Exotic Treats in Little India

In April 2008, Mommy Adventure Club ventured into Little India for our first "Mommy's Day Off" event. Our favorite destinations from the trip are listed below. This is an excellent day trip, about an hour's drive from downtown L.A.

Nestled in Artesia just south of Los Angeles, Little India is the eclectic ethnic hub of the South Asian community in Southern California. It is the second largest population of Indian and South Asian immigrants behind New York. Artesia's Little India community boasts numerous groceries, restaurants, cafes, clothing and home decor stores, and jewelers that cater to the community and visitors.

Most of the community is centered along Pioneer Blvd. This is the perfect spot to park and get out of your car to explore on foot.

Note: for business without a website, we are providing links to reviews at "Yelp".

Surati Farsan Mart
If you can picture "Friends" being filmed in India, you'll have a good sense of what this hip but welcoming sweets and snack shop is like. We sampled Indian candy made from almond paste, rose water, and silver coating laughingly called, "Barfi".

Bangle Bazaar
South along Pioneer Blvd. you'll find Bangle Bazaar. Bangles are the accesory of choice on the subcontinent. Here you'll find a wide variety of colors, styles, materials, and even sizes. Nothing prettier than glass bangles tinkling on your arm.

Cottage Art
From here, cross Pioneer to explore the art and home goods at Cottage Arts. This outstanding store caters to celebrities and interior designers. You'll love their enormous selection of jewelry, clothing, pillows, blankets and linen, wall hangings, furniture, antique pieces, and unique folk art.

Rajdhani Restaurant
A fun restaurant to try is Rajdhani Restaurant. The elegant dining room features stone inlay work on tables and floor and a bustling, efficient wait staff. You'll be served "Thali" style, with small metal bowls arrnaged on a larger metal tray, and each dish served in the bowls. Sort of a buffet that comes to you. Before you go, wave a thank you to the grandma's cooking in the kitchen.

Saffron Spot
At Saffron Spot, enjoy rich Indian-style ice cream (egg free!) in exotic (saffron, masal tea, rose) and basic (vanilla) flavors.

NAZ 8 Cinemas
After shopping, dinner, and dessert, you'll be ready for a rest. Take all the time you need while you unwind in a first-run Bollywood flick. Fair warning...the shows usually last close to three hours! It's customary for parents to bring their small children to an evening show and let them fall asleep the the rumble of a bangra beat.

Exotic Treats in Little India

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