Patel Brothers is a grocery chain focused on South Asian ingredients and products

Patel Brothers is a chain of physical stores and an online retailer that sells groceries, spices, grains, flours, frozen foods, and household items from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries. The stores are located across the United States, with the highest concentration on the coasts and in major metropolitan areas. You can also order online for delivery or pickup at many locations.

Unlike a general international grocery store, Patel Brothers focuses almost entirely on South Asian products. That means you will find a much wider selection of Indian spices, lentils, rice varieties, and frozen vegetables than you would at a mainstream supermarket, but you will not find products from other regions in the same store.

The chain has been operating since 1981 and is family-owned. It started as a single store in New York and has grown to over 100 locations. The stores range in size from small neighborhood shops to large warehouse-style locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Patel Brothers stocks a deep selection of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi spices, grains, flours, frozen vegetables, and prepared foods that are difficult to find elsewhere.
  • You can shop in person at physical locations across the United States or order online through their website for delivery or store pickup.
  • Prices for bulk spices and grains are typically lower than at mainstream supermarkets, especially when you buy larger quantities.
  • Store locations and product availability vary, so checking their website or calling ahead can save you a trip if you are looking for a specific item.

Finding a Patel Brothers location near you

Patel Brothers has stores in most U.S. states, but they are concentrated in California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Florida. You can find the full store locator on their website at patelbros.com. The locator shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Store size and product selection vary significantly by location. A large warehouse store in a major city will carry hundreds of spice varieties, multiple brands of each staple grain, and a full frozen food section. A smaller neighborhood location may carry a more limited selection but still stock the most common items.

If you live far from a Patel Brothers store, their online ordering system ships to most U.S. addresses. Shipping times and costs depend on your location and the weight of your order. Some locations also offer same-day or next-day delivery in their service areas.

What you can buy at Patel Brothers

The core of Patel Brothers' inventory is spices and spice blends. They stock individual spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and asafoetida, as well as pre-mixed blends like garam masala, chaat masala, and sambar powder. Most spices are sold in bulk bins or in small bags, and prices are significantly lower than the spice aisle at a typical supermarket.

Grains and flours make up another major section. You will find basmati rice, jasmine rice, sona masoori rice, various lentils (dal), chickpeas, kidney beans, and specialty flours like chickpea flour, millet flour, and fenugreek flour. These items are sold in bulk quantities and in branded packages.

The frozen food section includes samosas, pakoras, parathas, naan, momos, and prepared curries. Frozen vegetables like okra, fenugreek leaves, and mixed vegetables are also available. Many of these items are made by Indian and Pakistani brands that are not widely distributed in mainstream stores.

Beyond groceries, Patel Brothers sells cooking equipment (pressure cookers, tiffin containers, spice boxes), beverages (mango lassi, chai concentrate, Indian sodas), snacks, and household items. Some locations also have a small selection of fresh produce, though this varies by store.

How prices compare to other grocery stores

Bulk spices at Patel Brothers typically cost one-third to one-half the price of the same spices at a mainstream supermarket. For example, a pound of turmeric might cost $3 to $5 at Patel Brothers versus $8 to $12 at a regular grocery store. The savings are largest when you buy in larger quantities.

Grains and lentils are also cheaper in bulk. A 10-pound bag of basmati rice at Patel Brothers usually costs less per pound than a 2-pound bag at a supermarket. Frozen prepared foods are generally priced similarly to what you would pay at an Indian restaurant or at specialty frozen food sections elsewhere.

Branded packaged items (snacks, beverages, sauces) are sometimes cheaper than online retailers but may be comparable to or slightly more expensive than mainstream supermarkets. The real value at Patel Brothers is in bulk spices, grains, and items that are straightforward not available elsewhere at any price.

Shopping online versus in person

In-person shopping at Patel Brothers lets you inspect items, buy exactly the quantity you need from bulk bins, and avoid shipping costs. You can also ask staff for recommendations or help finding specific items. The downside is that you need to travel to a store, and smaller locations may not have everything you want.

Online ordering through patelbros.com works best for items you buy regularly and in consistent quantities. You can place an order from home and pick it up at a nearby store or have it shipped. Shipping costs depend on order weight and destination, and delivery times vary. Some items, particularly fresh produce and certain frozen foods, may not be available for online order.

Many customers use a combination of both: they shop online for bulk staples they use regularly (spices, lentils, rice) and visit a store in person when they want fresh items or need something urgently.

What to know before your first visit

Patel Brothers stores can be overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with South Asian ingredients. The spice section alone may have 50 or more varieties, many with names you may not recognize. Staff can help you find what you are looking for, and many stores have signage in English and sometimes in Hindi or other South Asian languages.

Bring a list of what you need, or take a photo of a recipe ingredient list on your phone. Prices are usually marked on bulk bins and on packaged items, but some smaller stores may not have price tags on everything. Ask at the register if you are unsure about a price.

Payment methods vary by location, but most Patel Brothers stores accept cash and major credit cards. Some locations may have minimum purchase requirements for card payments, though this is becoming less common. Check with your local store if you have questions about payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to shop at Patel Brothers?

No membership is required. Patel Brothers is open to the public, and you can walk in and shop without any registration or membership card. Online ordering also does not require membership, though you may need to create an account to place an order.

Can I return items I bought at Patel Brothers?

Return policies vary by location. Most stores will accept returns of unopened, unused items within a reasonable timeframe if you have a receipt. Contact your local store directly to ask about their specific return policy, as it is not standardized across all locations.

Are the spices at Patel Brothers fresh?

Spices at Patel Brothers are generally fresh, especially items from bulk bins that turn over quickly. Packaged spices have expiration dates printed on them. If you are buying from bulk bins, the turnover is usually high enough that freshness is not a concern, but you can ask staff how often bins are refilled.

What if my local Patel Brothers does not have the item I need?

You can call the store and ask if they can order it for you, or you can order online and have it shipped to your home. Some items may be seasonal or temporarily out of stock. The online store sometimes has a wider selection than individual physical locations.

Do Patel Brothers stores carry organic or specialty diet products?

Some locations carry organic spices and grains, and some stock products labeled for specific diets, but availability varies widely by store. Call ahead or check the website to see if your local store carries what you are looking for, as inventory differs significantly between locations.