Keemat Grocers — Attraction in Katy

For many years, the Katy, TX Keemat on Mason road has been my favorite Indian grocer. I would drive a long way to shop there, and have always encouraged others to shop there as well, even writing a glowing online review years ago. However, all that changed when, a couple of days ago, simply out of curiosity, I stopped as I walked inside the door to look at a $39.99 box of nine mangoes shipped from India, prominently displayed as something special, and placed where no one could possibly walk by without noticing.

I've always heard that Indian mangoes are like no other, but since I think all mangoes are delicious, I couldn't imagine how they could be even better. A man, presumably the owner, saw me checking them out, came over, and cut a box open to allow me see the mangoes. He proceeded to tell me how delicious they are and bragged that they were transported into the country on British Airways. After a couple of minutes of listening to his glowing review, I decided that I deserved an occasional splurge, and told him that he had sold me. After all, I can't afford to travel, so I occasionally allow myself to live vicariously through the cuisine of other countries. I purchased the mangoes, along with a couple of other items that I had specifically stopped in to purchase, brought them home, then waited a couple of days for the first ones to begin to ripen. This morning, when I checked again, I found a few that gave in to slight pressure, and had clearly ripened. I chose one, washed it, then used a vegetable peeler to peel away a couple of wide strips of the skin. I then sliced off some orange flesh, eagerly anticipating my first taste of an expensive Indian mango. To my shock and horror, the Mango tasted the way insecticide fumes taste when sprayed into the air and accidentally inhaled. Disgusting! And needless to say, it was certainly the worst Mango, or any food, that I've ever tasted. I quickly thew it into the trash as I wouldn't even set it outside for insects or birds. I then called Keemat, inquired about a return, and the owner was called to the phone. He said he couldn't accept a return of the mangoes, citing the fact that it's fruit. I told him that I could return bad groceries to any reputable grocery in the area. He stated that other stores would not accept the return of fruit either. I told him that I know for a fact that they will. He then said, do you think we make money on those?" I told him that I had no idea if he made money or not, but that I'm more concerned about losing $40 on a box of inedible mangoes. Apparently he, a business owner, thinks it's far better that his customers suffer a $40 loss, as long as he doesn't suffer a $20 or $30 loss. He could have offered something, even a store credit where he would still come out well, and I wouldn't have been totally swindled. I told him that there are plenty of other Indian grocers in the area, several that are much, much closer to me, and that he had just lost a long time customer. I will definitely no longer spend my hard earned money at his establishment, and am hereby warning others what they can expect should they find themselves with bad produce purchased there, or probably anything else for that matter. Shop at your own risk, but definitely steer clear of the...

Very nicely organized meat and clean store. I rank 3 star cause of lady she works at register in morning shift thinks herself over smart . She always tells oh this was on sale till yesterday I will give u dollar off next time ... Really ..do we look like dollar beggar to you.. This time today I just ask this lady that “even though you guys have my email am not getting the emails regarding sale .. And guess what she started giving me lecture on how we spend money here and there and look for sale ...

Wow dear owner you really need to fix her attitude towards customer ... and tell her do do her job and don’t give unwanted advise to customer. I hope not see this lady again...

I love the store but this kind of attitude may hold me stepping back in...

Keemat hits the spot for delicious vegan Indian street food! Their chaat and parathas are bursting with flavor, and portions are super generous. Their chaat, Indian curries and Parathas are super delicious, freshly made. They never compromise on portion and quality of food, they cook and make dishes freshly, even Dahi. We love to eat batata vada, dahi puri, bhel puri, Raj Kachori, cholle puri, and pakoda, these are just few of fantastic food items. Keemat more than just food. They're a top-notch grocery store for all your Indian vegan and pulse needs. The friendly staff is super knowledgeable about everything they sell, and they're happy to explain what's in each dish. Makes shopping for vegan Indian...