A Home From Home: India
Monica Babani (right) is a 22-year-old Marketing and Management student at HKUST, and she was born in Hong Kong. Her parents are from northern India and she goes back often; a trend she hopes continues after she graduates this year. Vijay Panjabi was also born in Hong Kong, and works in the export trading business while moonlighting as a DJ.
Chungking of Kowloon
It may sound like a stereotype, but Chungking Mansions (36-44 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui) really is the place for all things Indian. “I see a lot of Indians selling fake watches like they do in local Indian markets,” says Monica; “there’s cheap Indian food, Bollywood DVDs, Indian clothes… everything!” Vijay concurs, saying the legendary haunt is rich with “Indian grocery shopping, movies, TV shows, music, magazines, drinks, alcohol… you won’t need anything from India. They have it all.” He also adds that the Mirador Mansion next door has some great shops if you’re on the prowl for Indian clothing.
Mmm, Delhicious
No shortage of suggestions from either of our experts here, who say that getting quality Indian eats is the best way to wash away homesickness. “If I wanted to eat Indian,” says Vijay, “I would head down to TST where there are several great restaurants like Legends of India (4/F, Winfield Commercial Building, 6-8A Prat Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2367-0555) and Tandoori Nights (2/F, Eastern Flower Centre, 22-24 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2971-0009), which both have live Indian bands.” For a veg-heavy dining experience, both recommend a holy trinity of meat-free fare: the reasonably priced Branto (1/F, 9-11 Lock Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-8171); southern-inspired Woodlands (UG/F, 16-17 Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2369-3718); and for those Island-side, Khana Khazana (1/F, Dannies House, 20 Luard Rd., Wan Chai, 8108-1070).
Temple Time
According to Monica, you can’t go wrong with the authoritatively named Hindu Temple of Hong Kong (1 Wong Nai Chung Rd., Happy Valley, 2572-5284). “I feel really close to India when I hear the veneration, smell the incense sticks, and see people in traditional dress praying together,” she says. “All positive vibes.” She also swears by Khalsa Diwan (Hong Kong) Sikh Temple (371 Queen’s Rd. East, Wan Chai, 2572-4459) for their delicious free food and the chance to volunteer and serve, “just like how it is in the Golden Temple.” For Bollywood flicks on the big screen, head to Chinachem Golden Plaza Cinema (G/F, 77 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, www.cel-cinemas.com) for regular shows in Hindi. Vijay adds that the hip Indian crowd hold regular Bollywood parties at popular clubs in Lan Kwai Fong; just chat with Indian friends and keep an eye on Facebook. The word spreads pretty fast.
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