Kashmir Bazaar

I went on an adventure to Kashmir Market today, and I was glad I went.
The clerk (proprietor?) greeted us politely with a smile when we walked in. He gave us time and space to look around and examine all the products and try to figure out exactly what we were going to take home with us, He helped another customer while we were there, and never chatted on the phone once the whole time (see my review of Ali Baba Spices for the inside scoop.)
He didn’t seem terrified that my 5-​year-​old might touch something she shouldn’t (she did, BTW, and nobody was worse for it, thankfully, because I would not have been happy having to buy sweet candied fennel seed– I hate em’.) He did, however, help me. I couldn’t remember if gram flour and besam were the same thing, and I knew I needed chickpea flour. They are all the same thing, and he helped my find it and was cordial through the checkout process.
I’ll definitely be going here again, soon. I had two small con’s for todays trip– their location makes is difficult getting out. I couldn’t go out the back way as suggested in another review because some dolt decided to sit there in her van. Also, not all their prices are clearly marked, though most seem to be, and I’m sure if you don’t see a price, the kind man behind the counter will tell you.
Can’t wait to go make some masala naan and taste my coriander chutney!

Love this place.
It’s too early to say if it’s my favorite local Indian grocery. But it is a far cry from Ali Baba. Huge selection of spices, condiments, sweets, and even cookware (I’d never seen an idly steamer before).
Plus a friendly and helpful staff asked if I had any questions, and answered all my questions very well.
It turned out the difference between the two Chana Masala spice blends was that one was Pakastani style, and the other was Indian style. I chose the one which was less spicy (for the kiddo). But it was good to learn that the whole culinary region is represented here, in this shop.
Looking forward to going back, once I have a few more recipes in hand. Winter’s coming, and I am looking forward to some soul satisfying curries.

This is the best Indian grocery I’ve been to so far. It’s very clean and neat and reasonably priced, and has a good selection. Lots of of people seem to come here.
My favorite thing is the samosas, which are some of the very best I’ve ever had. I think they are made fresh on the weekends and they’re best when they’ve not been refrigerated. They are REALLY SPICY and great. The samosas are the only vegetarian thing there. They have other prepared foods as well, and if I were a meat eater, I’d probably go there all the time!
They have a good selection of Indian sweets which they get from NYC I presume. I LOVE Indian sweets.
TIP: To get out, drive around the BACK, don’t try to turn Left onto Central from the front parking lot!