Patel Brothers, located near the Cincinnati area (specifically in or around Mason, OH), is one of the most well-known Indian grocery chains in the U.S., and the Cincinnati branch lives up to its reputation. Whether youâre shopping for daily Indian groceries, preparing for a festive celebration, or just craving authentic Indian snacks, Patel Brothers offers a comprehensive and satisfying shopping experience.
The store layout is clean, organized, and relatively spacious, especially compared to smaller Indian shops. Upon entering, youâre greeted by the distinct aroma of Indian spices, and the well-stocked aisles reflect the diverse culinary needs of the Indian diaspora. The overall ambiance is busy but welcoming, especially on weekends when most Indian families do their weekly shopping.
One of the major strengths of Patel Brothers is its impressive product variety. From essential staples like rice, wheat flour (atta), and lentils (dal) to an expansive range of whole and ground spices, the store offers regional ingredients that cater to both North and South Indian households. Whether you need rasam powder, pav bhaji masala, or fresh garam masala, youâll find popular brands like MDH, Everest, and Deep lining the shelves.
The fresh produce section is another highlight. Indian vegetables like okra (bhindi), bitter gourd (karela), ivy gourd (tindora), drumsticks, methi leaves, curry leaves, and more are regularly stocked. While availability can vary based on season and delivery schedules, the quality is usually reliable, and the turnover is highâso items are generally fresh. Patel Brothers often receives shipments multiple times a week to keep up with demand.
The store also excels in frozen and ready-to-eat items, with an impressive selection of frozen parathas, naans, curries, snacks like samosas and dhoklas, and even pre-mixed dosa and idli batter. Thereâs also a well-stocked dairy section with paneer, curd, and ghee.
Beyond food, the store carries pooja items, Indian cookware, incense sticks, pressure cookers, and traditional utensils. This makes it a convenient one-stop shop, especially during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Holi. They also have a seasonal section with decorative items, sweets, and diyas.
Pricing is generally fair and competitive, though some imported items can be on the pricier side compared to Indian market rates. That said, the convenience and variety make it worthwhile. The customer service is decentâmost staff are polite and speak multiple Indian languages in addition to English, which is helpful for older shoppers.
One minor downside is the crowd on weekendsâparking can be a bit of a hassle, and checkout lines get long. However, they usually have multiple counters open to keep...
   Read moreVisited this store yesterday for a few items for my altar. Very limited selection in that department. I was able to find the items I was looking for except for charcoal disks.
Asking for assistance was problematic as the employee I first spoke with spoke no English and seemed unwilling to assist me beyond saying she didnât understand. I was completely brushed off.
The store is very clean, neat, and tidy but if youâre looking for something as an English speaker, youâre going to run into trouble and the staff will not be able to, nor will they care to, assist.
The cashier was similarly unfriendly. We werenât greeted, spoken to (sans the total), or even smiled at. Funny that the person ahead of me in line (seemingly of middle eastern Asian descent) was given a whole different side of her personality- a smile, some conversation, and an interest in treating her like a valued customer.
I understand that this is an Indian grocer. However, there is no reasons to treat customers of different descent like yesterdayâs garbage.
There are MUCH better Indian grocers in the area, ones that have more pooja items, that treat you well, and are eager to assist, even in the instance of a...
   Read morePatel Brothers is a truly authentic Indian market place where you can find products from all over India and neighboring countries. This place is a paradise for those who love cooking with Indian spices as they offer the best place to buy spices in bulk. The fresh vegetables available here are always of top quality and are available in abundance.
You can find lots of variety in the products available at Patel Brothers, and the prices are good as well. They offer a wide range of Indian snacks and ready-to-eat food, which is perfect for people on the go or those who don't have much time to cook. You can find everything from frozen Indian entrees to snack items like papadums and samosas. Additionally, they offer fresh paneer, an Indian cheese that's hard to find elsewhere.
Overall, Patel Brothers is a must-visit place for anyone who loves Indian food and cooking. They offer an unparalleled selection of products, fresh veggies, and competitive pricing. Whether you're looking for something specific or just browsing, Patel Brothers is a great place to explore and find all the ingredients you need to make a delicious...
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