Wholesome Choice Market

by Daniel T.

I only ever come here to get to-go food from their little food court thingy. THe market itself is pretty eclectic, and has almost everything imaginable. However, the only thing I hate about it are the people that come here. They must have stupid embedded in their psyche, because they all decide to stand in a doorway as they choose the perfect kiwi, disregarding other people who might want to go INSIDE the market.The to-go food is good. You get lots of options and they tend to give you HUGE portions. Also, for all you UCI babies - DISCOUNT =P

by Evelyn K.

Great place. Tom and I were here at 1pm and needed lunch. At this time, parking was easy to find and the lines were non-existent. I went to their food court area and decided on a beef kabob special (beef kabob and 2 sides) for $5.99. Employees were friendly and helped us quickly. The vegetables I chose for the sides were fresh and tasty and beef kabob was very good. There are tables inside and outside or you could take your take out container to go. My only regret was that I didn't have enough time to look around too much of the market. I bet they have some great finds. I'll check it out some other time.

by MARCELO B.

Yeah!!!!  they make a falafel wrap that so freaking good and as big as my head! it's 6.99 but well worth it i ate half for dinner and took the other half to work for lunch.. They have a huge verity of foods ready! It's like 6 different restaurants in one! Going back tonight!

by Maria I.Mike N.Charles L.Wholesome C.

If I lived near by I would easily be 300lbs by the end of the year. This place is just fantastic. It makes Whole Food look like Food For Less (nothing against them, but on a grading scale of amazing grocery stores to not so amazing you know which one is in each end). I had to have one of their kabob plates, which was enough to feed a family of 5 (or me). The rice was just perfectly cooked, moist and seasoned, the kabob just superb. I checked out all the other amazing cooked food selections, but just couldn't eat all in one day, and can't wait to try some of their other Persia/Indian/Asian foods. I had some of that delicious flat bread they have by the entrance and just fell in love. I didn't really get a feeling for the rest of the store but hope to get back soon to check it out.I have to update this from 5 stars to 3 stars because Wholesome Choice Market's Persian food place is starting to suck, they raised the prices and have made their kabob's smaller. They are now smaller and drier, I think they need to not cook it at long if they are going to make them smaller! So it looks like we will be going to Naan Kabob in Tustin a lot more for our fix! WCM's Persian food is still good, but just feel so ripped off. I know the economy is bad, but you can't do all three of these things:1.)RAISE the price 2.)REDUCE the food quantity3.)REDUCE the food quality I frequently come here to get the Beef Kabobs meal from the food court, it's like $7.00, but it's… Oh Wholesome Choice, how I abhor you. Every time I decide to visit you again, I end up sprawled on my couch, catatonic. I, like most people, don't do my grocery shopping here. Again, like most people, I love the food court. Well, love might be a bit strong of a word.The food court is very efficiently price and I, being a poor college student, appreciate that. I did not expect the 'Pad Thai' I got to taste like actual Pad Thai, and it didn't. But that didn't matter because for the 7 dollars I spent on dinner today I won't have to buy lunch and maybe even dinner tomorrow.The food isn't authentic but it's tasty. The Pad Thai, while nothing more than regular rice noodles tossed in some Thai seasoning [there's not even a hint of bean sprout in there] is very filling and is cooked well. The Red Chicken Curry tasted vaguely like curry and did indeed have chicken in it. The Yellow Beef Curry is yellow and does have beef.If I haven't driven the point home by now I'll make it clear: please don't expect authentic food if you're not getting persian food, this is a persian market after all. Do expect, however, very generous portions, especially for Chinese and Thai.An afterthought, there may or may not be some panhandlers in the parking lot. I've only encountered one once in my dozens of times here but they get mean pretty quick.Otherwise, would go again.I like Wholesome Choice's concept and the super market area as they offer good selection and fair prices on most of their items. One are of the market, however, which left a horrible taste in my mouth was the Persian Food counter. The food is okay for a quick bite, but the service behind the counter is below par. Honestly, you're spending a good $10 to $13 dollars for cafeteria food, and here you have to deal with a bitter and unpleasant lady who has no manners in saying "you're welcome" or returning a smile. If you like to be treated like cattle, gestured to move away from the counter the second you finish placing your order, then go ahead. But, if you believe in the importance of customer service and a smile to greet you, then you're in the wrong place.

by Alice H.

