Given the sheer diversity of communities that inhabit NYC, one has access to cuisines from all cultures – each one, with their personal interpretation of the food that reminds them of home. And while Indian restaurants in New York are sure to give you a taste of some delicious food that is an ode to the country, sometimes all you want is simple dal-chawal-sabzi that you can very easily make at home; or so you’d think, if you happen to find all the ingredients you need. Besides, for recipes that are niche enough to not be well-known, but you’re still craving, there’s always some grocery shopping to do.
Sourcing some amazing ingredients in a bunch of stores around Murray Hill in Manhattan and Jackson Heights in Queens, is your best bet for all kinds of Indian ingredients. For that specific spice blend or Bengali panch phoron, walking through the aisles of an Indian grocery store feels like an immersive experience, that transports you back to the bare simple supermarkets we’ve all walked into here. Based on the kind of ingredient categories you’re looking for, here’s where you can engage in some retail therapy that precedes a comforting, home-cooked Indian meal.
Whole Spices/Spice Mixes/Lentils
Image Credits: Kalustyan's
If you’re a seasoned New Yorker, then Kalustyan’s – the legendary grocery store in Manhattan is almost a tourist destination for the average city-slicker. Apart from spice blends like garam masala, tandoori masala, and whole spices, the store is also known to stock up on Indian lentil varieties, Middle Eastern ingredients and dry fruits. If you look around close enough, you might also find a bottle or two of balsamic vinegar from Modena.
Kalustyan’s: 23 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Dairy
Image Credits: Patel Brothers/Facebook
Hop into the Apna Bazaar in Queens Little India to get a stock of fresh paneer; and to the famous Patel Brothers store to pick up tubs of yoghurt that taste like the ones made back home. Although it’s nearly impossible to find freshly set paneer or yoghurt in NYC, you’re sure to find good quality, authentic dairy products that you can cook with or enjoy in gravies, salads, sauces and dips.
Apna Bazaar: 72-20 37th Ave, Queens, NY
Patel Brothers: Multiple Locations
Little India: 128 East 28th Street, New York, NY
Fresh Produce
If the treasure trove of tindli, okra, Punjabi tinda, banana flower, Indian mango varieties and gourds aren’t enough for you to choose from at the Patel Brothers stores, drop by Patel Grocery as well, to pick up fresh vegetables at affordable prices. Not sure if you want to cook with fresh produce anytime soon? Check out their frozen desi vegetable options to pick up a bag or to, to stash away in the freezer.
Patel Brothers: Multiple Locations
Patel Grocery: 5303 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
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Pantry Ingredients
No Indian meal is complete without an assortment of pickles, chutneys and papads to eat with your dal-chawal or roti-sabzis. Whether it is the dry garlic chutney or a sharp lime pickle, head over to Purnima Halal Meat and Grocery. Purchase ghee, cold-pressed mustard and coconut oils at the Dual Specialty Store and pick from a range of well-stocked Indian brands. Foods Of India also carry a delicious assortment of bottled chutneys and preserves that are sure to ring a bell of eating lunches back home.
Foods Of India: 121 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
Dual Specialty Store: 91,1st Avenue, New York, NY
Purnima Halal Meat and Grocery: 1257 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY
Grains/Pulses/Beans
Image Credits: Crain's New York Business
Craving maa ke haath ka rajma-chawal? Or do you just want to stock up on masoor dal and moong dal to whip up quick meals on a weekday? While Kalustyan’s is sure to have pretty much everything you need, make sure to check some of the shelves at Whole Foods or Meghna in Queens for your stash of authentic Indian dals, grains, pulses and beans. Also find packets of gram flour, fine-ground rice flour, fragrant basmati rice and organic brown rice.
Kalustyan’s: 23 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Meghna - 4-18 37th Avenue, Queens, NY
Whole Foods – Multiple Locations