Market Report: Stock up on Indian groceries at Samosa House. And stay for lunch

Samosa House West, the original market/restaurant and one of three locations in Culver City and Silver Lake, carries an extensive array of Indian goods, including fresh produce and groceries, dry and frozen goods, popular Indian snacks, household and religious goods and decorations.

Sept. 23, 2015 8:30 AM PT

Name: Samosa House West (formerly called Bharat Bazaar) is a family-owned market/restaurant located in Culver City. This is one of three Samosa House locations — there’s a second in Culver City, along with a newly opened location in Silver Lake.

Concept: Originally opened in 1979, Samosa House is one of the largest Indian markets in Southern California, offering fresh produce, frozen and dried goods, popular Indian snacks, cookware, household and religious items. The restaurant makes a number of popular Indian dishes — appetizers, combination plates, desserts, beverages — ready to order. Eat in and take your cafeteria tray to one of the tables, or grab takeout.

What it stocks: The vegetarian/vegan market stocks an excellent array of spices and flavorings (chutneys, curries and pastes), sugars, teas, incense, rice, flours and other dry goods. The produce selection is limited, but includes fresh Indian herbs, roots and flavorings (there was bitter melon recently). The market also stocks popular Indian and British household goods, sweets, naan and snacks. The frozen section along the back wall features frozen produce, commercially-prepared dishes, desserts and other things.

Who shops there: This is a family market and neighborhood restaurant. In addition to specializing in Indian groceries, the market is a great resource for vegetarians and vegans.

The find: The samosas. You may make the trip to stock up on asofoetida (a flavoring obtained from a giant fennel-like plant used in many Indian dishes), but stick around and order a couple of the rich, just-fried pastries — then order a dozen to take home.

Where is it: The original location is located on Washington Blvd. in Culver City west of the 405 freeway. And if you’re not totally full yet, maybe check out Mayura Indian Restaurant — it’s a regular on Jonathan Gold’s 101 — which is nearby.

Parking: There’s a parking lot on the property located to the side of the restaurant/market.

Information: 11510 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, (310) 398-6766. Monday through Sunday 10:30 a.m-9:30 p.m. www.samosahouse.com.