A Guide to Indian Ingredients in Supermarkets

There was once a time when finding goods from India involved an arduous journey into the centre of Bangkok’s worst traffic jams. Once there, you would cobble through the streets amidst a summer inferno and hang back as your mother leafed through the bags of atta, lentils, and other assorted products to replenish the endless pantry at home. Oftentimes, the promise of bringing back packets of Maggi and Kurkure was enough to keep us compliant.

As the times evolved and the DVD shops in Phahurat started to shutter their business, there was the rise of specialty stores like Spice R Us and other grocers who delivered goods straight to our doorstep. It was only natural that the big supermarkets in and around Bangkok would follow suit. From condiments like besan to meal staples like lentils and rice, it is nice to know that Indian groceries are available in a pinch by simply walking to the nearest Tops or Makro.

FIRST STOP: MAKRO

LOCATION: 34 Sukhumvit Alley 22

Makro has long since been the one-stop shop for every Bangkokian’s needs, that too on a budget. For the frequent flier, it is comparable to Costco. From everyday groceries and fresh produce to larger household goods like microwaves and fans, Makro has everything you need. But does it have your mother’s favourite daal or maybe some frozen pakodas to serve at an impromptu dinner party?

Though not everything, Makro still has a sizeable offering. Some of the items available at this store include a one-litre tin of Amul ghee (THB 529), a variety of basmati rice options ranging from THB 85 to THB 520. An 800-millilitre bottle of mustard oil will cost you THB 160. Is your spice rack looking a little depleted? Not to worry, Makro is to the rescue! From garam masala to chunky chaat masala, the colourful boxes of MDH spices (THB 50~70), an indispensable part of every Indian household, fit perfectly on the shelf. There are also lentils aplenty. Chickpeas, red lentils, and even black-eyed peas—Makro has all the ingredients for a full meal. If you’re craving something on the side, they also sell Lijjat papads (THB 57) and achaar (THB 149).

So, whether you are looking to pick up something small or simply do not have the time to peruse the shelves of the specialty store with leisure, Makro seems well-equipped to handle the job!

SECOND STOP: TOPS FOOD HALL

LOCATION: Various

Now known as Tops Food Hall, there was once a time it was known as Tops Supermarket. Do not be fooled by its humble beginnings; Tops has always been a premium shopping destination for your groceries. With imports from countries across several continents, like Australia, Europe, and the Americas, surely the ample aisles of the supermarket have Indian groceries too. They do! Tucked away in an aisle it shares with another cuisine, Indian groceries can be found under the “Mexican/Indian Food” section. Some of their offerings, though less varied than Makro, include various masalas from the Shan brand, ready-to-eat naans, plain and the delectable garlic variety, and basmati rice, though the latter is from Waitrose and not an Indian brand.

If the spread here seems small, do not fret! Roaming through the aisles, there are several Indian products that meet the eye but can’t be found in its dedicated aisle. There are organic pulses and lentils on some of the shelves. Walk a little further to the frozen foods section and you’ll be greeted by a packet of rasmalai from Haldirams (THB 320), frozen tandoori naans, also from Haldirams (THB 175), plain parathas, and frozen vegetable samosas from Coles. The items at Tops Food Hall are a little bit on the pricier side, but if you need something in a pinch, it might be worth nipping around the corner to your nearest Tops.

THIRD STOP: VILLA MARKET

LOCATION: Sukhumvit 33

Villa Market was Bangkok’s first supermarket dedicated to imported products, opening its doors in 1973. Products that expatriates missed from their hometowns, like Marmite from Australia, peanut butter from the USA, and even lamb from New Zealand. As Bangkok grew more global, local supermarkets, too, began to bring in imported goods, but Villa Market remains the premier destination for those hard-to-find products from overseas. So, does Villa Market have any Indian groceries? Products may vary by location, but these are some of the goods that can be found at Villa.

To find Indian groceries at Villa, you really have to delve into the thick of it, wading through the aisles offering Kraft singles and Vegemite to find a splash of colour. That splash of colour belonged to products from the UK-based brand Patak’s. Here you can find chicken tikka masala spice pastes (THB 315), Jalfrezi cooking sauces (THB 235), and even a 3-step coconut korma curry kit (THB 136). Other items available at Villa Market include frozen, ready-to-eat parathas and basmati rice.

While the spread isn’t quite as bountiful, there is no denying that there is a medley available at your fingertips if you’re in the area and have a sudden craving for some homemade curries. Though Indian specialty stores remain the best option for stocking and replenishing our kitchens, it is nice to reap the benefits of globalisation in an everyday supermarket in Bangkok.