Add to Basket: Five Pantry Essentials to Shop at an Indian Grocery Store

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When I travel, I don't buy souvenirs — I bring back groceries. I find this a particularly rewarding thing to do when I spend time in a place where I don't speak the language. Food, after all, is the universal language. And a grocery store can act as a window into cultures that are different to my own.

In multicultural and ethnically diverse places like Sydney, grocery stores are especially important for diaspora communities — new arrivals seeking a connection to home (like my own Greek and Cypriot grandparents).

It's this connection that inspired Ketan Patel and other partners to open Indian grocery store Radhe in Harris Park in 2006. "As young migrants to Australia during that time, we were desperate to find ingredients for cooking our everyday staples and we realised this is a shared struggle for many Indian-Australians."

Opening in Harris Park was no accident, either.

"Harris Park is the hub for all things Indian-Australian," Patel says. "We genuinely appreciate its multiculturalism, diversity, happening nature and vibrant energy. Many of our friends mention that whenever we miss our home country, just a ride around this bustling area makes things right."

In the years since Patel and his partners opened Radhe's Harris Park outpost, Australia has become home to one of the largest groups within the Indian diaspora. Our Indian-born community is in fact one the fastest-growing migrant groups in the country. Radhe has expanded in line with the population growth, with the grocer now boasting six locations throughout Sydney.

It's also since cemented its position as a key pillar in the communities it serves. "Our food was not only a daily meal for us," Patel says. "It was our connection, a feeling of being truly at home and missing it was irreplaceable for many — but what we did get was quite expensive due to the lack of shops. That is how Radhe was incorporated — to make sure all Indian-Australians and everyone else can get the ingredients for cooking tasty and healthy Indian meals at home."

Browsing the aisles, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of products on offer. Indeed, the Radhe range is reflective of the diversity within India itself. "India, being a multicultural and diverse nation, has a variety of cuisines as per its different regions," Patel says. "It is important to us that we can make a variety of ingredients available to suit all cuisine types. Especially with Indian-Australians now one of Australia's biggest migrant groups, it is crucial for stores like ours to supply everything they need to build a kitchen and a home for themselves here."

So, where to start? Patel highlights five items to find at Radhe that will add depth to any pantry.

PANTRY ESSENTIALS TO SHOP AT AN INDIAN GROCERY STORE

FROZEN GOODS
"Samosas, naans and other frozen varieties are ready to eat and great for all foodies looking for a quick treat at home." Patel notes that not only are frozen items "hands-down" a favourite among Radhe staff, but a hit with customers, too.

SPICES
"Turmeric, cinnamon, chilli powder, the list goes on. These are a staple in every Indian household and gaining popularity in many other cuisines, too. Indian spices are undoubtedly a must-have for that perfect synchrony of taste in your dish."

FRESH PRODUCE
"Indian cooking liberally uses fresh coriander — in chutneys, as a seasoning, as an ingredient and more. Fresh herbs and veggies — from the common ones to the more exotic Indian vegetable varieties — are a must to prepare an excellent salad or a healthy cooked dish at home."

LENTILS AND PULSES
"These are the heart of Indian cuisine — think red lentil dal, yellow dal and more. They make for a filling and hearty meal."

CHEESE, PLEASE
"Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is soft, healthy and tasty. It is fabulous for a range of delicious curries, barbecuing or adding to salads."

You can find Radhe Wholesale and Retail at 8/10, Harris Street East, Harris Park.

For more ways to experience Harris Park, head to the website. 

Images: Nikki To