Patel Brothers is an Indian grocery chain with physical stores and online ordering
Patel Brothers is a chain of Indian grocery stores founded in 1974, with locations across the United States and an online store. You can walk into a physical location to browse and buy, or order online for delivery or pickup depending on where you live. The stores stock spices, flours, lentils, rice, canned vegetables, frozen items, snacks, and cooking equipment — the ingredients and tools you need to make Indian food at home.
The chain is family-owned and operates independently, not as part of a larger supermarket group. Patel Brothers stores tend to be smaller than mainstream grocery chains and focus specifically on Indian and South Asian products, which means the selection is deeper in those categories than you would find in a general supermarket's international aisle.
Key Takeaways
- Patel Brothers has both physical store locations and an online store where you can order for delivery or in-store pickup.
- The stores carry spices, grains, flours, canned goods, frozen foods, and cooking equipment focused on Indian cuisine.
- You can find the nearest store location and check hours on the Patel Brothers website.
- Online orders may have minimum purchase amounts and delivery fees that vary by location.
Finding a Patel Brothers location near you
Patel Brothers has stores in most major U.S. cities and many smaller ones. To find the store closest to you, go to the Patel Brothers website and use their store locator tool — you enter your city or zip code and it shows you the address, phone number, and hours for each nearby location.
Not every city has a Patel Brothers store. If there is no location near you, you can order online from the Patel Brothers website for delivery or pickup, though delivery is not available everywhere. The website will tell you whether delivery is an option for your address when you enter your zip code at checkout.
How to shop in a Patel Brothers store
Walking into a Patel Brothers store is straightforward — you browse the aisles, pick what you need, and pay at the register like any other grocery store. The layout is organized by product type: spices in one section, rice and grains in another, frozen items in a separate freezer section, and so on. Staff members are usually available to help if you cannot find something or have questions about how to use an ingredient.
Prices are typically lower than you would pay for the same items in a mainstream supermarket's international section, because Patel Brothers buys in bulk and specializes in these products. If you are buying spices, lentils, or rice regularly, shopping at Patel Brothers will usually cost less than buying the same items elsewhere.
Ordering online from Patel Brothers
The Patel Brothers website has a search bar where you can type in what you are looking for — "turmeric," "basmati rice," "paneer," and so on. You add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Most locations have a minimum order amount, often around $35 to $50, though this varies by store.
At checkout, you choose whether you want delivery or in-store pickup. Delivery fees vary by location and order size — some areas offer free delivery above a certain amount. Pickup orders are usually ready within a few hours to a day. Delivery typically takes three to five business days, depending on your location and current order volume.
What you can buy at Patel Brothers
Patel Brothers carries the core ingredients for Indian cooking: whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander, fenugreek, and asafetida; ground spices like turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala; rice varieties including basmati, jasmine, and sona masoori; lentils and beans in many types; flours like chickpea flour and wheat flour; canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and other prepared ingredients; frozen vegetables and breads like naan and paratha; and snacks like samosas and pakora.
The stores also stock cooking equipment — pressure cookers, tiffin containers, spice boxes, and other tools used in Indian kitchens. You can find both basic versions and higher-end options depending on the store location and what is in stock.
Comparing prices and checking what is in stock
Patel Brothers does not publish a price list online, so you cannot compare prices before you visit or order. The best way to know what something costs is to check the website's product page (if ordering online) or call the store directly. Staff can tell you the price of a specific item and whether it is currently in stock.
Stock varies by location. A large store in a major city will have more variety than a smaller location in a less populated area. If you are looking for something specific and are not sure whether your local store carries it, call ahead before you go.
Payment and return policies
Patel Brothers accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods both in-store and online. In-store, you can also pay with cash. Online orders are charged when you place the order, not when it ships or is picked up.
Return and refund policies vary by location. In general, Patel Brothers will refund or replace items that arrive damaged or are defective, but policies on regular returns differ between stores. If you receive something you are not satisfied with, contact the store or customer service through the website to ask about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Patel Brothers deliver to my area?
Delivery availability depends on your zip code. Enter your address on the Patel Brothers website during checkout to see whether delivery is an option for you. If it is not, you can order for in-store pickup if there is a location near you.
What is the minimum order for online shopping?
Most Patel Brothers locations have a minimum order of $35 to $50 for online purchases, though this varies. The website will show you the minimum for your location when you start shopping.
Can I return items I ordered online?
Return policies vary by location. Contact the store or Patel Brothers customer service through the website with details about what you want to return, and they will tell you what options are available.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery typically takes three to five business days from the time you place your order, depending on your location and how busy the store is. In-store pickup is usually ready within a few hours to one day.
Does Patel Brothers sell fresh produce or meat?
Most Patel Brothers locations focus on packaged and frozen items rather than fresh produce or meat. Some larger stores may carry a limited selection of fresh items, but this varies by location. Call your local store to ask what fresh products they have.