall

It is true that within these hallowed halls of consumerism there are treasured pearls of needful things. But I am not here to talk of pearls, but rather the oyster that carries them. Not the treasures, but the box. The Emmert Cali Saigon Mall does not rise to the lofty heights of the establishments that it represents. Inside is one of the largest and best stocked Asian supermarkets I have ever seen and let me tell you, I have seen a lot. I lived in Asia for 6 years and am no stranger to to the labyrinthine cornucopia of Asian markets, be they tiny or enormous. While I won’t say it the best, SF supermarket is pretty amazing. And Sam Bao Trading, of the best, cleanest, well stocked Asian apothecaries I have ever wandered into (but that is for another review). The smell there transported me back to the wanderings of my youth, like an olfactory magic carpet. The owners there although nice were obviously perplexed why an old eccentric Caucasian man would be wandering around their store. It was impressive! This review however is for the mall itself if you can actually call it that. Empty and barren feeling, its cavernous grand hallway is lined with closed and empty places, with boxes stacked against walls and that hollow feeling of abandonment. In the north entrance sits security behind a ramshackle wall and governs that dark and forbidding entry like a troll guarding an entrance to the forgotten vaults. It is not a welcoming approach. The mall itself seems an afterthought to the supermarket. A forgotten stepchild. I can see there is construction at the south end, of maybe it’s just a plastic greying curtain between here and the apocalypse, it’s hard to tell. Maybe whatever is happening there will rejuvenate this sad mall or maybe it is just a symptom of a chronic illness, like an old bandage. Customers to Shun Fat have to run, or in my advanced years, shuffle through this depressing gauntlet. They get 3 stars because hidden within are true treasures… destinations, and they get a bit of credit for that, but someone with a little vision is being called for. Someone who understands community and can mold this lump of grey clay into the living organism it could and should be.

Not quite ready for prime time, but they have an awful lot of stuff. Their grand opening was just this past week, but in another month or so it should be amazing. There are still lots of empty aisles and spaces and displays. For example, if it were full, I'll bet it would be the largest mushroom section I've ever seen, but it was 80% empty. Larger than any other Portland Asian grocery store I've ever been to, this is going to be an entire mall, complete with additional business is it inside, including a jewelry store, and other specialty items I assume.

I really like this place. Potential to learn so much and decent prices with huge selection. They have live fish and will cook them for you. Quite a mesmerizing establishment. Kinda makes me feel like I'm in another Country for a bit.

This is my go-to asian market. Affordable produce, big meat and seafood section. Great Ramen aisle, and lots of individual packs so you can try a bunch of different kinds. I love their fried tofu options. They just have a wide variety of asian foods and ingredients. Staff are really nice and helpful. I live downtown but make the trip as often as I can! It's worth it!!

Portland is fortunate to have several pan-Asian supermarkets. This isn't one of the high-end places which is fine. Offerings are from all over with an emphasis on Chinese and Vietnamese. Prices are good. The produce and meat/fish selections are very good. Quantities are single family to possibly restaurant.

Love the SF Market! Best Filipino options in Portland, great butcher selection, and the freshest of veggies. We live in St Helens, and make a special trip here just because they're so awesome.

The Cali Saigon Mall is really well stocked, clean, and organized. The cashier that helped me was really nice and so friendly! I think we were able to get fresh fish fried fish once.