INDIA MARKET

Spicing Up Honolulu: Discover the World in Every Shelf at This International Grocery Store

[2357 South Beretania Street]

 

At the intersection of Beretania and Isenbergs stands India Market, a modest, hole-in-the-wall neighborhood grocery store that is a cook’s paradise.

Now, while the name suggests a predominant Indian influence, don't be misled. India Market is more than just an Indian food store. It's an eclectic specialty store representing nearly every part of the world.

Seeking a tangy Nepalese sauce? A fragrant curry from India? A unique Middle Eastern canned delicacy or a rare find from New Zealand? At India Market, you're likely to find it.

Navigating the store is like walking through a global bazaar. Aromatic spices welcome customers upon entry, and packed shelves promise global delights waiting to be discovered.

Toward the front, frozen and refrigerated selections hint at endless meal possibilities. Dive deeper, and you'll find jars brimming with premade sauces, ghee, tahini, and more. They share space with packages filled with snacks, sweets, and treats. For those with a penchant for home-cooked meals, bulk rice and essentials are conveniently located at the back.

But the crown jewel of India Market? Their freshly made veggie samosas. Stuffed with curried potato and peas, these flaky, savory pastries have gained near-legendary status in the neighborhood. And a word to the wise: they tend to sell out quickly, so come early if you're hoping to get one!

India Market sells homemade samosas with curried potato and peas and a side of chili sauce.

India Market is a celebration of global flavors. Every shelf, every product, tells a story of tradition, culture, and heritage. For the residents of Honolulu, it's a promise that while they might be miles away from many of these countries, a taste of home or a new culinary adventure awaits just around the corner.