WOWEEEE...first time here yesterday and I was blown away at how fresh their produce selection are.  Their food court is full of rich aroma that just makes your mouth water.I perused around their food court section and they had Fresh Deli section, Pizza, Thai Food, Indian Food, Persian Food.I finally picked Persian food for dinner and had their Combo #1 (beef Koobideh)  Sorry if i mispelled!   Then I made a dash for the opposite side of the market for some FRESH HOT SANGAK.  Their fresh packed hummus is delish as well.Staffers are friendly, and place is VERY clean.  I'd definitely come back here for lunch or dinner quickies.  Price is affordable and big portions.Nom Nom Nom...just writing this review is making me DROOL...

by Maria I.

If I lived near by I would easily be 300lbs by the end of the year. This place is just fantastic. It makes Whole Food look like Food For Less (nothing against them, but on a grading scale of amazing grocery stores to not so amazing you know which one is in each end). I had to have one of their kabob plates, which was enough to feed a family of 5 (or me). The rice was just perfectly cooked, moist and seasoned, the kabob just superb. I checked out all the other amazing cooked food selections, but just couldn't eat all in one day, and can't wait to try some of their other Persia/Indian/Asian foods. I had some of that delicious flat bread they have by the entrance and just fell in love. I didn't really get a feeling for the rest of the store but hope to get back soon to check it out.

by Goozoo D.

abso-friggin-lutely HORRIBLE SERVICE. the food court is pretty good with regard to taste and variety, BUT one thing these jen-deh kolfat's (women employee in farsi) lack is service. these jen-deh's seemingly dont care to say "hello", "may i help you" or even "thank you". there is one serious jen-deh that takes orders and she is a very bitter and retarded female. she is rude, inconsiderate and does not even return a smile. her lack of service and bitter look on her face was the reason I cancelled my order and walked out. DO NOT GO TO WHOLESOME CHOICE... the food service people treat you like you're supposed to give them money for average cafeteria food. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere classy where you're appreciated.

by Charlene P.

I love going to markets, and this one is no exception!If you're hungry, not to worry, because this place has an awesome food court towards the back. They serve a variety of foods -- Chinese, Indian, Persian, Greek, and then some! To make it even better, UCI students get a 5% discount if you show them your school ID when you pay for your food from the food court.Also about food is the bakery near the main entrance! This bakery has awesome bread -- nice and dense, just the way any good bread should be. Prices aren't too bad, either. The line for the bakery is a bit long, though, but that's not a bad sign, is it?They also have an ice cream parlor inside that sells ice cream scoops for cheap! A single scoop for $0.99! Save yourself that walk to Rite Aid and just buy ice cream here for the same flavors and taste!The market's prices aren't actually that bad. They sell a ton of stuff here, from raw meat to sodas to fruits and veggies. They sell quite a selection of non-edible goodies as well!Try this place out if you're nearby and have never visited before. If you're not interested in their merchandise, then definitely give their food court a chance! I love the Indian food they serve there!Overall, you'll leave the market feeling happy with your "wholesome choices." :)

by Nathalie B.

okay. i didnt shop here. i have no idea what the aim of this place is. i just stumbled upon it today but from what i gather...indian/british-type market ??? LOVEd this place even from just observing everything. loved the atmosphere. loved the smell of it...full of curries and other spices. and lots of selection from what i can see!!! next time ill have to actually BUY soemthing =) i noticed they had aside from the grocery section..bakery...fast food place that had other int'l dishes..thai/chinese/indian/etc.very cool.

by Wholesome C.

I like Wholesome Choice's concept and the super market area as they offer good selection and fair prices on most of their items. One are of the market, however, which left a horrible taste in my mouth was the Persian Food counter. The food is okay for a quick bite, but the service behind the counter is below par. Honestly, you're spending a good $10 to $13 dollars for cafeteria food, and here you have to deal with a bitter and unpleasant lady who has no manners in saying "you're welcome" or returning a smile. If you like to be treated like cattle, gestured to move away from the counter the second you finish placing your order, then go ahead. But, if you believe in the importance of customer service and a smile to greet you, then you're in the wrong place.