Suraj Imports

As with many smaller grocers, or at least the smaller international markets, Suraj Imports Alabama Indian and Pakistani Groceries has appeared under more than one name (at one time, this was the location of Maharajah Imports).
Lodged in the semi-​living strip mall that once famously housed If It’s Paper and is still too close to the ghost of the Wooden Nickel, it steadfastly offers a major stash of Indian desserts to its clientele. Bundi Ladoo, anyone? Punjabi Mathi?
Oh, there’s a lot more, to be sure, but you won’t see the sort of sugar-​drenched spread here in any other location within reasonable driving distance. Indeed, if you open the refrigerator door slowly on a quiet, windy night, you can hear diabetics screaming from as far away as the Wave Pool.
And the locals do show. One Friday I was there during what must be the produce rush (fresh veggies arrive then, and on Wednesdays). It was good to see people busily perusing the wares: Green/​Yellow Papayas; Guwar (Cluster Beans); Bitter Melon; Okra; Papdi (Indian Flat Beans); Taro Root… etc.
Even if you don’t care for Indian cuisine – you sad, pitiful thing – Suraj is worth the jaunt at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to stock up on bulk Cinnamon, Cumin, Cloves, Cardamom, and others that don’t start with a «c.» You can make your own potpourri or, if you are a little reluctant to concoct Chai at home, just stick a stick of Cinnamon in your coffee to give it warm touch, or a kiss of All Hallow’s.
Bulk legumes and pulses, enough brands of Ghee to choke, or drown, a Trojan horse, and frozen breads are on hand, as is a rather capacious Wall of Snacks… Red Mukhwhas and the like… the perfect little go-​to shelf for anyone attending an international night and too lazy to cook, or to simply keep on hand next to the recliner for those hours-​long evenings of Bollywood abandon.
If you’re unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, you should go directly to the frozen area and pick out an entrée or two that doesn’t make you swoon. Prices here, as opposed to a full meal elsewhere, will satisfy the frugal. Not much outlay for powerful taste and, if you’re plain old cheap, grab a side or an appetizer, instead.
Also on Wednesdays and Fridays are home-​cooked Puff Pastries and Samosas. I haven’t tried them yet. But, as Scarlett is my witness, I will never ignore them again.