I like the place, the staff are friendly and helpful, eventhough they are a tad bit friendlier to the non-Chinese looking costumers, the prepared food are good enough that I'll choose to buy my dinner there if I don't feel like cooking or going to a restaurant. They have most of what I want and basic needs and it is quite convenient.

The vegetables needs to be improved though, I once found a big juicy worm on their corn cob and the cabbages always leaves me reluctant to even touch them.

And I know this have nothing to do with April Gourmet per se but the beggar that seems to set office on their front step can be annoyingly persistent in asking for money sometimes.

I wanted to give them higher ratings but the worm (and it was HUGE) deducted 1 star right off.

I love this place because it has the juices, non-dairy milk selection, coffee/espresso (lots of kinds), fresh breads from the German and French bakeries, all baking products you will need, and a huge variety of spices, grains, oils and sauces. In one week I made polenta with tomato sauce, hummus, brownies, vietnamese summer rolls and Thai curry all using ingredients from this store. They have their own much cheaper brand (looks like a non-brand) for things like cocoa powder, cake flour, baking powder, popcorn kernels, red lentils, raisins, almonds, etc which saves a lot of money and the quality is quite good. In addition to lots of Australian, American, and European (especially Italian, Spanish, and some French and German products) they also import some low-cost products from Thailand, Vietnam, and India. I think the turnover on a lot of the products is quite high, so there's little chance you'll get something that's been sitting on the shelf forever like at Jenny Lou's.

They also have a decent selection of eco-products for around the house, such as green house cleaners, natural laundry detergents, and some natural personal products such as soaps and shampoos (although expensive, still not as high as Jenny Lou's or World Health Store).

I don't eat the prepared foods usually, and the banana cake was OK. Frankly though, I'd rather make my own, and I know I can buy the ingredients to do so here!

All in all, it's a reliable and frequently-visited store for me, the almost-vegan. :)

I went to April gourmet to pick up some basic ingredients for a pudding. Since I was in a hurry i didn't want to keep hunting in the store. I just showed my list in English to a male staff.He was quick and efficient and got me exactly what I was looking for. I've always had trouble explaining what I want at the other international supermarkets like Ole/Jenny Lou's

I usually go to the April Gourmet to the north of Worker's Stadium (Beside Lianbao Gongli)and have been impressed with their selection of imported products. The deli and cheese section is particularly good and they have a decent selection of wine, beers, and drinks that you wouldn't be able to find in Chinese supermarkets or the Wal-Mart.

They are lacking in the prepared foods sections though. I usually go there after work around 7 or 8 in the evening and none of what's left at that time looks appetizing. Service is average, they can definitely use some more check out counters, and there's always a beggar at the entrance of the store asking foreigners for money.

Better layout, more products, more space, and no beggars.

My favourite place for breads and cheese choices.
One place where can get most of things to stock the refrigerator with a quick visit.
The most important part the staff is helpful and nice to help you find what you need.