There are plenty of great food shops around, but this one beats the lot.
In Brighton's main 'Western Road' shopping area, you will find M & S, Primark, Waitrose, a small Tesco (I think), and plenty of the usual suspects. It has everything.
At the far West end of the road is Waitrose, and right opposite is 'Taj'. Taj is not only a wonderful grocery shop, it is also the most comprehensive exotic food store that I've ever visited. Just going through the front door is a delight to the senses. There is always Arabic music playing too.
One of the things I always miss in France is any homage to foods from the outside world. Yes we can buy a few English, Indian, and N African delights, but the choice is extremely limited. At Taj you can find just about anything, and a multiple choice of brands too. If they don't have it, it'll be there the following day for you to collect. Nothing is too much for the management.
They also have a lunchtime takeaway service. Home made Indian curries, N African tagines, and various veggie dishes are sold loose for you to eat at home or in the office. Delicious.
Amongst all the various things I've looking forward to doing again in Blighty, my visits to Taj have been very high on the list.
p.s. You might see in the photo that there is a crossing right outside the shop entrance. I once came out, and a tiny lady asked if I would help her across the road. She was about 5 ft tall, very frail, and looked to be well over 90. I took her arm, put my hand up to halt traffic, and we crossed the road 'leisurely' together. Once on the other side, she said 'thank you' and continued on her way without another word. It was a first for me, and was somehow extremely rewarding; I felt elated all day.
33 comments:
You seem to have reached heaven. Everything is wonderful. And also good deeds that the place makes you do.
It's always rewarding to help someone. Taj sounds wonderful. I find I often prefer the scents of exotic foods and spices over the actual taste.
What a sensible woman to request help rather than endanger herself and perhaps others. Pride doesn't mean not asking for help when you need it. Taj sounds marvellous. I think one variety of curry should be England's national dish. I don't expect curries would have been readily available in your small French village.
My 'good deed' was a long time ago, but it still makes me smile.
We eat a lot of Indian, N African, and European foods, so a shop like Taj is essential. We're very lucky here; we can buy anything.
My big supermarket in France sold pots of gloopy 'Curry sauce', and occasionally jars of curry paste, but didn't sell curry powder. Of course, Indian restaurants were non-existent.
It is good that you are catching up with all the good things you missed. You are enjoying life. x
Do I feel a move back to the UK coming on Cro? You're having a wonderful time, you won't want to go back....
I certainly am. Loving it. I've been a long time away.
Not yet, but the day may come. It's a long drive down, and our tiny hamlet isn't what it was!!! We'll hang on as long as possible.
Sounds marvellous. It all seems to be turning out well for you.
Yes, all going well at present.
Little did you know that the old lady was Queen Elizabeth II in disguise. She had been to "Taj" to purchase a Moroccan tagine for lunch. Did she knight you?
It could almost have been her (as she is today). Tiny, polite, and diplomatic.
She could well have been Aunty Rosemary.
It is good to be able to find the best in whereever we find ourselves.
Your Aunty Rosemary, or mine?
There are plenty of 'Asian Supermarkets' around, but Taj is exceptional.
I so agree with your sentiment, Graham.
I once found "riches" beyond belief in a tiny little village, not so much god forsaken as abandoned, up the mountains, Andalucia/Spain. One rickety table on the terrace, two rickety chairs. One dish on the menu. Which largely amounted to water soup. Served with grace. One of the most memorable meals ever. Certainly the most moving.
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It is my favorite thing to do, those tiny kindnesses. The smallest things, a smile, or 'why don't you go ahead of me' or 'let me give you a hand' can make a difference for someone else. They also never fail to cheer me up.
Everything about your move to Brighton sounds outstanding. The vibrancy of the city seems excellent. The Taj must have everything needed for preparing gourmet meals with your favorite exotic herbs and spices. Small kindnesses are good for the soul. City life has lots to offer!
It's funny how doing something so simple, can make you feel so good. And (other than now) no-one knows anything about it.
We are having such a good time, and we've only been back a week.
Great post I enjoyed reading it
Sounds like you are enjoying Brighton. That shop sounds amazing, I would love it.
You sound so happy right now, like you're really enjoying yourself and have a renewed zest for life. How wonderful! I'm happy for you!
You sound to have settled in quickly Cro hope you are both enjoying the change of scene.
It makes Leclerc 'foreign foods' section look very glum.
They call in 'London by the Sea', which is a good description.
It could hardly be better.
Now wouldn't that be a surprise if she is one and the same.
It's all about your respective colonies you know.
Sounds like nirvana. Why dont I live there?
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