Pearl River Mart Foods

Grocery shopping in Manhattan can feel like a scavenger hunt for something specific—especially when you’re after ingredients that don’t fit neatly into the average bodega’s shelves. Pearl River Mart Foods operates in that gap, tucked into the Lower Level of Chelsea Market at 75 9th Ave. The setup is simple: a small footprint, but one that leans into the kind of pantry staples and fresh produce that often get overlooked in larger chains. They’re Asian-owned, women-owned, and run as a small business, which might explain why the selection feels more intentional than sprawling.

Chelsea Market’s labyrinthine layout means you’ll probably stumble upon it while hunting for something else entirely. That’s fine—it’s the kind of place where you end up leaving with more than you planned, whether it’s a bag of lychees or a jar of chili crisp you didn’t know you needed. The produce section stands out, though don’t expect the curated abundance of a specialty market; this is more about utility than spectacle. If you’re mapping out a trip, the Lower Level can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out for the signs near the oyster bar.

Questions about what they stock or when they’re open? A quick call to (646) 760-0453 should sort it out. For directions, the map pins it right beneath the main concourse. No need to overthink it—just show up hungry.