Seafood City is a Filipino-owned Asian grocery chain with locations across the United States
Seafood City is a supermarket chain that specializes in Filipino groceries, fresh seafood, and Asian products. The chain operates stores in California, Nevada, Hawaii, and a few other states. Unlike a typical American supermarket, Seafood City stocks items you won't find in mainstream grocery stores — fresh fish and shellfish flown in regularly, Filipino pantry staples, Asian produce, and prepared foods from the deli counter.
The store is organized differently than you might expect. The seafood section is central to the layout, not tucked in a corner. Produce includes items like bitter melon, okra, and specialty Asian greens. The frozen section carries Filipino prepared foods, lumpia, and specialty meats. The dry goods aisles hold rice varieties, soy sauce brands, fish sauce, coconut milk, and spices you'd search for in vain at a standard grocery chain.
Seafood City operates as a for-profit business, not a government program or nonprofit. You pay regular retail prices. The value is in selection and freshness for specific cuisines, not in discounts or subsidies. Many shoppers use Seafood City alongside their regular grocery store, buying specialty items there and everyday staples elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Seafood City carries Filipino and Asian groceries, fresh seafood, and prepared foods that standard supermarkets do not stock.
- Locations are concentrated in California, Nevada, and Hawaii, with a few stores in other states — check the store locator on their website to find the nearest one.
- Prices are retail, not subsidized; the value is in product selection and freshness for Asian and Filipino cooking.
- The seafood counter offers fresh fish, shrimp, and shellfish, and staff can often recommend preparation methods or answer questions about unfamiliar items.
Finding a Seafood City location near you
Seafood City's website includes a store locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and it will show you the nearest locations, hours, and sometimes phone numbers. Most stores are in California, particularly in the Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego regions. Nevada has several locations in the Las Vegas area. Hawaii has stores on Oahu and the Big Island.
If you live outside these states, you may not have a Seafood City nearby. In that case, other Asian grocery chains like H Mart or 99 Ranch Market may carry similar products, though the Filipino selection will be smaller. Some items can also be ordered online through specialty retailers, though shipping costs for fresh seafood make that option expensive.
What to expect in the seafood section
The seafood counter is staffed and operates on a first-come, first-served basis during store hours. You can point to what you want, and staff will weigh and wrap it. Prices vary by the day and by what's in stock — fresh fish flown in from the Philippines or Asia may cost more than frozen options. The counter typically carries bangus (milkfish), tilapia, grouper, shrimp, squid, clams, and mussels, though availability changes.
If you're unfamiliar with a fish or shellfish, the staff can usually tell you how it's typically prepared and whether it's good for frying, steaming, or soup. They can also clean and fillet items on request. Prices are usually posted on a board above the counter, but if you don't see a price, ask before ordering — some items are priced by weight and the final cost depends on what you select.
Filipino and Asian pantry staples you'll find there
Seafood City stocks items central to Filipino cooking that are hard to find elsewhere. These include different varieties of rice (jasmine, sona masoori, glutinous), multiple brands of fish sauce and soy sauce, coconut milk in cans and cartons, calamansi juice, vinegar varieties, and dried shrimp. The spice section carries items like patis (fish sauce), bagoong (shrimp paste), and specialty peppers.
The frozen section includes lumpia (spring rolls), siomai (dumplings), and prepared dishes like adobo and kare-kare. The deli counter often sells fried chicken, roasted pork, and other prepared foods. Prices for these items are comparable to what you'd pay at a Filipino restaurant for takeout, though buying ingredients and cooking at home is usually cheaper overall.
Produce and specialty items
The produce section carries Asian vegetables that standard supermarkets rarely stock. You'll find bitter melon, okra, bok choy, Chinese broccoli, long beans, and specialty squashes. Prices are usually lower than at mainstream grocers because the turnover is fast and the items are in high demand. The quality is often better too, since these are items the store's customer base actually buys regularly.
Beyond produce and seafood, Seafood City carries Asian snacks, candies, when ready noodles, beverages, and condiments. The selection of when ready ramen and noodle soups is much larger than at a typical grocery store. You'll also find Asian beauty products, cooking equipment, and housewares, though the focus is on food.
Payment and shopping tips
Seafood City accepts cash and major credit cards. Some locations may accept mobile payment apps, but it varies by store. There is no membership fee — you can shop there without signing up for anything. Prices are marked on shelves, though some items (particularly seafood and prepared foods) are priced by weight or by the day.
Shopping during off-peak hours — weekday mornings or early afternoons — means shorter lines at the seafood counter and more selection. Weekends and evenings are busier. If you're looking for a specific item and aren't sure if the store carries it, call ahead rather than making a trip. Staff can tell you whether they have it in stock and when it might arrive if it's currently out.
How Seafood City compares to other Asian grocery chains
Seafood City is Filipino-focused, which sets it apart from chains like H Mart (Korean-focused) or 99 Ranch Market (Chinese-focused), though all three carry overlapping Asian products. If you're cooking Filipino food specifically, Seafood City will have a deeper selection of Filipino brands and ingredients. If you cook across multiple Asian cuisines, you might shop at multiple chains or use a general Asian grocer that carries a broader mix.
Seafood City's seafood counter is a major draw compared to other Asian grocers. The freshness and variety of fish and shellfish, and the staff's knowledge of how to prepare them, make it worth the trip for anyone cooking seafood-heavy cuisines. Prices are retail, not discounted, so you're paying for quality and selection, not for a bargain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to shop at Seafood City?
No. Seafood City is open to anyone. You can walk in and shop without signing up for a membership or loyalty program. Some stores may offer a rewards card you can join, but it's optional.
Can I order online or get delivery from Seafood City?
Some Seafood City locations offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps, but this varies by store. Check the website or call your nearest location to ask whether they offer this service. Availability depends on your location and the individual store.
What if I don't know how to cook a fish I bought?
The seafood counter staff can usually suggest preparation methods and cooking times. You can also search online for recipes using the fish's name. Many Filipino and Asian cooking websites have detailed instructions for common fish sold at Seafood City.
Are prices at Seafood City more expensive than regular supermarkets?
Prices vary by item. Specialty Asian ingredients and fresh seafood are often cheaper at Seafood City than at mainstream grocers because of higher turnover and direct sourcing. Everyday items like milk or bread may be more expensive. Most shoppers use Seafood City for specialty items and their regular grocery store for basics.
What should I do if the seafood counter is out of what I want?
Ask the staff when the next shipment arrives — many stores receive fresh seafood on specific days of the week. You can also call ahead before your next visit to ask whether a particular item is in stock. Staff can sometimes hold items for you if you call in advance.