Nathan I.
Yelp
Apna Bazaar is a fair-weather vegetarian's paradise. You know the type: the newly-minted non-carnivores looking for variety when all those bagged hearts of romaine salads get boring. But if you've ever had Indian food, or are looking for something more exotic than Hamburger Helper and Wonder Bread, this place is awesome.
My exposure to Indian food began with my Indian neighbors and continued with my Indian friends. Potato samosas (stuffed pastries) are my favorite; I stopped in for some today, but the man who runs the place said his wife won't make them until Friday. Fair enough, those things taste delicious. I can wait.
Sometimes I have a craving for naan, and they have a good variety here, including whole wheat. There's a much more diverse selection of frozen dinners of some of the more popular Indian foods, but watch out--they may be vegetarian but they're just as fattening as their blander Lean Cuisine counterparts. Always check the nutrition facts.
I picked up some baby eggplant (to stuff with nuts and rice), and this is where they have an assortment of turmeric to put in many recipes (I use it on cauliflower). There's plenty of fresh produce in a clean environment.
I also browse the Indian DVDs they sell for $2.99. I can see why. I figured the character Srinivas was the guy on the front, but his involvement in a labor union and a convoluted marriage plot didn't jive with the picture of him smiling and giving the thumbs up over a smiling belly dancer. I have an open mind, but my experience with Indian cinema shall remain with Slumdog Millionaire and Monsoon Wedding.
When I checked out, I got a bottled Fanta on an impulse. I love that the whole world loves Fanta but us (even those sassy Fantanas couldn't convince us). Big mistake: I think this Fanta was brewed from water straight from the Ganges. I didn't say anything to the friendly owner, I just threw it out once I left. I love Fanta, but not enough to spend the night crapping myself silly.
I always notice at least two people popping in to buy coconut milk. Maybe I should try that instead.
Apna Bazaar is quaint, tucked away, and clean; stop in if you're a South Asian cuisine aficionado or just wanting to try something different. Just don't get a Fanta.