MAIDO! A Marketplace of Japan

Ok yes you can get a lot of the same stuff at other Asian stores maybe for cheaper, but... there are absolutely things you cannot find anywhere else here. And that's the appeal for me! Plus it seems like a small locally owned business, which makes sense to support if you care about that. My kids lost their little baby minds at the cool drinks and specialty candy. I loved finding powdered ready to use dashi on the shelf!!

It's not bad but it's not great. As someone who has been going to Asian markets all her life, there's a few things I want to mention.If this is your first ever Asian market, you're going to love it--as my niece did. She felt like she was in a wonderland! I think this is a great start for what else is out there, but I don't see the hype that some people I know were raving about. Nonetheless, I came, I saw, I supported, but I haven't been back, and I won't be.PARKINGThis place doesn't have its own parking lot. It's either metered street parking or metered parking lots. Sure you can wait until after 4pm and it'll be free, but then you're competing with everyone else for a spot who's thinking the same thing. I went earlier in the day, didn't mind the meters as I found it reasonably priced. Parked in the Schauffele Plaza parking lot. Had lots of empty spaces. It's 2 hours max, which is enough if you're just going to Maido. Maido is across the street from this lot.THE STORE ITSELFMaido is SUPER small! And everything runs pretty pricey, but that's a given because of basic economic concepts. There's a demand, so they raise the price to make a profit.The shelves felt kind of bare when I went, maybe I just went on a bad day? I'm not sure. But there are a lot of selections and choices that you'll also find in any other Asian market in Philly or in the tristate area for that matter.The stationery is a very small section, just one corner of the back wall, that's it. Still cute. But you really won't find that much. It's very basic. For me, Japanese stationery is a huge love of mine, so when I hear there's a Japanese store, I always go straight to the stationery and judge it based on that. I don't really care for snacks, and I do my food shopping at HMart.OTHER MENTIONSThe area itself around Maido is very condensed also. Lots of traffic, foot traffic & car traffic. Like I mentioned, parking can become an issue depending on when you go as there are lots of other shops and restaurants nearby.OVERALLIt's taken me years to come check this place out because I knew the parking, the congestion, and the fact it's so small i wasn't going to be too thrilled with it. But I was picking up my niece for the day and thought she'd enjoy it, and she did. She did a little haul for her friends, but for someone who is grown and can drive themselves around, this wouldn't be my first pick or recommendation.I can't talk about the food because I didn't eat here, but there is a small area to eat in. Hope that helps!

I'm chuckling to myself because I went to Maido two years ago and ordered the same thing I ordered today, coincidentally, a bento box. And I literally have the same comments and feedback this time around as last lol. Today, I ordered a chicken teriyaki bento box, and my partner ordered oyako don. The chicken was well dressed with teriyaki sauce; however, the pickled sides didn't complement the chicken well enough to delight the senses nor provide the acidity to counter the hearty-ness. My partner, on the other hand, loved his order and kept raving about how warm and comforting it is. I do agree, but the price of the chicken, egg bowl quite pricey. We loved the refreshing sparkling yuzu drink. Service is courteous and efficient, and the store was bustling with people on a Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, we both had a hearty, filling meal that ultimately satisfies the stomach.

Probably the most authentic Japanese market in the Philly area. Pricing for the restaurant is fair. My favorite thing is by far the bento boxes. The market itself is quite expensive, so I would recommend going to Hmart for basic goods

It's a bit far for regular visits but I always look forward to trips to MAIDO. They have Asian produce and specialty items that you won't find elsewhere. I like to pick up mackerel, veggies, amazake, dashi soup broth, cooking sake, mirin, spaghetti and roe sauce, and the waffle matcha ice cream sandwiches. The restaurant has delicious authentic food like takoyaki and udon, and a yakisoba okonomiyaki hybrid I want to try next time. Despite the small size I've never had a problem getting seating. Definitely join their email list for recipes, festivities, and product announcements!

Maido is hands-down a local favorite! I've been a customer since their former location in Narberth, and the quality of food, service, and organization has remained superb over the years. Some of my favorite items are the bento boxes as well as their onigiri, for they are pre-packaged/prepared, serving as a solid choice whenever you're in a rush. The marketplace at Maido is also wonderful, where items range from fresh produce, stationery (my favorite part!), and yummy Asian snacks that you don't see very often in the area. In terms of service, it has an efficient self-seating/buzzer/staff clean up system which makes the process much easier for customers. The staff are so polite and kind, and they always make us smile!

Great location on Lancaster Ave in Ardmore. MAIDO is a Japanese grocery store that offers packaged foods, premade, and made to order menu options. Friendly service and my order was ready within 10 minutes. The tempura appetizer was a battered onion, red and green pepper, shrimp, and potato served with sesame oil. This perfect snack or light lunch came out to $15!

10/5 Stars. This is the closest you'll get to a good Japanese dish from overseas. The food warms my soul. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The snacks are affordable overall. Their Katsu curry is to die for. Happy to come again! I love their Onigiri so much and wished it was served more. Superb place!

Our favorite place to go for lunch bentos. We love that they have a medium and large size, and they make them fresh daily. It changed every day and can be chicken teriyaki, fried shrimp, beef teriyaki, salmon, and sometimes even saba. You can just leave the bento boxes there and you can also get free barley tea!

Fine food and nice prices. Good Japanese store and it's a small but pleasant store. Convenient if you're in the area and from my experience the service is fine as the workers are nice!