So you've decided to make your own Garam Masala, a fitting goal for any aspiring foodie. You do have copious amounts of cinnamon, green and black cardamom pods, cumin, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, chili, and cumin on hand, don't you? Bombay Bazar does.
Open: 11-9 Weekdays, 11- 10 Weekends
This Inner Mission classic has been on the same site for 30 years now, though the popular Bombay Ice Cream addition was added only ten years ago. You can find all the staples of Indian cooking here – jars of ghee, fresh curry leaves, rose water, lentils and more. Half pound bags of whole or ground spices are only a fraction of the price they'd be at other stores.
If that's not enough, in the center of the store is a separate room showcasing saris, bindis, jewelry, and other fashion needs.
Then swing over to the chaat and ice cream counter for a scoop of Almond Saffron Pistachio, Mango or maybe Rose petal. If you're adventurous, try the house special dessert called Falooda – it's an ice cream shake made with basil seeds, rose noodles, milk and rose syrup. On your way out the door, don't forget a bag of samosas for the road – they're savory, vegetarian, and incredibly addictive.
This is by Sarah, who is up for one of our new writer positions. Welcome Sarah!
(All photos by Sarah Schoomer for The Kitchn.)
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
Wow. I wish Wisconsin was closer to San Francisco.
view nongsa's profile
nonsga - look for an Indian grocery in your neck of the woods; there are little groceries like this all over the country!
In general, we're hoping that our local reviews spark inspiration to hunt for the same kind of establishments in other areas.
view faith's profile
I like this review a lot. I've been to this store and didn't know all of that was there. I'm usually distracted by the Bollywood videos and posters.
view SFGail's profile
Yum, Sarah! I also love their ice cream. Falooda is fantastic!
view sunsetgun's profile
The ice cream is amazing. I can't decide if ginger or cardamom is my fav. As for the grocery, I always loved going in there and smelling all the wonderful spices. That is, until I brought home a bag of coriander one day. Thankfully, I unpacked it onto the kitchen table instead of putting it directly in the cabinet. I noticed there seemed to be some movement and realized it was full of baby cockroaches! Horrifying, but I was mostly sad that I have to look elsewhere for Indian supplies. But it can't keep me away from the ice cream.
view carpentrix's profile
Holy cats. I can't believe I didn't already know about this place. Now I'm totally craving a samosa and want to try saffron ice cream. I'd sad this weekend is so booked, or I'd stop by as soon as possible.
view Mace Elaine's profile
The ice cream there great and I have a certain weakness for the ginger - or all things ginger for that matter.
I believe I bought some of my burning man clothes from their store.
view MisterDarcy's profile
I enjoyed the spirit of this review but it reads a bit like a PR press release. bombay bazar was one of the first places I visited when I moved to the bay area. at the time, the ice cream shop also featured chaat and snacks and curries, all cooked fresh each day by the owner of the shop. I have yet to find anything to equal the amazing taste of that indian food (the owner has since passed along the cooking to a local restaurant, as raising a family and simmering curries for five hours a day was too much).
there is a low turnover in their bulk foods and spices section, so moths and bugs live good rich lives there. rainbow grocery collective, close by, offers many bulk spices that are fresh, critter free and often even organic.
view annabanana's profile