text: This gastro-gem instantly connects me with my former lifetime(s) in India. Rani dishes up some sumptuous home-style food at the back counter, with the love of a dotting grandmother. The tangy and fresh chutneys accompany her rich and flavorful veg-fare perfectly. Her pakoras are a hearty treat, and one of the few deep fried foods I'll indulge in, because how can you say no to your adopted Indian grandmother? The rest of the store is a delectable journey through spice, I can easily lose track of earthly time here. To my less-traveled western epicurians, know this is not like the International Isle at Whole Foods. Expect ; Hindi TV, ghee-scented air, tables sticky with Chai resin, and dusty nag champa boxes to abound. All part of the authenticity and love that is Rani World. I  recently read that India does irradiate their spices like we do in the West, so buying Indian spice products are both cost/health effective, but do check expiration dates.  My staples from these illustrious isles include; star anise, tumeric, chana besana flour, rose water, peppered pampadams, yellow split-mung beans, aspativa, basmati rice, mustard seed, cinnamon bark, ghee and the beauty of fresh curry leaves from the produce section.