The Chaat Shop

All About Food | April 15th, 2015

Here's the next installment in my series of four articles about what I have found in my excursions to the new ethic markets that have opened in Fargo.

The last article I wrote was about the Himalayan Market and what they had to offer. I ended that article saying the next time I write, it would be about the "wow" factor. It's called Fargo Fresh, which opened in November 2014. It is owned by couple Sam and Vandana Saravana Ranga-Swamy.

They're doing it right. It is a beautiful new market housed in the Westfield Village Park strip mall, off of 45th street. What makes this store stand out, and what gives it the "wow" factor for me, is they have included a street snack bar, housed in the market, correctly referred to as The Chaat Shop. It's so affordable that I wonder why anyone would not want to stop there at least, if not every day, once or twice a week. The prices on their menu range from $1 to $3.95.

The first item I had there was the Samosa Chaat. This was covered with various ingredients like chana masala, fresh tomatoes, chopped onions, white peas, green chutney, sweet chutney and coriander leaves. Simply yum.

Vandana told me they wanted to keep the prices simply affordable on this menu. She also said she wanted to be a one-stop shop, making it correct with the culture in India. As I interviewed her I did see exactly what she meant. More than half of the shoppers ate before they shopped.

The one thing I wanted to know, which is what I ask every single store/market owner, is what makes them stand out from all the other markets that are selling ethnic foods?

"We are, exclusively, the only 100-percent Indian market in Fargo,” Vandana said. “We offer fresh desserts, some directly from Bangladesh. We will soon have an affordable fresh juice bar and also a small buffet."

This couple has worked hard since I met them back in 2005: they are owners of the restaurant Passage to India; they have a travel agency specifically for trips to India; and Sam has a business as a consultant next-door to the travel agency. They're very busy people, so I'm very happy they took the time to do things right in my book and have food to eat in their market.

The deli is open the same hours as the market, every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can call ahead to order pick up ready for you when you get there at 701-281-8844.

Here is The Chaat Shop on my good or bad criteria list for restaurants:

1. Location: Easy to find

2. Parking availability: Lots of parking

3. Variety of menu: Not too much, not too little -- perfect amount

4. Wait staff: Very pleasant

5. Dining area: Clean, but limited to three small tables

6. The food and presentation: Constructed right in front of you.

7. The cost: Dare I say, it's "DOPE" (translated "affordable")

8. The bathroom: Clean

9. Would I go back and would I recommend it: Absolutely!

IF YOU GO:

The Chaat Shop/Fargo Fresh