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30 reviews for Famous Foods
Review Highlights
"...ton of flours great for gluten-free baking, and offer most..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Organic, non-medicated meat."
(in 3 reviews)
"My favourite thing about famous foods is their bulk items."
(in 3 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Shannon S.
Burnaby, BC
7/29/2011
love love love famous food!
staff is very helpful and friendly
the selection of organic products is one of the best.
yes you are paying a bit more, but you are paying for quality
i would rather spend an extra $2 on something i am going to feed my husband and me that is actually good for you then go by a dealthy mc meal!!!
ya for local friendly famous foods!
def have to come check them out -
Review from Larry L.
1/30/2012
I've been coming here on and off for years now. Since I was a kid, when my father took me here to buy his beans and healthy foods.
Just down the street from my friends old neighbourhood, this place offers great organic and healthier lifestyle food options. Prices can be a bit high, but it's all about the safety and the health benefits in the food that you eat.
Great selection of dry foods and it's a place where the "Sig-other" buys her milk.
Well, used to anyways.
Our last trip here was just a few days ago, we were in the old neighbourhood again and needed milk. Amazingly $100 bucks was spent on practically nothing!
If you happen to be a regular Superstore shopper, you could be in for some sticker shock, but that's kind of a given considering that this offers you what is supposed to be better for your body.
And they had Pommegranites, which we bought 12.
She loves her Pommegranites.
Prices can be a bit steep if you're on a budget which is why only the 4 stars and not 5. -
Review from Yvonne H.
Vancouver, BC
1/2/2012
I grew up in this neighbourhood when my mom used to send me off to Famous Foods to fetch various ingredients for her dish of the day. It's been around for a long time and it's great to see that it's still growing strong. Of couse back in the day, it wasn't as health conscious and organic as it is today which really was simply a reflection of the times.
What really impressed me is the wide selection of flour, spices and bulk items in various sizes. No more having to buy a ginormous bag of a particular spice when you only need a couple of tablespoons. They do have the occassional sale item and I was able to nab Liberte plum and fig yogurt (My favourite!) for a thrifty price. I just love the fact that they carry pretty much all your essentials plus the rare specialty items for those more inclined to make exotic dishes so it's a one stop shop.
I agree with other yelpers that it can be a little steep for the pocketbook and is not as cheap as , let's say, Donald's but if you're in need of a hard to find ingredient, Famous Foods is famously known to carry it. -
Review from Tai V.
Vancouver, BC
12/14/2011
Really miss having this so close to my place.
Great meat cuts, such a good deal all the time and has such variety!
You'll find nothing over comercialised about these products!
Between that place and Price-smart that's a good area to grocery shop. -
Review from Amanda L.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I found myself at Famous Foods on a hunt for Tofurky and not only did I find it here but it was $10 off, nice!
This grocery store has a cuteness to it and the parking lot was an added bonus, I hate finding parking in that area!
I was on a very small budget but picked up a few goodies on my stroll through the store, they have lots of specialty foods that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and pre packaged bulk foods.
Prices seemed high but on par with any other "healthy" grocery store. -
Review from Gina I.
8/16/2011
Famous Foods is my go to place for things I can't find in the regular grocery store like xantham and guar gum for my gluten free baking needs! Also, different flours like spelt, etc.
I wouldn't go 'grocery' shopping here as I find most of the items overpriced, but for specialty items I can't find anywhere else (hello chipotle powder!!) I come here. -
Review from Ellie V.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2011
Famous foods is an amazing store for carrying odd, unique, and hard-to-find products. Their produce always looks beautiful, their bulk items are plentiful, and their REAL turkey meat at the deli is to die for.
My favourite thing about famous foods is their bulk items. I really love their trail mixes, along with the dried fruit. I also love the fact that they carry semolina and spelt flour! Which I never see in my conventional supermarket 3 minutes away.
However, the prices are quite high (especially some of the organic products) and the service is so-so. I find that the employees are always stocking up the shelves at the worst time of the day. Try getting by a big trolly while you're carrying a basket full of heavy crap, while trying not to collide with a person coming in the opposite direction.
This is a place were I only go to when I need a product that is hard-to-find, or if I'm really craving me some organic buckwheat. (Delicious!) -
Review from Katie S.
Vancouver, BC
6/8/2011
I can't believe I'm writing a review about grocery shopping. Oh, wait a minute. I love grocery shopping! I'm just sick of feeling ripped off, like I'm paying through the nose for mediocre items. But I don't feel this way at Famous Foods.
I recommend shopping here for food items such as meats, baking goods, grains, fancy flours. I'd suggest shopping elsewhere for toiletries and household stuff.
