Austin Ethnic Grocery 101: MGM Foods for South Asian groceries and more

August 4, 9:31 PMAustin Ethnic Communities ExaminerJohn Rose

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  Photo by Karan Verma

(This is the first in a series of articles on sources for ethnic groceries in Austin, Texas.)

Upon entering MGM Foods on North Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, a smell overwhelmed me.  It took me back to my days of walking up and down Devon Avenue in Chicago.  Usually, after volunteering in the computer lab at the Indo-American Center, I would pick up some groceries at Patel Brothers -- whatever I could carry back on the hour-long Red Line trip to Hyde Park.  Being able to purchase South Asian specialties was always a treat, so it is nice to find a store in Austin that allows for a similar experience.

After being swept to Devon by the initial smell at MGM, I began to take in their large selection.  One of the first aisles I noticed was filled on two sides with various pickles and chutneys.  They not only carry standard Udupi and Patak’s brand but also a number of specialty pickles and chutneys.  MGM stocks fresh fruits and vegetables, bulk bags of rice and flour, a large selection of dal, and big bags of spices.  In addition, shoppers will find a number of necessary kitchen tools (such as tea strainers) and shelves of South Asian audio tapes, CDs, VHS tapes, and DVDs.  If you are not in the mood to cook, MGM also has frozen and box meals, homemade samosas, sweets, and other tasty treats.  

The most impressive aspect of MGM Foods is the helpful service.  There was a gentleman there who answered all of my questions readily and directed me to goods that I was having trouble finding.  He showed me to the tamarind and explained the differences between the varieties.  A friend visited MGM and asked for the ingredients for chai, and an employee gathered exactly what she needed.  I consider this marvelous service.

MGM Foods may not be one stop shopping for most, but it is the place to go for South Asian essentials.  It has been open in Austin since 1985; their hours are 11a - 9p, Monday through Saturday, and 12p - 9p on Sunday.