Ming Wo Cookware

i used to shop at the house of knives but now i realize how overpriced their stuff was, now that i found Ming Wo and discovered i can get shun premier kitchen knives here for a far more reasonable price. i’ve become a fan of this shop. shopping around pays off.

I have shopped here for many years. Service is always great, the staff is knowledgeable, and the owner, Fontaine, is completely charming. The selection is high end for pots and pans, then runs the gamut of prices for everything else (everything!) kitchen. Baking section excellent. Gadgets galore. Good prices.
The Chinatown location is the original location and the only one owned by Fontaine. The other locations are less accommodating.

Best place in Vancouver to but knives. Ask for Deb, she is the specialist.
Thanks for the great service ladies, you’re all the best.

I came in here to get some bake ware and I find that they’re getting a bit better on their pricing which is appreciated. Lady at the til was super helpful with the non stick pans.

A must-​go if you’re in Gastown/​Chinatown!
I’ve been searching for the perfect wok for forever and the second I walked into Ming Wo, I found it! I almost never write Unilocal reviews, but I’m making an exception for this wonderful store. The staff is crazy knowledgable on everything relating to cooking and they are well-​stocked with anything you might need. It’s a rather small store, but I could honestly stay in there for hours!

Nice store and friendly staff. cool gadgets.

If you are looking to stock up your kitchen with toys, not wanting to go all cheap (Walmart, Target, IKEA… etc.) and want some ‘real’ good stuff that only the well educated in stuff like this know about, and you are willing to drop some real coin, come on to this location. Why this location you ask, it’s kinda like their flagship store… in Chinatown… yes, odd location, but it’s a Vancouver original. since 1917 (as their website says) and keeping with history, they have kept this store that still has it’s historic flair.
When you come in, the front feels like one of those old Chinese stores that sells old goods, like bamboo rods, and paper umbrellas, not unless you really look, like get to the window displays do you realize that this is a true full on cookware store. When you walk in, things are well organized but at the same time, not like a boutique store, as they are using all of their real estate in here, with very little to no space to the next product line. The old wooden plank board floors, some squeak pretty good, are prevalent here to give it that rustic look. Going through this store you will find things from pots, pans, knives, utensils, grates, baking pans, steamers, plates… etc. Don’t look for major electric items, cause that’s not what they carry, but if your looking for the high end cookware things in life… your bound to find it.
From Global, to Shun, to Whustof, to Le Crueset, and Reidel… If you like this kind of stuff… you will identify with this place… if you have ZERO clue as to what I just said. well… this store definitely ain’t right for you. Sometimes there are actually deals here, depending on what you are looking for. The service here is spot on, as the staff knows where things are, and if you can describe it. they can find what exactly you are looking for, they are trained to know. and it can tell… like a mechanic to a car, these people know cookware.
It’s in an odd part of town, not much in terms of free parking, but lots of street parking, if you are going to go to a Ming Wo. come to this one. you’ll get the most out of it.

Wow! This place stocks a bit of everything high and low end. Brand names from around the world, lots of European cookware stock. Porcelain, cast iron, and just about everything you could ever imagine coffee and non stick.
I stopped by here a few times for my christmas shopping and every time pulled out something I secretly wanted for myself. From a single serving kuhn rikon coffee dispenser to a BODUM designed travel brew mug, they had everything you need for a good cup of coffee short of the beans. Cooking’s covered too, from pressed wood cutting boards to ones that look like pressed wood, knives ranging from cheap to not very cheap by a multitude of designers, and cast iron and porcelain cookware at resonable prices, you can have the kitchen of an iron chef (for the right price!)
The store is a beautifully restored to show it’s age with exposed wood features and massive ceilings. Feels like luxury! Not only that, but they gift packed my purchases for free! My little brother loved his travel BODUM! Thanks Ming Wo!

cool products, got the latest in fashion for anything kitchen-​related, obviously.
check this out: a sushi-​making gadget that spits out perfectly-​cubed sushi for just $ 17. no more of that wooden-​mat to roll up lol
good, nice service.
metered parking all around.

While cycling to this store and at a red light, a seagull pooped on my hand (most thankfully landed beside me!). Not having time to make a detour and not knowing the facilities in the area, when I got to Ming Wo, I asked if I could wash my hand in their sink. Nope. I was directed to a mall across the street I’ve never been to before (I hate malls!). So I left, declaring I wouldn’t be back (at least on that day).
I do like the selection at this store and realize this is a small quibble. But sheesh… most stores would let me wash my hand. Why send their customer to another business to do that?

I’ve been shopping at Ming Wo since 1989, not long before I started cooking professionally. I have always purchased my knives and general kitchen utensils from Ming Wo and always will. Tthe staff know me and what I want, and always find /​get for me exactly what I need. Excellent customer service, will never shop anywhere else, because there’s no need to. Love it.