They offer a nice selection of quality meats, cheeses, bulk grains/flours, and produce (organic available), and always have cheap deals on pasta/gnocchi and passata sauce.They also carry a decent range of Mexican food products. To name a few: Mexican cheeses such as panela, hot sauces, horchata mix, canned peppers, refried beans, tortillas (flour and corn),abuelita hot chocolate etc etc etc. This weekend my boyfriend asked if they sell masa (we love our handmade tortillas), which they didn't. But I get the feeling that if we asked, they'd get some in for us.
One time I was asking about the puff pastry. I'm from Australia, and the packaging looked different to what I'm familiar with (rolled instead of sheets). It wasn't a big deal, but the man even went so far as to open a package for me, so I knew what to expect. I often see men in the meat section assisting customers, answering questions, offering advice and offering to cut meat for them.
Famous Foods is a great store. I love the little old shopping carts they have there - they're almost like those mini carts for toddlers, but for adults!I am still such a kid at heart and this makes me feel so happy and excited to tear up the supermarket aisles.
Go there and see for yourself. -
Review from Kari C.
Updated - 2/13/2011 ROTD 5/2/2011
The Man and I picked up ingredients to bake a cake, when it occurred to me that my life needed a little zataar spice.
I rifled through the giant wall of spices. No luck.
Asked a clerk. Also no luck. He found a girl, asked her about ordering, she looked, and couldn't find any, thinking that they might have some the next day.
I continued shopping, thinking it was an SOL-for-now situation, until she tracked me down, gave me the card of the ordering manager so that I could call and double-check when they'd be getting more in for sure, and stapled to it was an internet recipe printout for how to make zataar, in case they would not be carrying it anymore. How thoughtful!
Is it weird to want to hug people who work in your grocery store? I refrained because I come by frequently.
Way to kick some customer service ass, Famous Foods!Listed in: House of Flying Daggers, ROTDs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2010
Famous Foods, I love you!!
My family has driven by this place hundreds of times over the years and i… Read more »
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Review from Barry M.
6/23/2011 6 Check-ins Here
So far, it's got all of what I've been looking for in a grocer.
Decent organic/natural foods/produce selection.
Decent deli and meat selection.
Wish the prices were slightly lower though, a lot of staples are cheaper at dollar grocer. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
6/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Here's what I will say to start, don't go to famous foods if you want a cheap local grocer. Do go to famous foods if you need some special flours, unique items or bulk.
Famous Foods has a really good selection of flours made from items that aren't wheat. They also have a really good well stocked and affordable bulk section. It's worth the trip up if you are into your own gluten free baking or are mass producing things.
They have a really good selection of organic products, frozen, fresh and produce which is really nice and often have random things that non-North American cooking often calls for.
I wouldn't depend on FF for your staples, but I would hit it up for organic and bulk. -
Review from Emma L.
1/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Amazing! I can't wait to shop here again! Famous Foods got me really excited about cooking again.
They have pretty much everything you could possibly want (except worcestershire sauce, as far as I could tell), including super obscure ingredients. They have a ton of flours great for gluten-free baking, and offer most things in bulk sizes for great prices.
I came here on Saturday to pick up some pork and was really impressed with the quality and price of the meat. Organic, non-medicated meat!
Lots of things I ended up buying were staples that were cheaper than even some places on the Drive. I picked up some arborio rice for risottos for about 50 cents to a dollar cheaper than at Dollar Grocers (for the exact same package). Produce looked good. Excellent variety of spices (ground or whole).
I kept wandering around the store exclaiming "oh they have THAT? I need that!" We're definitely coming back.
Only downside: their parking lot is tiny and cramped.Listed in: Great eats, gluten-free
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Review from psylocke r.
Langley, BC
4/23/2011
In East Vancouver, there is a little gem of a grocery store. They carry a wide range of gluten free products at great prices. Pastas, cereals, flours, mixes, frozen foods, baking needs, deli items, you name it. I especially like their prices on flours. What a steal! The staff is always friendly and helpful. Check them out on Kingsway.
Feel free to check out my blog. -
Review from Alexandra S.
North Vancouver, BC
1/1/2011
A blast from the past!
I have fond memories of going to this place when I just a little gluten bread eater with my mom. This place has been around for awhile and I'm so thankful that's still here.
Famous Foods has always had yummy fresh homemade breads at a reasonable prices.
I have recently rediscovered it since switching to a gluten free diet. There's no pizzazz as there is with other grocery stores that provide gluten goods...but that's welcoming.
They are a drive for me but, I'll still make the trip out there. -
Review from Gagan D.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Famous Foods, is an unexpected find on a street such as Kingsway. Don't know if I agree with the reviewers who call this a 'small' grocery store. May be smaller compared to the large grocery chains, but this ain't your neighborhood corner store.
