Looking to buy sooji in Los Angeles? You'll find both roasted and fine semolina — the grain behind upma, sooji halwa, rava dosa and rava idli — at Anoras Cash N Carry, 567 S Fairfax Ave in the Fairfax District. Sooji (also called rava or semolina) comes in a few grinds, and picking the right one is the difference between fluffy upma and gummy upma. Here's how to choose, and what we carry.

What is the difference between sooji, rava and semolina?

They're three names for one ingredient: wheat that's been milled coarse rather than into a fine flour. "Semolina" is the English word, "sooji" is common in the north, and "rava" is what you'll hear in the south. The only real choices you make are grind and roast level. Coarse rava has more bite and holds its shape — ideal for upma and idli. Fine rava dissolves smoother — better for halwa (sheera), rava kesari and baking. Roasted rava is simply pre-toasted so it's faster and less likely to clump.

Takeaway: same grain — pick coarse for upma/idli, fine for halwa and cakes.

Which sooji should you buy for upma and halwa?

• Laxmi Roasted Sooji (4 lb, $8.80) — pre-roasted and family-sized, the quick-start base for soft upma, golden sooji halwa and crisp rava dosa. If you buy one bag, make it this.
• Spicy World Sooji Fine (2 lb, $4.40) — fine grind for silky halwa, rava kesari and cakes.
• Houschefs Sooji Coarse (4 lb, $7.70) — coarse grind for upma and idli batter, in a larger bag.
• Houschefs Sooji Fine (2 lb, $3.85) — the budget-friendly fine option for sweets and baking.

Browse them all, along with atta, besan and rice flour, in our Flour & Atta collection. If you'd rather skip measuring the tempering, an instant upma mix does the seasoning for you — see the range in our Pantry & Ready to Eat collection.

Takeaway: roasted 4 lb for everyday cooking; a fine 2 lb bag for dessert days.

How do you store sooji so it stays fresh?

Because it's a whole-grain wheat product, sooji does best in an airtight container away from heat and humidity — LA pantries can get warm. Many cooks lightly dry-roast a batch and keep it ready; if you buy the pre-roasted Laxmi bag, that step's already done. Kept sealed and cool, it'll last for months.

Takeaway: airtight and cool — roast a batch ahead if your kitchen runs warm.

Where can you buy sooji in Los Angeles?

At Anoras Cash N Carry, 567 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 — in the Fairfax District, minutes from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown. Open daily 10 AM–9 PM. We also deliver within a 10-mile radius, 10 AM–8 PM, with a $35.97 minimum and $7.98 fee — free over $99. Call 323-272-3617 to check a specific brand or grind.

Takeaway: shop in store 10–9 daily, or get it delivered free over $99 within 10 miles.

Frequently asked questions