The store looks like a totalitarian regime. For example: a sign at the meat/fish counter: "Pick a ticket! No ticket - No service!" Or "Only one sample per person!" As if I am going to wolf down all their crappy cookie samples. Finally, no returns under any circumstances. I bought a duck which appeared all smashed up, without a wing and overall of a questionable quality. Tried to return it same day but could not. Even in "exceptional" cases when they allow you to return they charge a 15% restocking fee!!! For what? Everything seems overpriced. Why would anybody go there unless for an exotic spice. I personally could not find a duck anywhere else but then I found it at Smith -- much better quality and price. I am sorry I have to give even one star. Never again.

I bought a rice cooker today and after bringing it home and making a pot of rice, I realized it was defective, it sprayed starch water all over my kitchen floor while it cooked the rice. So I washed it put it back in the box and returned it to the store. They refused to exchange it for one that worked properly and said they do not take returns on any rice cookers. Well I wish they would have told me that when I bought it. This includes defective merchandise as well. I left the defective one there and spent another $70.00 on another one. Very bad customer service And no desire to help their customers at all. I couldn't believe it. Terrible experience.......they will not take responsibility for broken merchandise.

Don't trust the prices or the people. I bought a bag of ginger candies that said 5.25 oz but was supposed to receive 7 oz for the same price. The manager did not apologize, said "that's the way it's always been," blamed the vendor and simply shrugged her shoulders at me. I'll never buy from this place ever again. Worst customer service out there!

Worst shopping experience ever.



I entered and was taking a hand basket, when a voice demanded, “Are you going to shop here?”



I was so shocked by the angry, confrontational tone, I couldn't even manage a witty sally. (Oh, how I regret not thinking to say, “Why no, I just came in here to strip naked and sunbathe underneath your dim fluorescents.”)



“Of course I am,” I answered.



“I need to take your bag.”



“Bag?” I asked, confused. I hadn't brought in a “bag”. Then it suddenly dawned on me. “Wait. You mean give you my purse?”



“Yes. You have to leave that here.”



“What? I have my wallet in here.” How the hell did she expect me to PAY for what I wanted to buy? Did she really think I would hand over my iPad, iPhone, prescription sunglasses, credit cards and some $400 in cash, with, mind you, no receipt from her? INSPECT my purse, that’s fine, and I’ll smile while you do so. But, hand it over? Seriously?



I wasn't allowed in, and I couldn't even get out. I had to stand there in the miasma of seafood gone rotten until some other hapless customer stumbled in, so I could slip away.



Bear in mind, I hardly look like trouble. I’m a tiny, affluent senior citizen -- hardly rob-you-blind material. What an awful place.

Talin Market has a neat layout, with the aisle labled Tokyo, Bangkok, Cairo, etc. The store is very large and clean (and air conditioned). There is a wide selection of foods from different countries, along with cooking implements, incense, dishes and fresh produce. There is even a bubble tea cafe. Talins prices were not quite as low as some other places, but they must have high overhead for the extra nice building. The prices were still good though - and I am sure I will return many times.