Lacey T.
Yelp
Well aware of my obsession with mushrooms, my bestie suggested a stop at Far West Fungi when discussing my recent trip to San Francisco. As it is located in the Ferry Building, take a couple hours to stroll around and check out all the fun stores here!
Now, this darling shop is so much more than mushrooms, but let's start with 'em. You can snatch up fresh, dried, or powdered varieties, even mushroom jerky and caramels! Ever on the hunt for candy caps, I easily located some here. Also, mushroom posters and dishtowels, mugs, and various gifts for the fungi lovers in your life.
You will also find salts, seasonings, gourmet food supplies and treats. There is a small open display of fresh seasonal produce, and even a case of rarer treasures: several truffle varieties, finger limes (all the hearts), and FRESH WASABI. Lesson time: Like 95% of wasabi in the US is actually tinted horseradish. Yes, even at nicer sushi joints. Well aware of this, I've tracked down powdered wasabi at health food stores. I looked into growing my own, or even having it shipped from the one wasabi farm in the US. Far West is the only place I have EVER seen the actual fresh root. And as a bonus, you can store it in water in your refrigerator, and it will last a few weeks! Just grate off the amount required as needed.
It was packed on my visit, but employees were nice and helpful. Prices may feel a tad high, but not for what you get and the availability of such difficult to source products. And when you're looking at signs for food priced at $10 an ounce, or $200 per pound, keep in mind that most of those things are very small and aren't really going to cost that much. I treat myself to truffles about once a month, and can usually obtain one for $15-$50. If you're worried, just ask! Employees will be happy to let you know the average cost of these exceptional goodies, and you'll probably be surprised.
Basically, if you are searching for high quality rare, specialty, or foraged produce (mushrooms or otherwise!), Far West Fungi is THE place to go.