Los Angeles features many multicultural enclaves, representing the thriving international communities through specialty shops, festivals, restaurants, and events. Like most American metropolises, Los Angeles boasts long-standing districts such as Chinatown and Little Italy, where immigrants and other residents of all generations mingle and trade with tourists and locals, all within a unique cultural context. But Los Angeles has another, newer jewel in its crown of diversity; Little India has been developing a thriving Los Angeles Desi community since the mid-1970's, and today offers an array of goods and services that hearken to India's rich culture and distinctive lifestyle.


Located in Artesia to the southwest of Cerritos, Little India features a panoply of clothing and music stores, specialty beauty parlors, convenience shops, and restaurants, geared towards authentic products and atmosphere, all in the palm-lined sunny splendor of Southern California. The Little India Marketplace on Pioneer Boulevard is a mainstay of the neighborhood, offering shoppers traditional Indian grocery items at affordable prices, all in a friendly atmosphere. Staple cooking items such as lentils, rice, dal, and spices are sold either prepackaged or in bulk, and all are represented in the wide variety with which they're found in India. Produce including hard to find fruits and vegetables such as bitter melon and okra are aplenty, as are chilis, dairy products, and sweets. Indian ice cream is a specialty item at the marketplace. Residents and visitors can shop for bargains or complete their kitchen arsenals all in a bright, spacious, and wonderfully scented environment.


The landmark business in Little India is Selecto Spices, which opened nearly forty years ago and long served as Los Angeles' sole Indian grocery store. With an unparalleled selection of herbs, spices, teas, and other grocery items hard to find in standard American markets, Selecto Spices can add a touch of India to the kitchens and cupboards of LA.


A particularly sweet spot in Little India is Ambala Sweets, a bakery and confections shop selling halvas, birfi, and everything in between, all with the distinctive taste, fragrance, and presentation native to India's own sweet shops. While the abundance of Indian groceries makes homemade confections an easy option, many locals swear by the superiority of Ambala's tasty bites.


Nearby and around nearly every corner, shoppers are greeted by Indian jewelry shops selling bindis and 24-karat gold pieces, and professional eyebrow-threading depilatory and mehndi salons. Traditional sitar music can be heard throughout the commercial district of the neighborhood, making for pleasant strolls along the avenues, and the sitars themselves, along with other instruments, are on offer for aspiring musicians and entertainers. Throughout the year, festivals are celebrated in Little India, and serve to bring the community together for social and religious events. The central, tree-studded park hosts the annual Indian Independence Day festivity on August 15th, featuring Bollywood star appearances, great food, music, and a variety of games. Other events are held throughout the year and likewise do not fail to disappoint for splendour and attention to authentic details.


Whether it's a home away from home, an occasional afternoon's entertainment, or a place to bring your guests, Los Angeles' Little India brings a little bit of the country to a lot of happy people.