I was initially hesitant to leave a negative review for this place, but I feel compelled to share my experience. I visited this store on a Friday night at approximately 9:30 PM and was greeted by someone of Pakistani descent, purportedly the manager, with a pleasant Islamic greeting (after noticing my obvious Arab complexion).
I requested 3 lbs of lamb for biryani, specifying that I needed larger chunks of meat for the dish's preparation. The manager confirmed his understanding and relayed my order in English to the butcher behind the counter.
While the butcher was preparing the meat, I browsed the store and picked up a few additional items, including fresh green chilies (which were spicy but not the freshest), kewra water, and Kashmiri chili powder. However, as I moved through the aisles, another store worker appeared to be closely monitoring me, as if I were at risk of shoplifting some trivial pre-mixed package. This was the first thing that made me uncomfortable and contributed to my negative impression of the store.
The most appalling part of my visit, however, came when I returned to the butcher counter. Instead of cutting fresh, large chunks of meat as requested, the butcher opened a previously packaged bag of meat that was previously affixed with a price label (I believe it represented a returned customer's meat package). He then weighed out my portion from that. Worse still, when I got home, I discovered that the meat was bony, full of cartilage, and cut into small curry-sized pieces, rather than the larger chunks I had asked for. Unfortunately, by the time I realized this, it was too late to contest the issue.
To make matters worse, the price for this subpar meat was the highest I have ever paid for lambā$13 per pound. After reflecting on the experience, I am convinced that I was overcharged simply because I am not Pakistani. It seemed as though they assumed I was unfamiliar with bargaining or the tactics they use to overcharge unsuspecting customers, as I was obviously not their typical customer (all of the other customers there spoke Urdu/Hindi and seemed to be known by the store owner).
Shopping here feels like shopping on the streets of Pakistanāin all the worst ways. Avoid this place, especially if you're looking for fresh lamb. There are several other reputable markets, such as West LA International Market, where you can find reasonably priced,...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreHonestly, I was hesitant to review this place because I wanted to keep it a secret.
I'm mainly vegetarian, but I do eat meat on occasion, and this place has an incredibly fresh selection, so I can't wait to pick some up for the next BBQ.
I come here for their huge selection of bulk beans, lentils, and spices. They're well priced and great quality. Also, the soaps and snacks here aren't filled with dyes and preservatives, so it's a great place to pick up minor toiletries while you're shopping.
If you're buying spices, check out "Shah's Deer Brand." It's high quality, and I'm mildly obsessed with their curry blends because they make everything I cook taste amazing.
Here are a few recent dishes I've made with their ingredients.
The first is stewed red beans, with shredded carrots spiced with garam masala, and plain greek yogurt sprinkled with garlic and onion.
The second is black eyed peas spiced with garam masala, soy sauce, hot curry, cumin, and other spices, with kale marinated in pressed garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, mild curry, and olive oil.
The last is stewed red beans, spiced with garam masala, mild curry, garlic, onions, chili powder, and brown sugar.
All of the beans and spices were purchased here, but other than onions and garlic, you'll need to get your produce at a...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreExcellent Experience at NoHo Halal Meat & Grocery!
I recently had the pleasure of shopping at NoHo Halal Meat & Grocery and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The quality of the meat is top-notch ā fresh, clean, and perfectly prepared. It's evident that they take great pride in offering only the best to their customers.
What stood out to me, even more, was the customer service. Hasan Bhai, in particular, was fantastic. His knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to go above and beyond truly made my shopping experience memorable. It's not every day you come across someone so committed to ensuring customer satisfaction.
The store itself is well-organized, clean, and easy to navigate, making my shopping trip efficient and pleasant. The variety of meats available is impressive, and it's great to have access to such high-quality halal options.
Overall, I highly recommend NoHo Halal Meat & Grocery to anyone looking for quality meat and exceptional service. It's places like these that turn a routine chore into a delightful experience. I'll definitely be returning for more of their excellent products and warm...
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