I visited Costco for the first time. Here's what surprised me most, from the the disappointing food court to great produce aisle.

Aefa MulhollandFeb 4, 2023, 21:43 IST

I was surprised by a lot of things during my first visit to Costco.Aefa Mulholland

I'm a chef from the UK who recently went to a Costco in Canada for the first time.
I was astounded by the size of the warehouse and by the selection of fruit and vegetables.

I finally visited Costco for the first time after hearing about it for years.

Costco has locations around the world.Shutterstock

With so many aisles, areas, and choices, it would be very easy to get sensory overload.Aefa Mulholland

There was so much choice, including some varieties I hadn’t seen before.Aefa Mulholland

These chilled areas were the most crowded parts of the warehouse.Aefa Mulholland

Many of the fish appeared to be wild rather than farmed.Aefa Mulholland

The shellfish options also seemed wonderfully freshAefa Mulholland

This was probably the emptiest aisle in the storeAefa Mulholland

Luckily, there was no shortage of snacks in the store.Aefa Mulholland

Certain Costco items only make sense to buy if you have a large family or are catering an event.Aefa Mulholland

Reasonably priced salads, taco dinners, and lasagnas are all made in Costco’s kitchens.Aefa Mulholland

There were aisles of appliances, clothes, and other items I did not expect.Aefa Mulholland

I thought the cavernous food-court area was drafty, empty, and coldAefa Mulholland

My only regret is not buying more kalettes.Aefa Mulholland