Rai’s India Bazar

About the Business

Tucked away in the heart of San Jose, Rai’s India Bazar at 124-K Blossom Hill Rd has quietly become a favorite destination for those seeking authentic South Asian groceries without the hassle of long drives or endless shelf-scanning. If you’ve ever tried navigating a giant supermarket just for a handful of Indian spices or fresh curry leaves, you’ll appreciate the charm and efficiency of this location. It’s a compact yet complete grocery_or_supermarket setup—everything you’d expect from a trusted neighborhood store.

From the moment you walk in, the aroma of roasted cumin and hing hits you—familiar, comforting, and somehow grounding. This isn’t your typical chain-store experience. Instead, Rai’s offers a curated mix of essentials: fresh produce, lentils in all varieties, regional snacks, frozen ready-to-eats, and a surprisingly expansive selection of masalas. On my first visit, I was looking for a specific brand of Punjabi ghee my mother-in-law swears by, and sure enough, it was right there on the middle shelf, next to the Amul butter and South Indian pickles.

What sets Rai’s apart is how personal it feels. The owner doesn’t just stand behind the register—they’ll ask what dish you’re cooking and recommend a spice blend or remind you not to forget jaggery if you’re making sambhar. I’ve seen customers drop in not just for groceries but to catch up or ask for cooking advice. This blend of commerce and community makes it more than a store—it’s a point_of_interest for locals who want real connection with their culture.

The location is convenient, especially for those in South San Jose. Parking is easy, which is often half the battle in shopping these days. Inside, the layout is simple and smart. Aisles aren’t crowded but are packed with value. You’ll find trusted names like MDH, Haldiram’s, Parle, and even regional brands from Maharashtra and Kerala that are hard to locate elsewhere in California. For anyone planning Diwali or just craving some spicy farsan on a lazy weekend, Rai’s becomes a go-to.

What makes this establishment especially trustworthy is its consistency. Stock rotation is good, expiry dates are clearly visible, and cleanliness is well-maintained—something I’ve found lacking in some other Indian grocery stores in the Bay Area. Based on frequent visits and casual chats with other regulars, reviews consistently highlight customer service and authenticity as major plus points.

While there’s no fancy storefront or large-scale marketing, Rai’s India Bazar stands strong by simply doing the essentials right. It’s not just a grocery store—it’s where tradition meets daily life, tucked into a quiet corner of San Jose. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a recent transplant hunting for your mom’s favorite brand of dal, Rai’s is the kind of store that remembers your face and helps you feel at home.

Service and More

From The Business

  • Small business

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Planning

  • Quick visit

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • SNAP/EBT

Parking

  • On-site parking

Service Options

  • Delivery

Rai’s India Bazar Photos

Rai’s India Bazar Rai’s India Bazar Rai’s India Bazar Rai’s India Bazar Rai’s India Bazar

Reviews

3.8
★★★★☆
Rang ray ta Guru Ka Bayta (Guru Ka Banda)
Rang ray ta Guru Ka Bayta (Guru Ka Banda)
★★★★★
Wonderful experience shopping here Every things So fresh and well stocked…People who are unable to find something shouldn’t hesitate to approach of asking.
divyank goswami
divyank goswami
★☆☆☆☆
I visited this store on Rakhi day to purchase some rakhis for the festival. While the items in the display box were clearly labeled the price, I was charged 5x the price per rakhi at checkout. When I questioned the significant price difference, the staff member's response was unprofessional and dismissive. Instead of explaining the pricing or offering a reasonable solution, I was told "why don't you come and start selling these yourself" in a rather rude tone. This is not how customers should be treated, especially during important festivals when people have limited shopping options. I understand that demand may be higher during festival seasons, but charging 5x the labeled price without clear indication feels misleading. Combined with the poor customer service attitude, this experience was disappointing. The store may have the items you need, but be prepared for potential pricing surprises and less-than-ideal customer interactions. I'll likely look for other options for future shopping.
Krishna Singh
Krishna Singh
★★★★☆
I recently visited this store and was pleasantly surprised with the improvement at the store in terms of grocery items. I am happy there is 1 Indian store in Santa Teresa location. This saves my commute to Sunnyvale, Santa Clara so I am happy. I wish the shop can add some more fresh vegetables.
Nameera Fatima
Nameera Fatima
★★★★★
This is a neighborhood grocery store and we are lucky and thankful to have it. They also have samosa on the weekend, which is good. People complaining about price need to understand that there is a price you have to pay for convenience and that’s what you are charged.
RT
RT
★★★★☆
This is a decent Indian grocery store. Not very big however you do get almost everything that you need on daily basis for example Indian spices, vegetables, oils, lentils etc. This store is close by hence it is very convenient for me to do my Grocery shopping here. Having said that, they do lack variety or options. So if I am shopping for a special occasion like karva chauth, Diwali etc then I prefer to go other big stores in Sunnyvale like Cash and Carry etc as there you can get lot of varieties. During this Pandemic, this store is operating well within guidelines. They do make sure that there aren't too many people inside the store all at the same time and wearing mask is mandatory etc. Hope this helps.