Where to eat and shop for Indian food?
Little India in Edison, NJ is our pick

Now that Indian restaurants are almost everywhere (particularly their tempting buffet lunches which are generally a bargain), many of us have started to explore incorporating Indian food in our meals.  When I asked a few Indian friends about eating more authentic Indian food and where can I shop for authentic ingredients, almost everyone in the northeast mentioned Little India in Edison, NJ (Oak Tree Road, off Route 27 - a relatively short drive from Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike).

• What you would eat in a typical Indian buffet lunch is not what Indians eat at home on a daily basis.  Indian home-cooked food is simpler (in terms of having less spices and fat) and is more delicious.
• There are vast differences in foods from different parts of India.  So do not think that Indian cuisine is limited to tandoori chicken, curries, and nan bread.  Not only is there a totally different type of cuisine from South India (which you can now find in some Indian restaurants) but even other parts of the country have many Indian dishes.
• Indian cooking is not as difficult as it might seem to someone who has never tried cooking at home.

What to expect at Little India in Edison, NJ?

• Do not be shocked.  Despite being located in one of the richest part of the country, it does look like real India - somewhat rundown, messy, and chaotic (reminded me of my trip to Old Delhi).
• There are half-a-dozen or so restaurants (none of them as elegant as we would find them elsewhere) and what Indians call as mithai shops (ones that make their own sweets and candies right in their kitchen and sell them fresh).
• Do not expect outstanding service or fancy ambience.  These restaurants are very basic and humble.  However, the food is different.  It is not Americanized, as my Indian companion explained to me.  The food is definitely not what Indians eat at home but it is definitely what Indians eat when they go out.
• Since the restaurants do not receive many non-Indian patrons, do not feel too uncomfortable if the staff is somewhat unsure of what to do with you or have difficulty communicating in English.  Just enjoy your shopping and meals.

Eat Indian food at home and shop for it in Edison

• The Indian supermarkets are incredible.  It was almost like being in a spice shop in Old Delhi.  You can literally find any spice or herb that you can think of at very low prices.
• It is a good idea to do your research first and print a recipe before shopping but if you want to be adventurous, there are many choices since many foods have recipes printed on them.
• Do not forget to check out the vegetables.  You will not find these vegetables in any other supermarket.

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