They sell a wide variety of groceries, spices and bulk products. Special about them is the variety of organic, non-medicated and local choices in the meat department. Also special are the not outrageous prices. Not Costco, but then again, you are shopping with the satisfaction of a clear(er) conscience and a healthier tummy. Give it a visit, think you'd like what you see. (Free parking at back). -
Review from Roanna Z.
9/13/2009 ROTD 4/12/2010
Famous Foods ... i think i love you. We've only met once, but I really feel close to you already.
When you showed me all your gluten free items, that was really personal. I know you have those items because you care and you want me to eat well.
I know it's not that you just love me for my money either, because you even offered me some deals on things. After I left you I couldn't help thinking of all the wonderful recipes we will make together. All your alternative flours and ingredients really turned me on.
I hope we can see one another on a regular basis now that I have finally found you. Even though you are not close to where I live, I think we can work out a long distance relationship.
They say the quickest way to someones heart is through the stomach and you've won my heart.
*Ooh! Green Zebra Guide coupon saves you 10% -
Review from Thu N.
North York, ON
4/26/2010
Yay for Famous Foods! I was on a mission to find ingredients for two dishes - a bison burger and an indian curry dish! A friend of mine recommended Famous Foods and I went. It literally has EVERYTHING I ever wanted to find.
I think i spent 20 min staring at the entire aisle of spices they had trying to locate all the ones I needed :) I was so happy that it is a one stop shop for gourmet cooking needs!! I will definitely be back! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
11/7/2009 1 photo
I go out of my way for bulk foods! I don't know if I'll ever need 10kg of quinoa, but it's sure great to know I have the option. With aisles and aisles of reasonable priced spices and grains and cans of beans, veggies and fruits this is the cooks dream!
Random items I've needed for certain recipes have been located here: Juniper berries, fenugreek (in large quantities), red quinoa, quinoa flour etc are just the tip of the iceberg. And the selection of organic seems to have grown noticeably.
There's a dodgy parking lot out back and "the welcome committee," or possibly their security guard who stands scowling at the door in a green smock. On my most recent visit I felt like I was in her royal highness's palace grounds, trying to evoke an expression from a guard. Nothing, nada, zip and zilch. Maybe next time I'll run amok and see what happens :-p -
Review from Rich B.
7/25/2009 ROTD 1/7/2010
Famous Foods is great because:
1. Dry goods. There's nowhere I've found that has a better selection of grains, pulses, flakes, flours, herbs, spices, fruit chips, raisins, seeds, powders, cereals, sugars and tisanes.
2. Odd stuff. Exotic fruit juices, rice bran oil, frozen gourmet crepes and interesting biscuits.
3. Organic everything. They seem to manage to sell a wide range of organic options without making you feel like you're paying through the nose. Whole Food Markets could learn a thing or two in this regard.
And much, much more... -
Review from Heather E.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2009
If you go to Famous Foods, don't take pictures. They do not like it. Trust me.
That said, this is a really reliable food source. They stock tons of unusual ingredients. All kinds of flours, nuts, dried fruits and pulses, sugar, cocoa powder, spices, snacks, chocolate, meals and pastes, extracts and emulsions, oils and vinegars, exotic meats, cheeses, produce, baking ingredients galore. Ethnic specialty foods: Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Russian, Mexican, etc. You name it, they've probably got it. I could sit here all day and tell you what Famous Foods has in store for you and I still wouldn't be finished.
A couple of highlights: If you bake all the time, this place will be fabulous for your pocketbook. They sell chocolate at excellent prices, in bulk, and also very inexpensive extracts and flours and sugars like Demerara and Muscovado.
They also have a very impressive selection of dried flowers and herbs and spices of all sorts.
Lastly, another impressive thing was their meat selection: rabbit, non-medicated chicken, quail and pheasant legs, buffalo, goose, cornish hens, etc. Many of the specialty meats are frozen but they appear to be of very high quality.
If you cook, you really have to go here. Good selection, good prices. And like I said, don't take photos. They seem to really be bothered by it. -
Review from Lynne P.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2010
I love how most of the reviews here read like love letters and I'm tempted to do the same!
Famous Foods is one of the best grocery stores in Vancouver. It's small but it's absolutely chock FULL of interesting and very cheaply priced gourmet and exotic items. Obscure spices, an unbelievable variety of rices and beans and grains, tubes and pastes and nuts and chocolate and and and. I could go on and on, but suffice to say that while I avoid the centre aisles at most conventional markets like Safeway and SaveOn the aisles at Famous Foods are packed with interesting things from across the world and are totally worth a visit.
