Where can I find Sem Ke Beej?

February 24, 2006 2:29 PM

There is an Indian snack that is popular in North India, especially Lucknow or New Delhi, called Sem Ka Beej (also spelled Same Ka Beej, or Sem Ke Bej, etc). Does anyone know of a place in the U.S. where I can buy some? (pics included)

I've checked many of the Indian grocery stores in Chicago, and can't find it. For you desis out there, it's a salty namkeen (snack).

I'm looking for a place I can mail order some. Are there any places in Indian that would ship it?

here's some pictures:

http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=semkabeej13ku.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/my.php?image=semkabeej27qf.jpg

posted by ww to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

I've purchased that at a Cub Foods on the South Side (near Midway). It's in the "ethnic" aisle.
posted by macadamiaranch at 2:33 PM on February 24, 2006

Patel Bros. most likely has it. It might not be called by the same name but I've seen it in their stores.
posted by riffola at 3:46 PM on February 24, 2006

Devon street in Chicago doesn't have it? Thats odd. I've seen it in nearly every Indian grocery store I've ever been in, from New York to Chicago.
Your best bet might be to ask an Indian grocery store owner where you might order it online. They would know.
posted by jak68 at 4:25 PM on February 24, 2006

Response by poster: There are 100s of different Indian namkeens (snacks)...many look a like. Patel Bros. doesn't have it....I've NEVER seen it sold in the U.S. Can anyone give me a store name that they have purchased it?

This place in India has it..they don't ship of course...

http://www.nathusweetsjkg.com/namkeendetail.asp

any desis out there know a place?
posted by ww at 5:40 PM on February 24, 2006

I guess Rajbhog in Jackson Heights, NYC might have it. But I don't think they have a website. Maybe they can ship it to you?
posted by riffola at 5:54 PM on February 24, 2006

Is it a Gujarati food?

Otherwise I'd say to ask your local Indian grocer for advice on where you can get it. Or have a friend coming from India bring you some back?
posted by anjamu at 6:04 PM on February 24, 2006