Where to Buy Tempeh Online in India: The Complete 2025 Guide
A few years ago, finding tempeh in India meant either making it yourself or hunting through a handful of speciality stores. Today, fresh tempeh is available for online delivery across major Indian cities. Here’s how to navigate your options.
What to Look For When Buying Tempeh Online
Fresh vs Packaged (Shelf-Stable)
Fresh tempeh is living food. The mycelium is still active, the probiotics are alive, and the flavour is at its peak. Shelf-stable packaged tempeh has been pasteurised — the beneficial bacteria are killed, the texture changes, and much of the probiotic benefit is lost.
Always choose fresh when possible. At Tempewala, we make tempeh daily and ship it cold so it arrives at peak quality.
Ingredients
Real tempeh has two ingredients: soybeans (or chickpeas) and Rhizopus oligosporus culture. If you see preservatives, additives, or flavour enhancers on the label, it’s not traditionally made tempeh.
Appearance
Good fresh tempeh is white or off-white with a dense, firm texture. Black or grey spots are normal — they’re spore formation and don’t indicate spoilage. A slight ammonia smell means over-fermentation (too warm for too long) — avoid this.
Made Locally in India
Imported tempeh travels long distances and is often pasteurised for shelf life. Indian-made fresh tempeh is a far superior product for anyone who cares about probiotic content and flavour.
Types of Tempeh Available in India
Soy Tempeh
The original and most common variety. Made from whole soybeans. Highest protein content (~19–20g per 100g). Best for curries, stir-fries, and tikka-style preparations.
Chickpea Tempeh
Made from fermented chickpeas instead of soybeans. Completely soy-free and gluten-free, making it ideal for people with soy allergies. Slightly nuttier flavour. Excellent in Indian recipes where chickpeas are familiar. Tempewala’s fresh chickpea tempeh is made in small batches for maximum quality.
Kripik (Tempeh Chips)
Thinly sliced, deep-fried or air-fried tempeh snacks from the Indonesian tradition. Crunchy, flavourful, and surprisingly high in protein compared to regular snacks. Tempewala’s Kripik chips are available in multiple flavours — Salt & Pepper, Chilli Garlic, and more.
How to Store Tempeh After Delivery
- Refrigerate immediately on arrival. Fresh tempeh keeps 5–7 days in the fridge.
- Freeze if not using within a week. Frozen tempeh keeps for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for extended periods — fermentation will continue and the flavour will become stronger.
Why Buy Tempeh from Tempewala?
- Made fresh daily in Bangalore using traditional fermentation.
- No preservatives, no additives — just whole soybeans or chickpeas and culture.
- Cold-chain delivery to maintain probiotic quality.
- Multiple formats: fresh soy tempeh, fresh chickpea tempeh, Kripik chips.
- Part of the Tempeh Tribe community — access to recipes, cooking guides, and loyalty rewards.
Shop fresh tempeh at Tempewala →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tempeh be delivered across India?
Yes. Tempewala ships fresh tempeh with cold packaging to most major Indian cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune.
Is tempeh expensive in India?
Fresh, preservative-free tempeh is priced competitively with quality paneer and premium tofu. On a cost-per-gram-of-protein basis, it’s exceptional value.
How much tempeh should I order at once?
If you’re new to tempeh, start with a 300–500g trial. If you cook regularly, 1–2kg per week is typical for a household of two that uses it as a primary protein source.