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Jersey City's Guide to Little India

Journey to the heart of Journal Square, where you will find one of Jersey City's greatest cultural gems: Little India.

Meander down Newark Avenue and bask in the vibrant colors of the sari shops, get into the groove and learn a few Bollywood dance steps at Staar Academy, feast on delectable dishes with exotic flavors, or find your inner balance through yoga. This urban adventure is sure to please, with tons of wallet friendly options.

Start your tour off with a tasty snack, try a paratha (stuffed flat bread) at Paratha Junction, a refreshing mango lassi at Horn OK Please, or have a phenomenal buffet lunch at the Village.

Wonder through the jewelry stores where you can buy pure 18K gold jewelry that will dazzle your friends and make you feel like royalty.

Visit the Govinda Center for cultural and religious studies, where you can learn, pray and explore. Everyone is welcome to explore the Govinda Center just leave your shoes at the door.

A few doors down, under the Indus American Bank, is Staar Academy, where you can get into the Bollywood groove and learn a few dance move. If you're a traditionalist, no worries, there are a variety of styles of dance, music and yoga classes available.

Find your inner balance at the Yoga Cube, and then explore the ancient art of Ayervedic medicine. Yoga classes are offered on the weekends.
Ayurveda is the name of the 5000 year-old comprehensive system of medicine that combines natural therapies with a highly personalized approach to the treatment of disease. Ayurvedic Medicine places equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit, and strives to restore the innate harmony and balance in each individual.

Hopefully, you've worked up a huge appetite. Indulge in a southern Indian staple, the dosa (large pancake usually filled with potato), at either Dosa Hut, or Ganesh Dosa House. Shri Biryani House is a rice lover's paradise. Perhaps a more traditional sit down Indian meal is in order. Then make sure to venture into Rasoi, where the dishes are sure to wow. If you are in a purely vegetarian mood stop by Sapthagiri, or explore what happens when you fuse two fabulous cuisines at China Spice - savor foods soaked in the delectable Manchurian sauce at this lovely upscale restaurant. On the lighter side, Mithaas serves up food for every mood, plus offering a bevy of thirst quenching options to choose from.

Before moving on to dessert, stop by Super Style, Muskan, or Super Shapes Salon for a mini makeover. They specialize in Mendhi (temporary henna tattoos), and the ancient art of eyebrow threading.

Make sure not to miss Bengali Sweets where you will find an infinite amount of colorful treats. If ice cream is your thing, try Rajbhog Sweets & Snacks, where exotic flavors include - rose, mango or raisin/cashew, scooped generously with little wooden spoons.

At Bhutala you can find both Indian artifacts and ayurvedic medicines. Venture into Pate's Cash and Carry or Subzi Mandi to find a great selection of freshly ground spices and treats.

If you're in need of electronics, here on the avenue you will find both 110 and 220 volt electronics. Patel Video can provide you with the latest Bollywood hits.

If you are fortunate enough to be here for an Indian Festival you are really in for a treat. During Navratri, (October 8, 9, 15, 16, 2010), over 15,000 come out to celebrate. The nights are filled with music, dancing and singing, it is a cultural experience not to be missed. Other wonderful festivals include Diwali (11/6/2010), with fireworks on the avenue and colorful treats abound. Visit for the Hindu New Year at the Govinda Center where you will find an exhibition of foods (11/7/2010).

There are many wonderful restaurants and establishments in Little India, we've got you started - let the journey begin.

Getting to Little India

Take the PATH train to Journal Square stop (JSQ/33rd Street train) or the (NWK/World Trade Center train). Walk 3 blocks North on John F. Kennedy Blvd until you get to Newark Avenue. The journey begins on your left across from the White Castle.