This is not Chung Hing, but has the same feel. Photo by Don Qua
While it might seem unfair to compare a local Chinese grocer to the large big box chains, our shopping experience spans both, so I feel I should review both. Chung Hing, or in Mandarin, Zhong Xing, is our local Chinese grocer. While it is an average sized Chinese grocer, it seems to serve our needs well. Trip Review: Chung Hing: A.
___Chung Hing Supermarket, Kennedy/Finch, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Objective: Minced pork, regular weekly shopping.
Chung Hing is decidedly lowbrow. Shopping carts are castoffs from all and sundry grocers, with no company logos printed on any carts. Carts are of various sizes and colours. The store is low budget, but is very popular with locals and can be quite crowded. The floor is at times uneven but serviceable
The butcher counter has 3 live butchers that will bag whatever meat you wish, provided you speak Chinese. Any type of Chinese will do. We usually get a whole chicken from them, but also buy minced pork, whole hunks of beef, pork bones and whatever else. The butchers usually give you more than you ask or, so if your pot cannot fit 5 lbs of pork, you better ask for 4 and you’ll get 4.7 lbs. They are nice butchers. The fresh fish counter is right beside them.
Vegetables and fruit are usually quite fresh, although at times one must be careful if the price of the fruit is low. This may mean that the fruit is past due and soft. I’ve often bought firm fruit only to find it was previously frozen or close to it, brought it home only to find it was mushy. Caveat Emptor. If you are not sure, don’t chance it, no matter how low the price. This store will open clamshells of strawberries and blueberries and repack them with somewhat fresher produce. They like to package ginger into 3 lb plastic bags but price ginger per lb, so we open these bags and take only what we need, which is certainly less than 3 lbs.
On this shopping day all the veggies and fruit were fresh. Fuji apples were $0.99/lb, matching the big box stores, but fresh. Florida oranges were $0.49/lb, a reasonable price considering it is out of season. From the time this store has opened the layout has not changed, so we were very familiar with the layout. This store consistently beats the big box stores on bananas, at $0.59/lb, $0.10 below the competition. The quality is also fresh. Grapes were also great at $0.99/lb
Other purchases ranged from frozen basa fillets, soya milk, to Chinese sausage were right on the money. All prices are clearly marked and products well displayed.
This is where we buy our phone cards we use to call China. The store always gives us a recommendation. If people are having a problem with a brand of card, the store will quickly switch. They recommended the Nengda Tong card, 274 minutes for $4.50 to anywhere in China. That’s $0.016/minute, cheaper than most Bell calling cards to Canada. We line up at the checkout with the phone cards and add one to our bill. No trouble at all.
It is this kind of friendly service and product knowledge, coupled with fresh produce and low prices that we find appealing. Though you cannot brag that this shop is fancy in any way, we’re not eating here, so we don’t mind.
___Experience Rating: A. We came in with our grocery list, found everything with no difficulties. All produce was clearly marked and priced. No issues with carts or negotiating around obstacles in stores. Checkout is very fast and non-eventful. You’re out the door in a hurry. While 95% of patrons are Chinese, you will see the odd Indian, European or black families shopping there. I’ve never seen them have any problems purchasing food, and frequently see them return. Still, while most signs are bilingual, invariably all products are geared towards a Chinese clientele.