Bayon Market

Stepping into Bayon Market is like finding a quiet, familiar nook tucked away in the heart of Long Beach’s bustling East 10th Street. There’s an understated warmth here that draws you in—not because it shouts for attention, but because it carries the gentle hum of everyday life lived with care. The pace is unhurried and sincere, inviting both regulars and newcomers to linger a little longer among the shelves stocked with ingredients crafted for home-cooked stories.

The market whispers its Asian roots through subtle, textured details—a modest array of familiar sauces and pastes, each carrying the promise of shared meals and memories passed down through generations. The sweet smell of coconut milk and the subtle bite of chili take shape in quiet conversations with the woman behind the counter, whose welcoming spirit is as much part of the visit as the unique products offered. She embodies the neighborhood’s understated kindness, making each visit feel less like a transaction and more like a brief, friendly exchange.

Bayon Market’s charm lies in its authenticity. It’s not a bustling international supermarket, but rather a well-curated collection of essentials and small discoveries that feel personal. Whether you’re picking up ingredients for a curry simmering at home or grabbing a cold beer to share with friends, there’s a modest joy in knowing these flavors are rooted in tradition. The cash-only policy and the occasional quiet hum of the ATM are gentle reminders of its old-school neighborhood market character, spruced up by genuine care and a sense of community.

As you wander the narrow aisles, there’s a soft sense of connection—not only to the Asian culinary heritage on display, but to the simple human moments that bring it all together: greetings exchanged, recipes hinted at, and the comfort of a familiar place where people come to gather ingredients for their own stories.