Gerrard st. East (Little India)
beauty/spas
Ayurved & Acupuncture Centre
1115 O’Connor Dr. 416 778-9341
We admit it: this place isn’t exactly in Little India. But for a truly authentic sampling of ancient Ayurvedic medicine, it’s worth the journey north. Practitioners here work on the principle that everyone is made up of their own unique blend of fire (pitta), water (kapha) and air (vata)—and that each of us can feel even more healthy with the right pitta-, kapha—or vata-enhnacing combo of diet, exercise and herbs.
$$ to $$$$
Sona Chandhi
1430 Gerrard St. 416 466-6694
If you find yourself inspired by the traditional jewellery worn by the women of India and have a sudden (yet well-thought-out and parent-ally approved) notion to get another hole or two punched in your skin, here’s one convenient location. It’s part jewellery shop (find white and yellow gold earrings, nose rings and more) in the front, and the services of a qualified esthetician (offering ear and nose piercings) in the back.
$ to $$$
accessories/clothing
Neelam Silk
1453 Gerrard St. E. 416 778-7455
Treat your eyes to the rainbow of silky tunics that fill this shop. Find your perfect colour (it’s here, trust us) and wear it with jeans or draped over a bathing suit. If you’ve got any talent with a sewing machine, or interior
decorating aspirations, sort through the stacks of sari-ready silk and make your own magic. Got your fill of saris? Check out the shop’s good selection of
intricate and bedazzling earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings
$ to $$$
Bombay Fashion
1610 Gerrard St. E. 416 466-6185
There’s no shortage of jewellers along Gerrard Street, but this shop in particular has a wicked collection of stackable bangles in what might be the ‘hood’s widest range of colours, styles and price points. Along a wall running the entire length of the store, choose from silver and gold bangles mixed with every imaginable colour. For good measure, you’ll also find beaded cloth messenger bags, sequined shoes and a few saris.
$ to $$
décor/lifestyle
Rang Home Décor
1413 Gerrard St. E. 416 465-8837
If turning your bedroom into an exotic Madras-themed hideaway appeals, so will Rang. Nothing here is bargain-priced. But then again, you only need one hot-pink pillow to totally perk up your space. Or a few drapey pieces of silk hung from the ceiling to create a canopy around your bed. Perhaps zodiac-inspired incense, beaded vases or gilt picture frames? It’s all plush, fabulous and guaranteed to add more than a hint of the exotic to your humble little pad.
$$ to $$$$
Bollywood Music and DVD Centre
1413 Gerrard St. E. 416 778-4646
If you don’t know who Aishwarya Rai is, you need to visit this shop. The actress/model/former Miss World is the biggest celebrity phenom to come out of “Bollywood” (India’s booming and hugely profitable version of Hollywood) in decades. So why pick out a swinging Bollywood flick (subtitles available) or soundtrack from this crammed, yet well-organized and super-friendly CD and DVD shop? See what the multi-million dollar fuss is all about!
$ to $$
food
Udupi Palace
1460 Gerrard St. E. 416 405-8189
What it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for with sheer deliciousness. The all-veg menu is lengthy, but you can’t go wrong by choosing one of several kinds of vada (fried lentil doughnuts) in spicy, aromatic seasonings or dosa (a thick rice crepe), chutney, spiced potatoes, vegetables, cheese and more. Don’t forget to order a yummy lassi or mango shake on the side.
$ to $$
Lahore Tikka House
1365 Gerrard St. E. 416 406-1668
It’s quite the outfit—although you’d never know it by the ramshackle exterior (with add-on patio tent in warmer months). First you order at the counter. Then you’re given a number and head off to stake out a seat (often sharing a table with fellow diners). Soon, a runner is dispatched to find you when your food is ready and your dishes are hurried out to your table. But this routine is worth it for the authentic, simmered and carefully spiced mains. Including drool-worth (and seriously affordable) chicken tikka, palak daal and tandoor dishes cooked in clay pots.
$ to $$
Legend: $ = Under $20 $$ = $20 to $50 $$$=$50 to $80 $$$$=$80 to $100