I was actually really surprised at the quality of the meat available here, and one of my best finds here has been their beef short ribs. Braise these up and they are absolutely amazing--and I was able to do dinner for 6 for about $13 worth of meat! The prices are far better than any gourmet butcher yet the quality is the same.
The only thing I will note is that this isn't what I'd consider a traditional 'bulk food store'. I was anticipating bins and scoops, but Famous Foods actually pre-packages their dry goods. They very handily offer a variety of sizes (ie. 500g, 1kg or 2kg bags of beans, rices, etc) so you can scale up or down in quantity pretty easily as needed.
Five stars for Famous Foods. It's worth the hike out from downtown! -
Review from Yoony P.
6/7/2010
Wow.
This place rocked my socks off!**
I love the unmedicated chicken and organic beef. I love the french lentils in little bulk packets and the peruvian sweet potato chips.
Most of all, I LOVE the unpretentiousness of it all!
The only thing I don't love is how long it took me to discover this wonderful place.
I officially heart Famous Foods!
(**Should be noted that I know the proper term is "knocked my socks off," but it rocked AND knocked my socks off, therefore it rocked my socks off! :P ) -
Review from Tara T.
BC
11/28/2008
I love love love this supermarket! It's full of interesting culinary treats that you can't find anywhere else in Vancouver. Yesterday I stocked up on groceries galore including a delicious sesame vanilla Halva treat, various cheeses, and an abundance of fruit and vegetables.
This is definitely the best place to come if you need an obscure herb or spice or if you want to stock up on bulk items.
Also available are some hard to find yoghurt brands, organic groceries, and personal care products. -
Review from Alice A.
1/17/2011
Personally, I'm not sure I'll make another special trip down to check out what Famous Foods has in store, but I enjoyed strolling the aisles, marveling at the variety of flour and spices and purchasing steals like olives and garam marsala. It's funny how everything is pre-packaged though, very un-bulk buy like.
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Review from shelley l.
Surrey, BC
8/17/2010
Famous Foods is a great store in Vancouver with tons of gluten free baking products and flours at fairly decent prices.
They also carry many other gluten free ingredients, including ethnic ingredients and spices. Relative to other stores such as Choices and Whole Foods, I find this place is much better in terms of pricing. We always seem to find anything in this store at good prices...they package their own flours, beans, nuts and spices hence making it economical for the consumer.
They also carry high quality meat products.
This is probably a great place to start buying gluten free baking supplies for the newly diagnosed celiac or just the adventurous who want to explore cooking in foreign cuisines. We highly recommend this place! -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
11/5/2008
Market with a very nice selection of bulk items, including many organic items. Really the closest thing to a Trader Joe's in Vancouver. Everytime I visit I find something new. It is a great place to find that difficult to find spice for a new recipe, or find a 10lb bag of granola (probably about 15 varieties!). You get the idea. You could live there and never go outside and be happy foodwise for a long time with the variety. (And the health factor would probably keep you alive longer to enjoy your imprisonment!)
Listed in: Engrish, Best Vancouver food sources, Vancouver Organic Food
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Review from West D.
Vancouver, BC
6/8/2011
They stock all the whole grains for making your own own granola, salads, etc. Also have a wide variety of beans & nuts. The pricing is competitive with other 'healthy food' stores I frequent.
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Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
12/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Alright. From reading the rest of your reviews i'm learning about the great things of Famous Foods. I'm glad to have your insight because my personal experience is quite meh. I like crazy cheap groceries and I cook terribly (just barely edible), so using high quality or hard-to-find ingredients isn't a high priority on my list. Whenever I've walked around here I've been overcome by the high prices. I saw a small package of spaghetti for over $4. Seemed kind of expensive. Teas are $4 and up (some way up) as well (though I must say, their tea selection is impressive! Not enough loose options though) so this bargain Scotswoman saved her pennies. What is a good deal. Fricking LIBERTE yogurt. The past three times I've come it's been on sale, and I'm talking a way good sale. I got a $4 tub of their decadent coconut yogurt for .69 cents. Heaven. Their large tubs were $2.99. I'll come back for all eternity for those yogurts alone... because let's face it, I don't have to cook anything to eat it. As for the rest of the contents, if it's not super cheap, I'm not chef savvy enough to appreciate. I'll cheap out at Sunrise... yep... I'm that guy.
Listed in: Kensington-Cedar Cottage: The…
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Review from Pookie B.
Vancouver, BC
4/13/2011
OUTSTANDING...........I come here once a week to do my shopping. Because of this shop, my boyfriend and I are healthy earthlings. Love everything about this place.
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Review from Eetsay B.
Vancouver, BC
11/29/2010
Great independent grocery and go-to place for some hard-to-find items such as Inka, duck meat, and european condiments. I'm going there today. Tip- get a Green Zebra coupon book for 10% off more than $50.
