Banana stem, known as Thor in Bengali, is a highly nutritious and fiber-rich vegetable widely used in Bengali cuisine. It is commonly added to dishes like Thor Ghonto (banana stem curry) and Thor Chorchori. However, since banana stem is not as widely available as other vegetables, finding it can be a challenge.

Here are some places where you can buy fresh banana stem:

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1. Local Indian or Bengali Grocery Stores

Many Indian and Bangladeshi grocery stores carry banana stem, especially in areas with a large Bengali or South Indian community. You can check in the fresh produce section or ask the store owner if they stock it.

📍 Where to look?

• Bengali grocery stores in cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, New York, London, and Toronto.
• South Indian stores, as banana stem is also used in Tamil and Kerala cuisines.

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2. Online Indian Grocery Stores

If you don’t have a local store nearby, try ordering banana stems online. Many Indian grocery websites deliver fresh produce to your doorstep.

🛒 Popular online options:

• BigBasket (India) – Search for “Banana Stem” under fresh vegetables.
• Amazon India – Some sellers offer fresh banana stems for delivery.
• Weee! (USA) – An online Asian and Indian grocery store.
• IndianGrocer.com (USA/Canada) – Delivers fresh vegetables including banana stems.
• BongoHridoy.com: They sell it PAN India

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3. Local Farmers’ Markets

In tropical regions where bananas are grown, you can find fresh banana stems at farmers’ markets. Look for stalls that sell banana leaves and other plant-based produce.

🌱 Best locations:

• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal in India
• Bangladesh local markets
• South Asian markets in Malaysia and Singapore

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4. Growing Your Own Banana Stem

If you have space in your garden, consider growing your own banana plant. The stem is harvested from the inner core of the banana tree after the fruiting cycle.

🌿 Pro Tip: If you buy fresh banana stem, store it in water or wrap it in plastic to prevent oxidation.

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Final Thoughts

Banana stem is a fantastic ingredient for detoxifying the body and improving digestion. Whether you buy it from an Indian store, order it online, or grow it yourself, adding this vegetable to your diet is a great way to explore authentic Bengali flavors.

Have you tried cooking with banana stem? Let us know in the comments!