LOVE this location due to the first and only experience here a wonderful one!
A made a purchase from them two months back.
I spotted this item listed in their ad in the Georgia Straight one Friday, called them to see if they had any left. It was a great deal for a Global knife that they had going. Unfortunately they had long sold out, but she was nice enough to check the inventory of all the stores available. There were about 3 stores that showed for them, but each had only one set, there would have been no way for me to have gone to all three before they closed.
I inquired about doing a pre-​paid transfer, surprisingly, she was able to get them transferred in without being purchased. I was getting two sets for myself, a co-​worker overheard me and wanted a set for himself as well!
She called back the next day to let me know she was able to get me three sets and they had arrived! Such quick service!
I was able to pick up them up just before they closed and I couldn’t have been happier with the deal they had going for it. SUCH A STEAL!
One of the other great deals I got from them was for my lovely Le Creuset pot!
Keep your eyes peeled folks!

I bought my cookware here long time ago, I found they have a bit more selection of cookware than other Ming Wo stores. In addition, they sell different kinds of knives and cutlery.
Staffs are helpful and knowledgeable about their products. In general, the items are pricey at store.

If you live in the neighborhood are in need of a specialty kitchen item you can generally find it here. Ming Wo doesn’t always have the cheapest prices, but they aren’t bad. If you are looking for a deal they have do have really good sales.
I will be honest and say I rarely ever leave here without making a purchase. The best things I have ever bought here include a skull and cross bones cookie cutter, reusable icing bag and fancy tips, fish fillet knife, my simple yet elegant extra large serving tray, small unique condiment serving bowls, and my monkey faced oven mitt.

Do you need pots? Do you need pans? Do you need cookbooks or baking goods, or even a pair of gloves designed for cleaning and removing potato skins? Well, Ming Wo Cookware has just about anything and everything you could want. They have a very friendly staff what is quite knowledgeable as well. Every time I have been in Ming Wo, I have been there for at least an hour as my very foodie partner browses through each and every item they have in the store. The prices are reasonable for good quality cookware. So, take a little time out of your busy life and check out Ming Wo Cookware.
And as always, Have Fun!!!

So you’re a foodie, chef wannabe or you just love food and you’re obsessed with kitchenware. You love window shopping in kitchenware stores like William-​Sonoma, Sur La Table and the likes but felt you can never afford anything in the shop? I know that’s how I felt all the time.
At Ming Wo, the prices are a lot more approachable to many people. No more fancy spatula or porcelain that costs two arms and two legs. Well, not entirely true. Ming Wo not only carries high end pots and pans like Staub and Le Creuset but many items are great bargains. Plenty of cookbooks are on sale for less than $ 15, Asian table wares for a couple bucks or so, carbon steel pans for less $ 10, and larger cake tins (12″ or larger) that I could hardly find from the bigger stores for less than $ 20.
It is certainly not the cheapest place to get cookware because plenty of Chinese shops down on Pender sell cheaper plates, bowls, pans etc. However, I felt that the quality at Ming Wo is much better and it warrants a slightly higher price. You get what you paid for, right? The shop is not big but it’s very well stocked and you can get almost anything you need for your kitchen and home. Vancouver is definitely lucky to have a local and historic institution like Ming Wo.

I could spend hours and hours here, and if money was no object…
As it happens we do have some things we come here to get and always use the visit as a chance to wander and delight and enjoy exploring their kitchen wares.
Our fish dishes? Available here.
Teapots and glassware! Pots and pans! Sharp things of all manner of sizes.
Cookie and vegetable cutters. Serving dishes. Cookbooks. All high quality.

I like this location, but I like the one in the south Granville area much better. Something about customer service I guess… I always feel a but claustrophobic in this location… They do get sales though! I like sales.
Who doesn’t?! Non stick frying pan, 15 bucks, SOLD! Egg timer 2 bucks, SOLD! Cast Iron WOK, 25 bucks, SOLD!
Come here… but try the Granville location too. they’re nice.
2707 Granville St. There’s one on 2170 West 4^th Avenue too but I haven’t been.

I am not a chef… nor a baker… but I do love to cook, bake… and especially eat!
This was recommended by my sister who is pretty darn knowledgeable when it comes to cookware.
Because of my inexperience, I have no idea if the prices were too high or not but I was impressed with the selection of tools you can purchase for your kitchen.
Be careful while walking down the aisles packed full of pots, knives, bowls, cutlery, pans, utensils, glasses… and a bunch of things I have never heard of or seen before… because you will be tempted to buy!
Easily can spend an hour in here browsing around…
found a beautiful set of Riedel tumbler wine glasses at a great price – again, I have no idea if I could’ve found it cheaper elsewhere.

Disclaimer: I’m sort of biased, because kitchen supply stores are sort of my kryptonite.
Anytime I find myself in the area, I’m inevitably drawn to Ming Wo «just to look around». I can browse the aisles for ages without being bored, squealing with delight at the various cookie cutters and cake molds, and only leave reluctantly once I notice that the people I’m with are eying the exit longingly.
Also, I’m admittedly a bargain hunter, and so I’ve found the prices more than fair. They often have a lot of items on sale, and I’ve never purchased anything here which I felt I could find at a significant discount elsewhere. Very, very comprehensive selection of kitchen tools and gadgets, and a very knowledgeable staff. I also like how the staff doesn’t lurk about constantly asking if you need help with anything.