Peter M.
Yelp
There are numerous chains of South Asian grocery stores (that carry food from many countries in that area of the globe). Some of them have hot cases, with fresh vegetarian food to go, or with a few tables, to dine in. Other stores are only for groceries. If you look around at numbers, this ethnic cohort, has the most locations in the SFV, Los Angeles, Simi and Thousand Oaks vicinities. Because of this, India Sweets and Spices, on Sherman Way and Topanga, is worth a trip.....to pick up ingredients, if and when I am in the mood to do some in house cooking :) This location also has a fresh vegetarian hot case every day, with several enticing, nutritious and tasty vegetarian selections of North Indian and South Indian food. There are also tables to dine in.
On the grocery side, you can get some of these spices at supermarket chains like Ralph's, Vons, Whole Foods and the like. But none of these statewide chains will be able to come close or compete with these South Indian grocery establishments that are often, mom and pop joints. Supermarkets give you small quantities of spices for exorbitant prices. On the other hand, these smaller grocery stores have a very high degree of freshness, intoxicating fragrance, at a comparatively steal of a price in their products. And the smallest bag bought here, can last you for a long time. These are the places to go for superb intoxicating selections of turmeric, dried red chilies, fenugreek, fresh curry leaves, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, coriander powder, paprika, cardamom, fennel, and the like. If you are fond of okra, the best quality and freshness is in these stores. They also have the smaller red onions. And try some of the vast array of packaged and unique snacks (one of my favorites is the salted fried green peas), when you're tired of eating all the brands of potato chips :)