When I Googled Indian grocery stores after moving to Birmingham in 2021, a couple in Soho Road were the first to pop up and now, every couple of months I head over there for a big shop.
The Desi stores in Soho Road are stacked with great products that can’t always be found in the big supermarkets. For instance, several brands of Indian ghee or clarified butter, vegetables like raw mangoes and bananas, varities of lentils and even some spices like asafoetida and more.
During my trip there last week, I grabbed a cup of hot tea from Chaiiwala and groceries from Wah Wah Mirchi. I was ecstatic to find a spicy corn crisp called Kurkure sold by PepsiCo (via Frito-Lay) in India.
Every time I visit I can’t help but hop into one of the chai shops that sell amazing Indian spiced tea and street food items that can be hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Over the last two years, I have explored bits of Soho Road and found some interesting things, including affordable South Asian clothes.
While the area isn’t without issues, it’s great for those looking for South Asian grocery or other things like clothes, food and even specific kinds of utensils like a pressure cooker - a staple in Indian kitchens.
With so many bank holidays this month, if you are looking to explore South Asian culture without leaving the city, here are 10 budget-friendly things to do in Soho Road:
5. Shambala Village, Soho Road
There are several pure vegetarian Indian restaurants like Shambala Village, PureVegi, Sangam, Lime n Chilli, Veggie Village, and Chandni Chowk on Soho Road that serve regional and Indo-Chinese vegetarian dishes, plus more. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google Maps
6. Clothes shopping
There are multiple clothes shops for those looking for traditional South Asian clothing such as lehengas, sarees, kurtas, sherwanis and more. You can find wedding clothes for both men and women, as well as jewellery to go with the outfits. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google Maps
7. Shop jewellery at Soho Road
From Laffaire to Chohan’s to Sona Mahal - you will find a range of gold or artificial jewellery at these stores selling traditional South Asian designs. From temple jewellery to kundan to bridal - they have it all. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google Maps
8. Indian bridal make up
You can get your Indian bridal make-up at one of the many top rated salons on Soho Road. There are several make-up artists trained in the specific look such as Jassi hair & beauty salon, Rekha Hair & Beauty Salon, and others. Many of them provide other salon services at affordable prices as well. (Photo - Abhishek Kumar Sah - stock.adobe) | Abhishek Kumar Sah - stock.adobe