Westchester Groceries

Westchester Groceries (a.k.a. Kabab Express)

546 Commerce Street, Thornwood, NY 10594

(914) 747-0445

Thornwood, NY 10594

As one drives by a lazy turn along a nondescript stretch of Commerce Street, there is a run down store with a small parking lot by the name of Westchester Groceries, with a sign underneath saying Indian food. Walk in there, and you see what looks like a haph-hazard sparsely stocked south Asian grocery store, a few scattered rickety tables, and food counters beyond. You will not get a better biryani anywhere in Westchester, than what is offered at this seeming hole-in-the-wall. Manned by an elderly Pakistani gentleman, the biryani is downright gorgeous. You can sit and eat right there, or, as we do, you can take the food home. The number of dishes are limited, and different days bring forth different items. If you need something in particular-call ahead and they make it fresh for you. Saturday they made Biryani, hot and moist, at 12:30 in the afternoon. Our family of four took home enough biryani, goat curry, and saag alu – all for twenty dollars. This was decent, honest, food that is served without fuss—it is muslim fare from South Asia that you can find right in the middle of Westchester County. Faithful patrons hop in on the days when their favorite dishes are made. Try the Baghare Baigan but call ahead to find its availability. A lot of the clientele do pick-ups, this is a good place to grab Naans to take home. As regards their curries, the quality is uneven—I liked their Saag Alu but found the goat curry too oily and spicy. If you want ambience and the ability to order from an extensive menu, avoid the place. But if you want biryani, that absolutely ranks among the best that one can get, then step into this sleepy place.

Note added Jun 2010: This place remains a strong restaurant with a unique service for quick and tasty take-out. The biryani has become better, The lamb kebabs remain excellent, though perhaps a bit spicy for my tastes. The ambiance remains messy, and indeed adds to the character.