Shreehari: Where to Find Indian Groceries and Prepared Foods Across South Carolina

What Shreehari Offers and Where to Find It

Shreehari is a chain of Indian grocery stores and prepared-food restaurants operating across South Carolina, with locations in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville. Each store stocks the spices, grains, flours, and fresh produce you need to cook Indian meals at home, while the attached restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. The stores are independently owned but operate under the Shreehari name, so hours and specific inventory can vary by location.

The grocery section carries staples like basmati rice, lentils (dal), chickpea flour, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and fenugreek leaves. You'll find fresh ginger and garlic, frozen okra and peas, coconut milk, tamarind paste, and prepared spice blends. The prepared-food counter offers samosas, pakoras, dosas, curries, and biryanis made fresh daily. Most locations also stock Indian breads like naan and paratha, both fresh and frozen.

Key Takeaways

• Shreehari locations in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville combine a full-service Indian grocery with a restaurant counter serving lunch and dinner.
• The grocery section stocks dry goods, fresh produce, frozen items, and spices needed for home cooking, with inventory varying slightly by location.
• The prepared-food counter offers samosas, dosas, curries, and biryanis made daily, with most locations also selling fresh and frozen Indian breads.
• Hours and specific offerings differ between locations, so calling ahead before your first visit ensures you find what you need.

Columbia Location: Hours, Address, and What to Expect

The Columbia Shreehari is located on Devine Street in the Five Points area, a neighborhood known for independent shops and restaurants. The store is open six days a week, typically closing on Mondays. Hours run from late morning through evening, though you should confirm current hours by phone before visiting, as restaurant hours can shift seasonally.

This location serves both the grocery and prepared-food sides of the business. The grocery section occupies the front and side of the store, while the restaurant counter and a few tables sit toward the back. Parking is street-level or in nearby lots shared with neighboring businesses. The store accepts cash and card payments.

Charleston Location: Hours, Address, and What to Expect

The Charleston Shreehari operates on King Street in the downtown area, within walking distance of the historic district. Like the Columbia location, it combines grocery shopping with a prepared-food counter. Hours typically run from mid-morning through evening, six days a week, with Monday closures. Call ahead to confirm current hours and any seasonal changes.

The Charleston store is smaller than some competitors but well-stocked with the core items most home cooks need. The prepared-food section offers lunch specials during weekday afternoons, and the restaurant side can get busy during peak meal times. Street parking is available, though it can be tight during downtown events.

Greenville Location: Hours, Address, and What to Expect

The Greenville Shreehari is located in a shopping center off Pleasantburg Drive, in the central part of the city. This location also operates as a combined grocery and restaurant. Hours are typically mid-morning to evening, six days a week, with Monday closures. Phone ahead to confirm hours, especially during holidays or special events.

The Greenville store tends to have ample parking and a slightly larger footprint than the Charleston location. The grocery section is well-organized by category, making it easier to navigate if you're new to Indian cooking. The prepared-food counter moves quickly during lunch hours, so arriving before noon or after 1 p.m. can mean shorter waits.

What to Buy: Groceries for Home Cooking

If you're cooking Indian food at home, Shreehari's grocery section covers the essentials. Basmati rice, jasmine rice, and other varieties are available in bulk quantities. Lentils come in multiple types—red lentils (masoor dal), yellow split peas (chana dal), and whole black lentils (urad dal)—each suited to different dishes. Chickpea flour (besan) is stocked for making pakoras and other fried snacks.

The spice section includes whole spices and ground powders. You can buy cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cumin seeds in small quantities or larger bags. Pre-mixed spice blends for garam masala, curry powder, and regional blends are also available. Fresh ginger and garlic are usually in stock, along with fresh curry leaves and cilantro when in season. Frozen vegetables like okra, peas, and spinach offer convenience for weeknight cooking.

Coconut milk, tamarind paste, and ghee round out the pantry staples. Most locations stock both Indian and Western brands, so you can choose based on price and preference. Prices are generally lower than mainstream supermarkets for specialty items, though you may find better deals on bulk purchases.

What to Eat: Prepared Foods and Restaurant Counter

The restaurant side of Shreehari serves lunch and dinner, with a menu that changes slightly by location but typically includes South Indian and North Indian dishes. Samosas—crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas—are a popular starter. Pakoras, which are vegetables or paneer dipped in chickpea batter and fried, are also standard. Dosas, thin crepes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, come with sambar (a spiced vegetable stew) and coconut chutney.

Main courses include curries like butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, and various dal preparations. Biryanis—rice dishes cooked with meat or vegetables and aromatic spices—are available, usually with a choice of chicken, lamb, or vegetarian. Most locations offer lunch specials on weekdays, bundling a main dish with rice or bread and a side at a lower price than ordering à la carte. Naan and paratha are baked fresh or available frozen to take home.

Portions are generous, and prices are moderate compared to other sit-down restaurants. The atmosphere is casual, suited to quick lunch breaks or family dinners. Some locations have a few tables for eating in; others are primarily takeout-focused. Call ahead if you're ordering for a group or want to know about catering options.

How to Find the Right Location and Plan Your Visit

Before your first visit, confirm the address and phone number of the Shreehari nearest you. Hours can vary by location and season, so a quick call ensures you don't arrive to find the store closed. If you're shopping for groceries, arriving mid-morning or mid-afternoon typically means shorter lines and better selection of fresh items. If you're ordering prepared food, lunch hours (noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner hours (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) are busiest.

Bring a list of what you're looking for, especially if you're new to Indian cooking. Staff can often point you toward items or suggest substitutions if something is out of stock. If you're ordering prepared food for the first time, ask the counter staff for recommendations based on your spice tolerance and dietary preferences. Most locations accept both cash and cards, though calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise if you're planning a large purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead to order prepared food?

For small orders, you can usually walk up to the counter and order. For larger orders or catering, calling ahead gives the kitchen time to prepare and ensures they have enough of what you want. Each location handles orders differently, so ask when you call.

Are the spices and flours fresh?

Shreehari restocks regularly, and most items move quickly because of high customer turnover. Spices are fresher than what you'll find in mainstream supermarkets, though checking the date on packaged items is always a good idea. Bulk spices and flours are typically fresher than pre-packaged versions.

Can I find items for specific regional Indian cuisines?

Shreehari stocks ingredients for both North and South Indian cooking. If you're looking for something specific to a particular region—like specialty flours or regional spice blends—call the location nearest you to confirm they have it in stock before making the trip.

What if I don't know how to cook Indian food?

The prepared-food counter is a good starting point. Ordering a few dishes lets you taste different flavors and textures before you invest in groceries and recipes. Staff can also suggest simple dishes to cook at home and point you toward the ingredients you'll need.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes. Most Shreehari locations offer vegetarian curries, dosas, samosas, and other dishes. Vegan options are available but may require asking the counter staff, as some dishes contain ghee or dairy. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs.