Thai Grocery Inc

Until it closed, I had been shopping at Thai Grocery for many many years. I can’t tell you how many 25lb bags of Jasmine Rice I’ve gone through from there! I panicked thinking «where the fuck am I going to get fresh basil to cook with?» The answer: Hoa Nam on Argyle or Tai Nam on Broadway.
But, the owners retired, so I cannot be upset with them nor can I blame gentrification for Thai Grocery’s closing. I do miss the close quarters and tight aisles of T.G. I do hope the other Asian grocers stay open for years to come. The purpose of reviewing a closed establishment, you ask? Here you go: if you haven’t been to «Little Vietnam» around Argyle/​Broadway, hop on the red line north to the Argyle stop and spend an afternoon checking out some fantastic restaurants and groceries.

SO SAD. The owners are retiring and closing the place on Aprli 29, 2008. They are having a 50% off sale right now on household goods (all that stuff they had in the back room).
Where the heck can I go in the future to buy cilantro with the roots?!

This place is smaller than most of the area grocers and the selection is subsequently more limited. However, if you are shopping for bonified Thai ingredients, rather than Vietnamese (or joint) items… you’re more likely to find them here.
For example… you’d like some kaffir lime leaves… you can get them at Hoa Nam or (on a lucky day) at Tai Nam in the frozen sections, but here you can be certain you’ll find them fresh (as fresh as is possible anyway). On the other hand, if you just want some long beans… just go to Hoa nam.
They do have a tiny parking lot, and I do find myself coming here when I haven’t found the specifically Thai ingredients I needed elsewhere that day. Besides… once your here… you might as well grab a quick sandwich next door at Ba Le… delicious. But that’s another review.
By the way (and I know, I’ve said this in every Argyle grocery review I’ve done, but it’s worth repeating), where ever you go around here… Thai and Vietnamese selections are far cheaper on Argyle than they are in Chinatown.

In the back, they have a place where you can buy freshly fried fish. Other things of note that I saw were Thai eggplant and Luk Chup (fruit-​shape desserts made of mung-​bean flour with natural coloring). As we were walking out of the store, we saw a stack of the infamous durian. There were quite a few so I wondered who buys this on a regular basis.

Frankly, I don’t enjoy shopping here… it’s small, dusty and not so organized. I don’t like fighting over a parking spot on this busy street, either. BUT, my 5 stars go to the selection of imported Thai goods. If you’re looking to cook a Thai meal, go here. You’ll find almost all ingredients and condiments necessary. Our usual purchases include curry pastes, tom yum soup base, palm sugar, different hot chili powders and sauces, sweet rice, etc… The prepared takeout dishes are cheap and authentic, too.

Great resource for the aspiring cook. Ingredients for a fraction of what they would cost if you could find them anywhere else.
I highly recommend the Thai Sausage. Very tasty and very spicy. Don’t be afraid of the hot food section.

Thai Grocer imports rice directly from Thailand. The owner was even kind enough to tell me WHEN the rice had arrived (new rice) so less than normal water was needed for cooking. The two brothers, I agree with John P, are friendly and knowledgeable. Veggies are fresh, and the spices are of high quality. What is more if you want some quick take– out try their back kitchen. I was never disappointed with their lunchbox (where you can choose your own side dishes from the buffet). The only problem: the place is a bit too small. And parking can be difficult.

For those of you who want to make your own Thai food this is THE place to get your ingredients. Great selection of fresh herbs and they have a meat counter and already made dishes as well. This grocery won’t break your bank.

UPDATE
THIS STORE WILL BE CLOSING AT THE END OF THE MONTH…
This is my fave spot to pick up my lunch. And a hot spot for all things Thai
You can pick up you Thai chilli, Fish sauce, and a Thai satallite, all of this with a kick butt Hot Bar hidden in the back. Pad Thai $ 3.95 Meal to go with 3 sides for $ 4.50…the best prices in the
of all the owners are 2 bothers that will help you out with any dish’s you would like to cook. I’m getting hungy just thinking about this place… i have to go eat…