Oak Tree Road: A Slice of India in the Heart of New Jersey

Oak Tree Road, situated in Edison, New Jersey, is affectionately known as “Little India.” This vibrant enclave is home to a predominantly Indian and Asian community. In Oak Tree Road, you’ll find an abundance of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and shops catering to the diverse Asian and Indian population. Life in this neighborhood is characterized by simplicity and a lack of unnecessary complications.

Every weekend, Oak Tree Road transforms into a bustling commerce hub. Vendors line the busy street, creating a colorful and lively market. The scene is a kaleidoscope of vibrant saris, the rhythmic jingles of ankle bells, and the aromatic scents of spices that waft through the air. It’s as if a piece of India has been transplanted into the heart of New Jersey.

At the heart of this bustling market are the Patel Brothers, owners of two shops on Oak Tree Road. Their stores are filled with a wide array of spices, grains, and legumes, evoking the flavors of Mumbai and Delhi. Mr. and Mrs. Patel are known for their warm and welcoming service, always ready to guide customers on how to use their exotic ingredients. They’re particularly famous for their homemade spice blends and mouthwatering samosas, which have a dedicated following.

Nearby, you’ll find Royal Paan, known for its famous paan, a treat also enjoyed in Mumbai and Gujarat, India. Another popular paan shop, Radhe Paanwala, is located near Apna Bazaar. It’s renowned for its variety of paan and is considered the best paanwala in town. This shop also offers fresh sugarcane juice and an assortment of mouth fresheners, sweets, chocolates, and more. Next door, Oak Tree Drugs stocks various medicines, tablets, and health-related products.

Close to Apna Bazaar, there’s Santhigram Wellness, also known as Kerala Ayurvedha, offering holistic health solutions for physical and mental well-being. This clinic’s ancient treatments are still considered one of the best in the world. In today’s modern era, it continues to excel in treating various ailments.

For a breath of fresh air and a pleasant aroma, Vivek Flowers, a nearby flower shop, offers an array of beautiful flowers that perfume the surroundings.

On the other side of the road, Mrs. Gupta owns Gupta Fabrics and Fashion. Her shop is a treasure trove of embroidered fabrics, jewelry, and traditional Indian clothing. She assists customers in finding the perfect attire for weddings, Diwali celebrations, and daily wear. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of her fabrics attract customers from all over New Jersey, especially the Indian community in Oak Tree Road.

The restaurants in the area, such as Jay Bhavani Vadapav and Mirchi’s, offer a diverse range of Indian cuisine, from mouthwatering biryanis to freshly baked naans. Families from all over Oak Tree Road gather to enjoy a variety of delectable dishes, appreciating the dedicated labor behind these culinary delights.

Oak Tree Road Indian Market isn’t just a place to buy groceries or enjoy a meal; it’s a hub of cultural exchange. The music of sitars and tablas fills the air, and henna artists create intricate designs on the hands of visitors. Local children, regardless of their background, dance to the rhythm of Bollywood hits. The market symbolizes the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

As the sun sets behind the oak trees lining the road, the market is illuminated by colorful lanterns, creating a warm atmosphere filled with laughter from families in the area. Oak Tree Road is where the old and new, the traditional and contemporary seamlessly merge.

This market is more than a marketplace; it’s a cultural sanctuary. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of India, where the aromas and flavors of India waft through the air, serving as a reminder that in the heart of New Jersey, there’s a piece of India to call home.

Oak Tree Road, with its diverse and welcoming community, is a testament to the unique blend of cultures and traditions found in New Jersey.