If you've recently moved to Germany, you've probably stood in a Rewe aisle staring at an overpriced jar of "curry powder," wondering where Indians actually buy groceries here — and whether it's possible without overspending. The honest answer: it depends on what you're buying.
Between rent, transport, and daily expenses, every euro in the grocery budget counts — especially for students and young professionals. But cooking Indian food isn't only about saving money. It's about consistency and taste. A recipe only turns out right when the dal, rice, and spices behave the way you expect them to.
What You Can Buy from Aldi, Lidl and Rewe
German supermarkets are genuinely good for everyday basics, and ignoring them would be a mistake.
Best Budget Staples
- Onions, garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables
- Milk, yogurt, and paneer substitutes
- Cooking oil (sunflower or rapeseed)
- Basic red lentils, in some stores
These are often cheaper here simply because of retail scale.
Items You May Not Find
- Authentic garam masala, chaat masala, or sambar powder
- Toor dal, moong dal, urad dal, or chana dal
- Fine-grain basmati rice or chakki-style atta
- Pickles, papad, and regional spice blends
- Trusted Indian-brand ghee
This is where German supermarkets fall short — not on price, but on availability and authenticity.
Why Indian Grocery Stores Offer Better Value for Authentic Cooking
This is the part most people underestimate: buying the right quantity at the right price. Desi Gros sells staples like atta, rice, and dal in bulk packs of 5kg, 10kg, and beyond — which works out far cheaper per kilogram than buying small quantities elsewhere.
Taste isn't compromised either. Trusted brands like Aashirvaad, Daawat, TRS, and Annam, available across Desi Gros's spices and condiments and cooking essentials collections, make a real difference compared to generic "Indian-style" blends from regular supermarkets.
For Indians across Germany, ordering online also saves time. Desi Gros offers free shipping from €19.99 locally and €39 nationwide, plus next-day delivery when ordered before 9 AM — no need to visit multiple stores for one shopping list. New customers also get a €5 discount on orders above €49.
Cost Comparison
| Item | Aldi/Lidl/Rewe | Indian Grocery Store (Desi Gros) |
| Basmati Rice (5kg) | Limited options, higher per-kg cost | Bulk packs like Daawat Basmati, lower per-kg cost |
| Toor/Moong Dal | Rarely available | Wide pulses and lentils range |
| Garam Masala | Generic blends | Authentic brands like TRS, Everest |
| Atta (Wheat Flour) | Not chakki-style | Chakki-fresh, bulk pricing |
| Ghee | Limited, expensive | Better variety and pricing |
| Fresh Vegetables | Cheaper |
Comparable, plus Indian vegetables |
Final Verdict
The smartest approach isn't choosing one over the other — it's combining both. Buy fresh vegetables, dairy, and daily basics from Aldi, Lidl, or Rewe. For rice, dal, atta, and authentic spices, an online Indian grocery store gives you better bulk pricing, real taste, and far less running around.
If you're tired of visiting three supermarkets just to cook one proper Indian meal, it might be time to simplify your shopping list with Desi Gros.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy Indian groceries in Germany?
Ans. You can find basic staples at Aldi, Lidl, and Rewe, but for authentic spices, dal, atta, and rice, Indian grocery stores like Desi Gros offer a much wider selection with delivery across Germany.
2. Are Indian grocery stores cheaper than Aldi or Lidl?
Ans. For fresh produce and daily basics, German supermarkets are often cheaper. For bulk staples like rice, dal, and atta, Indian stores like Desi Gros usually offer better per-kilogram pricing through larger pack sizes.
3. Which supermarket has the best Indian food selection?
Ans. Among mainstream German supermarkets, Rewe tends to have a slightly wider international aisle, but none match the range or authenticity of a dedicated store like Desi Gros.
4. Where can I buy Indian spices online in Germany?
Ans. Indian spices, masalas, and pickles from trusted brands like TRS and Everest are available through Desi Gros's spices and condiments collection, delivered directly to your home.
5. Is it cheaper to shop online for Indian groceries?
Ans. For bulk items like rice, dal, and atta, online Indian grocery stores are often cheaper per kilogram, and free shipping from €19.99 locally makes it even more cost-effective.
6. Which German supermarket sells Indian ingredients?
Ans. Rewe and some larger Edeka stores carry a small selection of South Asian products, but the range is limited compared to specialized stores like Desi Gros.
7. Can I get authentic basmati rice and atta in Germany?
Ans. Yes. Authentic basmati rice and chakki-fresh atta from brands like Daawat and Aashirvaad are best sourced from Indian grocery stores rather than regular supermarkets.
8. Does Desi Gros deliver groceries across Germany?
Ans. Yes, Desi Gros offers next-day national delivery when ordered before 9 AM (Monday–Thursday) and same-day local delivery before 12 PM, making it easy to stock an Indian kitchen without multiple store visits.