Whether you're shopping for a single meal, making an effort to stock your pantry for an entire season, or looking to provide the raw ingredients for a full-scale restaurant, locating quality distributed Indian food items can present a challenge for many enthusiasts and businesspeople alike. The advent of widespread multiculturalism in the United States, incorporating the goods, customs, and perspectives of people from all over the world, however, goes a long way to assist shoppers with locating their favorite hard to find items. America's port cities are especially rich in outposts for rare imported foods, and Seattle is certainly no exception. No matter the culinary inclination or practical purpose of your search, Seattle likely has an Indian food and specialty goods distributor that carries all you've ever wanted to find -- plus many items waiting to be discovered. Use this helpful cheat sheet to get a glimpse of the offerings of the city's top Seattle India grocers, and get ready to cook up a storm.


The Pakistani Indian grocery on Roosevelt Way Northeast is an excellent stop for South Asian staples in a friendly setting staffed by courteous and knowledgeable people eager to help you create something delicious. Local patrons laud the store for its excellent selection of general and specialty meats, which can be difficult to locate in Seattle. From whole lambs to single-serving portions of prepared chicken, the meat section is a Seattle curry lover's heaven. True to the cuisines that are its namesake, the Pakistani Indian grocery carries a multitude of spices, with many available in bulk and expertly pre-blended to help save time and guesswork. Dry items such as lentils, rice, and other grains are plentiful and well stored to preserve their flavor and texture. A moderate selection of frozen goods ranges from pre-cooked ready to heat dinners to rare vegetable mixtures to creamy delights such as frozen yogurts and mango mousse. Find the essentials for all your favorite Indian dishes, from esoteric dairy products to crushed nuts and dried fruits to specialty sauces and pickles. Explore the wide range of herbal teas on offer and take advantage of items for outside the kitchen like beautiful tapestries and handy calling cards. Start your shopping adventure with quality meat and end with the goods for an all-out feast at the Pakistani Indian grocery.


The name may be Japanese, but don't let that fool you; Uwajimaya on Fifth Avenue South between Cherry and James caters to the cuisines of all Asian countries and traditions, from meats to novelty snacks and back again. With one of the most extensive inventories in the region, Uwajimaya serves as a major distributor of Indian food goods in Seattle and the Western United States at large. Find your favorite pre-packaged prepared treats, or explore the never ending shelves for spices, herbs, grains, legumes, sauces, chutneys, pickles, and breads. While prices are slightly higher than at other regional supermarkets, Uwajimaya more than compensates with it's superb selection of rare goods.


Make your Indian shopping trips fun with Seattle's best ethnic grocery stores. A lot of exploration and a little luck are sure to produce a meal, a month, or a multitude of authentic dishes that reflect the spice and panache of Indian cooking.