New Shalimar (CLOSED)

The kind Nepalese owner of New Shalimar is happy to help you navigate the wares of this subcontinent-focused shop, as this isn’t your run-of-the-mill corner store. The back room is fragrant with spices and shelves bristle under the weight of sacks of lentils and basmati rice. Authentic, ready-made saag paneer and dal tadka sit next to jars of pickle, sesame bars and bombay mix. DVDs, SIM cards, candles, incense and other non-comestibles bulk out the offering. The chest freezer full of parantha, roti and naan is hard to pass up and it sits next to shelves of personal care products familiar to any Indian expat. If you’re lucky, he’ll have pan on hand too, the perfect post-meal digestive aid. It’s the inner city’s best-stocked Indian corner store.