Across Canada
Indian grocery shopping in Canada.
Indian grocery stores are the best place to buy spices, flours and chutneys in Canada. If you do not have one nearby, many items are available in larger supermarkets.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Best for
Spices and flours
Buy whole
Cumin, mustard
Check
Use-by dates
Ask
Staff for brands
01
Why an Indian grocer is worth the trip
Indian grocery stores sell spices in larger quantities at lower prices, and the stock turns over quickly, so spices are fresher. They also carry items supermarkets rarely do, such as ready-made puri shells, sev, frozen samosas, curry leaves and specialty flours.
02
What to buy there
A first shopping list:
- Whole cumin, coriander, mustard seeds and cardamom
- Turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder and garam masala
- Atta (whole wheat flour) and besan (gram flour)
- Ghee, paneer and plain full-fat yogurt
- Tamarind pulp, chutneys and pickles
- Ready-made puri shells and sev
03
What supermarkets stock
Many large supermarkets carry chickpea flour, canned chickpeas, basic spices, jars of curry paste and some Indian condiments. These are fine for beginners, but stock varies by region.
04
Tips for buying spices
Buy whole spices when you can, because they keep their flavour for much longer than ground ones. Smell the packet if you can. Store spices in airtight jars away from heat and light, and replace ground spices after about a year.
05
No Indian grocer nearby?
Ask a local Indian restaurant where they shop, or look at online sellers that ship across Canada. In Ottawa, you can also try dishes from the cafe first. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
What should I buy first at an Indian grocery store?
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, atta, besan and ghee.
Is it better to buy whole or ground spices?
Whole spices stay fresh longer and have more flavour when freshly ground or tempered.
Can I get Indian ingredients at a regular supermarket?
Some, such as chickpea flour and basic spices. Specialty items usually need an Indian grocer.
How long do ground spices last?
They lose potency over time. Replace them after about a year for the best flavour.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.