Namaste Indian Food Mart — Local services in Vancouver

As an enthusiastic if not knowledgable food tourist I was confounded by the existence of two Indian grocery stores directly across the parking lot from each like two gunslingers faced off across a barren old west street. Maybe each has a specialty or it's a happy dance of cooperation, but it cries out for some comparison and investigation.

I go into Namaste first and I am amazed at the wild variety of products, many if not most I do not have a clue about, this is a foray into strange lands.Snacks and teas and incense abound. The highlight of the store as far as I'm concerned is the amazing wall of spices in the back. Usually I do a little homework before venturing into a place like this so I have some idea what I am looking for, but this is off the cuff so what I see is endless mysterious variety.

Of course the place is packed and passing down an aisle I suspect I am like a giant ruined ship trying to get past smaller ships as we pass down narrow locks. Regardless of the fact that much of the place is a mystery to me, I know bounty when I see it and Namaste is packed with variety.

When I get to the front with my purchases, I have to say that the man behind the counter looks like he has had it with tourists wandering into his domain. Ain't no welcome for this fat old white guy, although who knows, maybe he's that way to everybody. I almost forgot my change in my hurry to vacate the premises. It puts a strange twist on what would otherwise be a stellar experience.

For my next review, I simply drop my stuff in the truck and walk across the parking lot to Taste of India. I cannot help but wonder about two Indian groceries situated so close to each other. Do they meet for coffee? Chai? Are there customers loyal to one emporium over the other.

Stay tuned...

I’ve seen differing reports of the customer service. I found the cashier super helpful. I had no idea how to find the items I was looking for, and she patiently walked up and down the aisles looking them . When she couldn’t find one item, she offered to call the manager for help. They had a very good price for the item I bought, about half what I had found it for on Amazon. Be aware that the aisles are very crowded and narrow, not wheelchair accessible. Overall, I have been very pleased with the customer service the two times I’ve been here, and...

Very bad customer Service "Arrogant & Rude lady at the counter should learn customer service, She is Greedy & full of hypocracy, setting up a bad example of Indian culture, very pricey, taking advantage of the situation and selling expired stuff!!! I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, so far the worst indian grocery store...