United Grocers - Indian Food - Mundelein

United Grocers is a new, huge, amazing Indian grocery store in Mundelein, in the strip mall off Rte 60 just east of 83, next to Hobby Lobby. I just happened to be driving by when I noticed the sign for this place, and I stopped in. It was new enough that the manager and employees were still putting shelves up. But even incomplete, it was stunning. A couple of aisles of frozen foods (prepared dishes and individual ingredients), a half aisle of fresh vegetables, an entire aisle of traditional snacks, and aisle after aisle of everything you could ever need if you cook Indian (and, if you're from India, if you want to get the brand of soap, lotion, or shampoo you grew up with, it's probably there, too). And not just one region of India -- I saw stuff from all over. There was a large area not yet developed that I'm hoping will turn into a food counter or similar.

The manager was clearly busy, but he stopped by twice to see if I needed help. In a happy daze, I blurted out, "This looks bigger than Patel Bros. on Devon." He smiled knowingly and nodded. The next time I saw him, I said, "It looks like this place has everything." He responded, "That is our goal -- to have everything you need."

Granted, the suburbs are dotted with many wonderful, little ma and pa Indian stores that have most of what you need most of the time, but if you need a lot of stuff, this is the place. Their business card said they also have locations in Gurnee and Kenosha. So happy shopping, those of you north and northwest suburbanites who love Indian food.

I was also amused to see a variety of offerings from other Asian cuisines that had been manufactured in India. Global village, indeed.

United Grocers
8 Oak Creek Plz
Mundelein, IL 60060-4493
(847) 566-6639‎

I just noticed the new sign for this a day or two ago, and plan to check it out too.

This is in the same strip mall as the Menard's I visit frequently.

I'm surprised it isn't completely built out yet. It has been open for several months already.

I hope they don't put the Spicy Bazaar a little further east on Townline out of business.
It is always busy and on the weekends has limited takeout that is pretty good.

Spicy Bazaar
133 E Townline Rd
Vernon Hills, IL
60061-1424
(847) 549-0065

Yes -- as much as I rejoice in huge "we've got it all" places, it always makes me worry about the smaller shops. Fortunately for me, my favorite little family-run store is only a few blocks away, so they'll still see me often. But the twelve miles to Mundelein is a lot closer than Devon, when I need to stock up or am planning a big meal. And there's parking right in front.