Krishna M.
Yelp
If you thought the Sunnyvale Apni Mandi was convenient, wait until you see its Fremont sibling. This location is huge--easily twice the floor space--so navigating crowded aisles is finally a thing of the past. The first thing that hits you is the produce section: crisp methi leaves, vibrant bhindi, and tender drumsticks that look like they were picked that very morning--nothing wilted or bruised in sight.
Even better, prices on staples--everything from toor dal to Parle-G--are consistently a few dollars lower than Sunnyvale's tags. For bulk shoppers and big families, those savings add up fast. Variety is equally impressive: aisles are lined with regional flours, rice, hard-to-find masalas, and ready-to-eat snacks I haven't spotted anywhere else in the Bay Area. In fact, you'll find nearly every product you'd expect in a kirana store back home--from specialty pickles and papads to steel idli plates and pressure-cooker gaskets.
A unique highlight is the outdoor open market at the entrance--think of it as a mini farmers' bazaar brimming with fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, and street-style snack stalls. It's an experience I haven't seen at any other Indian grocery in the Bay Area and it adds a lively, weekend-market vibe to every visit.
The cashiers deserve a special shout-out: consistently friendly, quick with a smile, and happy to double-bag fragile items or track down last-minute requests without rushing you along.
Knowing I can swing by at odd hours and still find the same freshness and welcoming staff is a genuine game-changer.
Apni Mandi Fremont has set a new benchmark for Indian grocery shopping in the Bay Area--bigger, fresher, cheaper, stocked like the best markets in India, complete with a vibrant outdoor bazaar, staffed by friendly cashiers, and always open.
Highly recommended!