Indian Grocery Tour

Learn all about Indian cuisine with a guided tour of an Indian grocery store, busting myths and sharing tips



1.5 hours

Class size 1 to 10 (public classes), 5 to 50
  $78 (Afterpay & PayPal Pay in 4 available)

Every time I walk into an Asian grocery store, I feel completely lost. The unfamiliar labels, the sheer variety, the not knowing where to even begin. I always wished someone would just walk me through it.
That's exactly what I do for Indian grocery stores, and that's why this tour exists.
I'm Anu, born and raised in Pune, India, and based in Sydney for the past 19 years. I run Indian vegetarian cooking workshops, and what surprised me most was how many participants had never been inside an Indian grocery store, even when one was practically on their doorstep. Not because they weren't curious. But because walking in alone, without knowing what you're looking at, can feel like too much.
This tour changes that.
We start with a tasting, five or six vegetarian bites I bring along, from homemade goodies to a few things you'd find straight off the shelf. Then we walk the aisles together, section by section. I share what's worth buying, what to skip, and the cultural stories behind everyday ingredients.
Perfect for food-curious beginners, busy professionals who want to cook smarter, or anyone keen to explore the culture behind Indian food. While the focus is on flavour-packed, meat-free essentials, making it especially helpful for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free eaters, the tour is just as valuable for anyone curious about Indian flavours and looking to expand their everyday cooking.
What we cover
  • Spices, simplified: you don't need 20. I'll show you the handful that actually matter and how to use them
  • Lentils and legumes: what the difference is, which ones to start with, and why they're the protein backbone of Indian cooking
  • Regional ingredients: how food shifts dramatically from North to South to West, and why there's no single "Indian cuisine"
  • The frozen aisle: the shortcuts that real Indian households use, and the brands worth buying
  • Snacks and pantry staples: the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook finds that make Indian flavour accessible every day
You'll leave with Anu's spice guide to help you start putting it all into practice at home.
No pressure to buy anything. No need to remember everything. Just one and a half hours of relaxed, curious exploration with someone who knows exactly where to look.
Please Note:
- If fewer than 5 people are booked or if it is too wet, the tour may be rescheduled.
- DM me if you want me to run a tour in your neighbourhood.
What you'll get
  • A guided one and a half hour cultural walk through an Indian grocery store
  • A tasting to start, five or six vegetarian bites including homemade goodies and store-bought finds
  • Anu's spice guide to take home
Read more details   
Knowledge required
None at all! This tour is perfect for beginners, home cooks or anyone curious about Indian food and culture. No prior knowledge of Indian ingredients or cooking is necessary.
What to bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A reusable shopping bag if you’d like to buy items during the tour
Add-on available for this class
  • Indian Spice Box (steel masala dabba, 7 spices) ($50)
You can add this when you book (optional).
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a creative gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

North Sydney Community Centre, Miller Street, North Sydney NSW

Indian Grocery Tour location
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Your teacher

Anu Indapurkar
Anu Indapurkar

5.0 (81)
female Women-owned

Growing up in India, I initially had reservations about cooking, viewing it as tied to traditional gender roles. However, surrounded by the rich flavours and vibrant colours of Indian cuisine, I developed a love for cooking and sharing meals, inspired by my Mum's recipes and her emphasis on incorporating more vegetables into traditional recipes, instilling in me a deep appreciation for wholesome, nutritious food.
While my roots lie in traditional Indian cooking, my culinary journey expanded when I relocated to Australia 15 years ago. Exposed to a melting pot of cuisines, I found inspiration in blending traditional recipes with modern influences. Whether it's crafting comforting one-pot wonders like dal soup or experimenting with innovative twists on classic dishes like air-fried pakoras, and puff pastry samosa, cooking became my creative outlet and a way to express my rebellious spirit.
My approach to cooking values simplicity, practicality, and creativity, prioritising the use of fresh, seasonal produce while also embracing the convenience of store-bought ingredients to sustain a demanding lifestyle. I strive to strike a balance, ensuring that my dishes are not only delicious and healthy but also simple to put together.
I am here not just to share the recipes; but equally want to help foster a community of passionate, intuitive cooks, infusing spices in their day to day and promoting mindful eating practices.
Beyond the kitchen, I lead an active lifestyle, work full time and find myself to be very fortunate to be able to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Having met my husband in Sydney, we bonded over our love for food, wine, running, cycling, camping, traveling and reading. With the support of my Australian family and friends, many of whom have been my enthusiastic guinea pigs turned cheerleaders, I'm excited to share my passion for Indian plant based cuisine with the world.

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