fairycakeyumm
Posts 2858

Daza
Posts 2143

I love the Barsha Co-op too, their fruit and veg is so fresh. The Daiso in that mall is also brilliant, it's huge!

roysie
Posts 1022

fairycakeyumm
Posts 2858

AnonDubai
Posts 9374

amel123
Posts 137

Is there a massive difference between the Union Co-op at Al Safa and the other Co-op? I went to the union one recently and it was rubbish...hardly any jars of sauces or tinned vegetables, and the fruit & veg were in an appalling state. I was not impressed! The prices of the few bits I did get weren't great either, barely any cheaper than Spinneys or Waitrose.

highland lass
Posts 750

Went to the Co op Al Barsha today for the first time and reckon I saved around 200dhs on a usual Spinneys weekly shop! Fruit and Veg are great. Only thing that annoyed me was they set out the shelves by brands rather than products. Def use it from now on.
Thanks ladies didn't know it existed till I read this thread

p.s Car wash for a SUV is only 10 dhs

fairycakeyumm
Posts 2858

Purple
Posts 3008

pollydxb
Posts 1425

Thanks again Ladies, so much feedback. I am going to try out the Union Co-op behind Shangri La rather than the one nr Safa Park tonight, so I will for completion - report back on my experience!

mum2k
Posts 136

We used to shop at Spinneys too...my DH had this idea that meat and fruit elsewhere are not as good...We now shop mostly at LuLu's and C4...they are both reasonably priced and the meat and produce at both are pretty good...haven't had a bad experience yet. LuLu's has really fresh fish but avoid Fridays and Saturdays if you can....too crowded!

sadubai
Posts 302

We're shopping at Union Coop for most stuff and Choithram for fish and meats - we go to the ones on Al Wasl opp Al Safa Park. I've been pleased with the selection at Union but Aline is spot on when she talks about the attitude of the butchery staff so I don't bother to even try to buy meats there. When we were at the Marina I used to go to Al Maya and Waitrose and am shocked at how much our grocery bills have fallen. Having said that, we find a fortnightly trip to C4 still makes sense as staples such as tomatoes and onions are cheaper. I also found the first floor of the Union Coop great for household stuff in terms of both prices and selection.

mich
Posts 372

Agree with co-op....but the meat is poor and butchers dont speak good engish so pointing and measirements with your hands is a must!

aline_jlt
Posts 900

as for co op union the best branch is the one near shangrila hotel -- Canadian univ , i use to go safa one but the stuff at butchery section are soo rude , as the one SZR much cleaner butchery and poultry + they have indoor parking

AnonDubai
Posts 9374

The Co-Op in Muhaisnah in the Etihad Mall has improved since it opened. It is worth a visit for those living in the Mirdif area.

AmyAus82
Posts 3431

I onl shop at Co-op. I used to shop at Co-op Safa, but now at Co-op next to Wellington Primary, it's much more organised and easier to use, especially if you are used to shopping at Spinneys.

The meat is the same as Al Maya. I won't say Spinneys as Spinneys I think must put in extra time to present their meats, which puts the price up, but taste wise it's identical. Plus, you have a larger variety of prices for the meat (ie you can get the more expensive (but still cheaper than Spinneys) meat, or you can get the cheaper local/Egyptian/Iranian/Indian etc. alternatives). Then with f and v you've got options of expensive then cheaper options, and they have a nice range of quality local produce (particularly at the one near WPS)/

sareek
Posts 47

The new union co-op at Al Barsha is very good. It is less crowded and very well laid out. I used to go to Lulu previously but it seems to be too crowded both weekdays n weekends.

cymraes
Posts 2382

pollydxb
Posts 1425

Thanks Ladies!! Very helpful - I will give Union Co-Op a try out and see how I get on!

Great news - about meat

aline_jlt
Posts 900

saintlouismama
Posts 423

aline_jlt
Posts 900

i agree Union Co-Op good prices fresg meat and very fresh veg, fruit , than comes Cr4 than lulu than Choitherms
edited by aline_jlt on 05/02/2012

SkyKitty
Posts 1497

Have bought meat there, the good thing is they label it by where it is from. The Aussie meat was really good and cheaper than back home. Really want to try that Australian gourmet meat place though, but I don't use enough to warrant buying in bulk (share house, tiny freezer)

roysie
Posts 1022

SkyKitty
Posts 1497

Union Co-Op was the first supermarket I went to here... was so amused seeing the giant portraits of HH above the entrace- really hit me then where I was!!

I find it not too bad- they even have Bega cheese which is hard to find in other places

roysie
Posts 1022

Lulu or Co-op... much fresher fruit & veg. I can get a weeks shop for the price of 4 carrier bags in Spinneys

amalzd
Posts 382

Union Co-op is the best in value for money! give it a try, you will be surprised by the difference!
We went there for a trial once, and never did the grocery shopping from any other place anymore!

Good Luck!

LBSA
Posts 84

Also love buying at Union Co-op. You might not get all your stuff from "home" there, but good prices on cleaning aids, stationary, toiletries and basic groceries

kelly1814
Posts 3625

i LOVE the union co-op, great prices, beautiful fresh stuff, and it's a lovely cultural experience when you in there too as not many western expats. always a pleasure!

Fulla
Posts 262

Go to fruit & Veg market for your veg

C4 or lulu for everything else

Only buy produce that is regional and you will save lots.