Pui May Housewares

Don’t be fooled by all the knick knacks in the window. The stock inside is varied with lots of practical items. The first time I went in there, I spotted a hobby knife set, similar to Exacto knives. The set came with 3 handles and over 10 different blades. It was only $ 2.99. It’s come in handy so many times. The next time, I got wooden hangers — a pack of 3 for $ 1.99. Then I got a box of envelopes and little dishes like ramekins.
There’s so much stuff in the store that it can be overwhelming. But a little adventure or patience and you might find a great deal.

The other day I decided to make some ice cream, so I went to De Lano’s to pick up cream, chocolate, and almonds and Tigers Liquors to pick up some Kahluah. But I still needed a fine-​meshed sieve. They didn’t have one at either De Lano’s or Ace Hardware, and I really didn’t want to walk all the way down to Kamei in the Inner Richmond. I figured there had to be something close by.
Groceries in hand, I went down Clement Street and discovered Pui May. Pui May is the kind of hole in the wall that sells the most random knickknacks you can think of. Everything from toys and trinkets to scours and swords, and of course, fine-​meshed sieves. It’s all super cheap and all made in China.
My sieve came under two bucks, and the ice cream, Kauai coffee with chocolate covered toasted almonds, was fantastic. Mission accomplished. In short, Pui May is the perfect mama pop shop for cheap, indispensable housewares when you’re in need.