Craving dal, the right achar, or fresh spices to cook a proper Nepali meal? Melbourne has plenty of South Asian and Nepali grocers stocking the staples you grew up with — you just need to know where to look.
Where the grocers are
Several suburbs have a strong South Asian shopping scene:
- Footscray — a long-standing hub for African and Asian grocers, with fresh produce markets and spice shops in and around the market precinct.
- Dandenong — a large multicultural shopping area with South Asian grocers, butchers and sweet shops.
- Clayton, Tarneit and Point Cook — growing Nepali and Indian communities mean more dedicated grocers opening across the west and south-east.
Search "Nepali grocery" or "Indian grocery" in Google Maps for shops near you — new stores open regularly as the community grows.
What you'll find
- Lentils and grains — masoor, moong, chana and toor dal, basmati and other rice, beaten rice (chiura) and flours.
- Spices — cumin, coriander, turmeric, timur (Sichuan pepper), whole and ground masalas, and ready-made Nepali spice blends.
- Pickles and sauces — a range of achar, gundruk, sinki and chutneys.
- Snacks and sweets — noodles, biscuits, and sweets for festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
- Fresh and frozen — leafy greens, momos, paneer and halal meat at many stores.
Everyday shopping too
For day-to-day basics, the big supermarkets — Coles, Woolworths and Aldi — are everywhere and often cheaper for milk, eggs, oil and cleaning products. Many now stock a small "world foods" aisle with some South Asian staples, though the range is smaller than a dedicated grocer's.
Save money on groceries
- Shop the weekly specials at the big supermarkets and buy staples like rice and lentils in bulk from South Asian grocers.
- Visit produce markets late in the day for cheaper fruit and vegetables.
- Cook and share meals with housemates — buying and cooking together stretches every dollar.
Cooking for festivals
Around Dashain, Tihar and other festivals, Nepali grocers stock special ingredients and sweets, and often sell out fast. Buy a little early so you're not scrambling the day before — and ask the shopkeeper; they usually know exactly what you need.
New in your suburb? Ask in local Nepali community groups where people shop — you'll get honest tips on the best-value stores and freshest produce nearby.