Step into any Indian-run grocery store in the UAE, and you’re greeted by the smells of spices, cardamom, and even detergent. Bollywood tunes play softly in the background, while shelves are packed with “Proudly Indian” products, even if they were made in Oman, Thailand, locally or beyond.

Some standout products include:

• Taj Mahal Noodles – Packaged with the iconic Taj Mahal, promising authentic Indian spices but tasting more like chicken ramen with coriander.
• Bollywood Pickle – A mango achar branded “Spicy Like Cinema!” with a bold, tangy flavour.
• Mysore Rose Lotion (Made in Oman) – Rose-scented lotion loved for its familiar fragrance.
• Kerala Banana Chips – Thai Edition – Made in Bangkok, but a favourite among Sharjah residents.
• Bollywood Cola – A fizzy, spiced soda carrying the “Swag of Mumbai” label.

The frozen food sections are equally surprising. Frozen okra, drumsticks, carrot pudding, mini thalis, and family-sized packs of samosas provide quick, convenient meals for busy expats who may not have time to cook traditional dishes at home. 

Even non-Indian shoppers get caught up in the fun, often looking for “mild curry powder” or trying to find chutneys they sampled on the streets of India, usually leaving with something close, if not exact.

With more than 1,000 Indian grocery stores across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, these shops are more than just supermarkets. They are cultural lifelines, offering a taste of home for the UAE’s large Indian community. From spices and tea to quirky frozen foods and nostalgic snacks, each visit is a mix of flavour, memory, and humour.

In a city that’s always changing, desi grocery stores remain a constant reminder that home isn’t just a place, it’s the taste, smell, and memories you carry with you.

(Source: TOI)