Sandringham’s aromatic streets, vibrant spice stalls and even itstraffic cannot help but remind you ofIndia.Whether it is South Hall in London or Queens in New York, many of the world’s culturally diverse cities have labeled certain areas as their Little India.
Auckland, although a modest city when compared to the world’s truly big metropolises, is widely recognised for its multiculturalism as well as its large Indian population.It is no surprise therefore, that New Zealand’s biggest city has caught up with New York, London and Melbourne with its very own little India.While this may not be what New Zealand is known for globally, and while it is mainlya local appellation, Sandringham does still hold several attributesthat deem it fair to be a ‘Little India’ destination.
Inspired by food tours in Queens, the suburb’s reputation encouraged Sandringham Community Centre programme coordinator Anita Totha to start her very own version. The objective of the tours and cooking classes is to educate people about the various Indian foods and spices and how to use the ingredients they see on the tour to prepare an authentic Indian meal for their family.
“It is quite symbolic to have this little population of Little India here because Auckland, in terms of ethnicities and diversities, is huge,” Ms Totha said.
According to Statistics New Zealand’s census report, between 2006 and 2013 the Indian ethnic group in this country grew by 48.4 per cent.Sandringham’s central location makes it an accessible destination for customers as well as a desirable location for retailers.
Pia Kankad, a Blockhouse Bay resident, travels to Sandringham several times a week to shop for both herweekly and Indian groceries. “Sandringham is an amazing location. Everything is there, groceries, restaurants, Indian movies – it’s a one stop-shop,” MsKankad said.
Similarly Gaurang Ambani, owner of Mumbai Chaat,opened his second restaurant in Sandringham to cater to the growing popularity of his eatery. “With Sandringham being the more central hub for Indian people to come and shop, we figured that we would be opening ourselves up to a larger market, if we moved here. And we were successful.”
With events such as the Food and Spice tour promoting the suburb as an Indian hub, Mr Ambani said Sandringham is busier now than it was just two years ago.
“I see a greater mix of people coming to Sandringham – not just Indians. People see value for money and travel from wherever just to come, shop and eat at Sandringham,” Mr Ambani said.
When asked what he thought about Sandringham as a Little India, Mr Ambanisaid the community unofficially wears the title and this reputation is not something he sees will be changing anytime soon.
With several Indian grocery stores and restaurants, Sandringham has almost provided a portal for people to enjoy, explore, learn and discover. The community has woven together the South Asian culture with that of Auckland remarkably well. The next time you’re feeling homesick, nostalgic or just free on a Sunday,youknow where to go!
