Experience the authentic flavours of India without travelling the world or needing a passport. Take your time to explore one of Dandenong’s fastest growing cultural precincts, Little India.

After you have parked your car or arrived by bus or train at Dandenong Station, a good way to explore the precinct is to start at the corner of Robinson and Foster Streets. You will immediately be able to start exploring Indian specialty shops including fashion, groceries, entertainment and cafes.

We have provided some question prompts to ask the traders, but don’t feel limited to these as you explore the entire precinct, ask questions, and take delight in this local gem!

FashionWithin the community Little India is famous for wedding related shopping with Punjab suits for men and traditional wedding saris and jewellery for women. The precinct also offers contemporary fashion in a variety of sari styles for Bollywood parties and special events.

Ask the traders; about different ways to wear

a sari

about the most popular colours for wedding ceremonies

to show you the elaborate jewellery for the brides and their cultural significance

when Henna art is more commonly used and where it is applied.

GroceriesLittle India is a great place to shop for authentic ingredients and Indian food. Notice the differences between an Indian grocery shop compared to a western supermarket. You will see that produce is displayed in a more random manner and you can expect to find cosmetics next to rice.

Ask the traders about; the most popular/tasty quick

meal to try at home

the most used Indian spice or ingredient for cooking

the use of beans in dishes

a product you are not familiar with but curious to know more about.

entertainmentAmerica has Hollywood and India has Bollywood. Bollywood is one of the largest film genres in the world and the largest in terms of number of films produced. Unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a real physical place however it is a very real part of Indian pop culture and a multi million dollar industry where Bollywood Celebrities are revered.

Ask the traders; about the increase in themed

Bollywood parties and where can you learn to dance Bollywood style

about the celebrity status of bollywood actors and cricketers

about the latest and most popular film including the rating of films

about the traditional musical instruments.

eatinG outNot all food is hot and spiced with curry powder. There are many delicately flavoured tasty dishes that cater for both vegetarians and meat lovers and the offer is about choice when you visit Little India.There is a wide variety of meals and colourful sweets on offer that will tempt your palette.

Ask the traders; about the difference between

Naan and Roti Bread

why there is silver paper on the sweets

which is the most popular curry.

little indiad a n d e n o n g

related activitiesLittle India Cultural Tours

Afghan Bazaar Cultural Tours

Wonders of Dandenong Walking Tour

Dandenong Food Lovers Tour

Springvale Shopping Tour

For more information on these tours go to www.greaterdandenong.com or telephone (03) 9239 5100

explore little indiaDandenong is a dynamic and progressive city,

located just 35km south east of Melbourne’s

CBD. Its prime location, excellent access to

transport and services, strong employment

base, cultural diversity and community spirit

makes this city a destination of choice.

Central Dandenong is currently undergoing

a significant revitalisation with financial

backing from the State Government, seeking

to attract more visitors, residents, jobs and

businesses to the area. To find out more, visit

www.revitalisingdandenong.com cultural retail precinct Guide

Robi

nson

St

Foster St

Gilbert Lane

Garner Lane

Mas

on S

t

Thomas St

Walker St

Dandenong Railway Station