A taste of India

By Bridget Cook
THE Little India Cultural Tours offer the opportunity to embrace all the sights, scents and flavours of India right in the heart of Dandenong.
The tour around one of Dandenong’s fastest growing cultural precincts gives an insight into all aspects of Indian culture, including clothing, jewellery, food, film and music, all within walking distance.
Kicking off at Roshan’s Fashions, participants learn about the details of Indian weddings and browse the traditional wedding clothes on display for both the bride and groom.
Shop owner Fouzie Shamin answers questions and gives a detailed explanation of Indian traditions.
“In my experience arranged marriages are better,” Ms Shamin said. “It is the merging of two families, not just two people.”
The next stop on the guided tour is one for the sweet tooths. Participants get to taste a variety of traditional tasty sweets including the renowned jalebi at the Punjab Sweet Centre.
Zai Chaudhry from Punjab Sweet Centre said their sweets are all made fresh daily.
“Most of our sweets are milk-based and have lots of sugar,” she said. “As they say, Indians like their curry hot and their sweets sweet.”
Heritage India, the next destination on the tour, is Melbourne’s largest Bollywood Store.
Neeta Shah of Heritage India said all the different saris on display represented the different areas of India.
The next stop, Baba Home Entertainment, packed with Bollywood films and music, gives an insight into one of the world’s largest film genres.
Authentic ingredients and Indian food were the focus at the next stop. India Bazaar International grocery store has all ingredients to make the perfect Indian dish.
The final stop, and well worth the wait, is a meal at the Payal Indian Restaurant.
The Little India Cultural Tours are held monthly on a Friday evening at 6pm and a Wednesday morning at 10.30am. Cost per person is $30, which includes a meal.
For details and bookings call 9239 5134. Bookings are essential.