Located at 83–87 Passage Brady since 1996, Velan Indian Grocery is the oldest Indian shop in Paris’s iconic Little India. Founded by Antoine Ponnoussamy from Pondicherry, déspite distance he recreated Indian culinary traditions. Today his daughters Delia and Patricia, alongside husband Marissamy, carry on the family legacy of quality, warmth, and discovery.

Stepping inside offers a sensory overload: jars of exotic spices (black cumin, Himalayan pink salt, chili, amchoor…), packets of dried fruits, fragrant rice, Ayurvedic teas, incense from India, Tibet, Africa—over 5,000 items including hard-to-find products. A hidden kitchen prepares crispy vegetable samosas, chickpea fritters and other Indian snacks—perfect for a flavorful bite on the go.

The shop also features a range of traditional crafts: costume jewelry, statues, textiles, Indian literature, vivid kitsch decor… all evoking authentic Indian ambiance.

The atmosphere is warm and personal: longtime customers say, “70% of our clients have become friends,” Delia shares. Staff, often dressed in saree, offer friendly advice on usage of products, always with a smile.

Clientele ranges widely: curious explorers, food lovers, Indian culture enthusiasts, travelers seeking authenticity, plus ayurvedic practitioners and natural wellness fans. Velan also attracts professionals looking for specialized spices at affordable prices.

Practical info: open Monday–Saturday from 10:00 to around 20:00/20:30; closed Sundays. Payment accepted by cash or cards (CB/Visa/Mastercard). Nearby metro: Château‑d’Eau or Strasbourg‑Saint‑Denis. Not wheelchair accessible.

Anecdote: Generations of customers have passed through Velan’s doors—some returning today with children they once brought as kids. Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan even visited Velan when in Paris .