Looking for Desi Stuff in Coventry?

Moving to Coventry for University and cant find your desi Kurkure or Bhujia? Keep reading because I am going to tell you exactly where to find those. Well......since you are new here let me help you guide you with all of your grocery shopping.

First of all .....Welcome to Coventry! Starting university in a new city is an exciting journey, and one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is where to shop for groceries—especially if you’re looking for Indian essentials or just trying to keep your budget in check. Whether you’re stocking up on everyday items or hunting down your favorite snacks, this guide will help you navigate Coventry’s grocery scene like a pro.

Desi Grocery Stores and Festival Essentials in Coventry

If you’re missing the flavors of home or need supplies for an upcoming festival, Foleshill Road is the place to be! This area is a hub for South Asian groceries and restaurants, and you’ll find plenty of stores that cater specifically to Indian culinary needs.

• Opus Foods: Your one-stop shop for South Asian groceries. From spices, lentis, flours, achaar, you name it, Opus has it all. You will find products from brands you probably already use, e.g, Himalaya, Patanjali, Everest, Kissan, Frooti, Limca etc

• Shah’s Pan Store: Located right across from Opus Foods, Shah’s Pan Store is perfect for all your festival needs. They stock everything from rangoli colors and diyas for Diwali to Holi colors, firecrackers, and traditional Indian decor. You can also find religious items for pujas and dandiya sticks for Navratri here.

• Dubai Bargains and Dubai Gate: Just 12 min walk from city centre you will find these stores to full all your GCC snacks cravings of things like Oman chips and even choki-choki!

CV Mart: Your Go-To for Asian Groceries

If you’re into Asian cuisine or need specific ingredients for your favorite dishes, CV Mart is a must-visit. Conveniently located right in the city centre, CV Mart offers a wide range of Asian products, including:

• Udon and Egg Noodles: Perfect for whipping up a quick stir-fry or ramen.

• Maki and Nori Sheets: Essential for making sushi at home.

• Other Asian Groceries: You’ll also find sauces, spices, and snacks from various Asian cuisines.

  
  

CVMart is surrounded by restaurants offering Lebanese and Asian foods, making it a great stop if you’re in the mood to explore different culinary options in Coventry.

Coventry Market: The Best Place for Fresh and Affordable Vegetables

Just a 4-5 minute walk from the main university campus, Coventry Market is a hidden gem for students. If you’re looking for fresh vegetables and fruits at unbeatable prices, this market should be your go-to spot.

• Indian Vegetables: You’ll find produce that’s hard to come by in supermarkets, like bottle gourd, lady finger (okra), and bitter gourd.

• More Produce: The market is known for selling larger quantities of staples like coriander, spinach, and tomatoes at much lower prices than supermarkets. Perfect for stocking up for the week!

• Convenient Location: It’s right in the city centre, making it easy to pop by after class or before. Just remember to check the opening hours—Coventry Market usually closes around 5 PM on weekdays, with varying hours on weekends.

Everyday Grocery Shopping

When it comes to everyday groceries, you have several options in Coventry:

1. Sainsbury’s and Tesco: Both have stores in the city centre and offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials.

   
   

2. Aldi: If you’re on a tight budget, Aldi is your best friend. There is very limited variety of products here, you probably will not find your usual brands here but, with careful planning, you can cover your entire month’s groceries for as little as £90. It’s a short bus ride away, but well worth it for the savings.

   
   

3. Lidl: For a bit more variety, Lidl is the way to go. along with the regular grocery items and everyday essentials they also have the best bakery! Their bakery section is fantastic, offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and even on-demand fresh orange juice. Depending on your choices, you can manage your monthly grocery shopping for around £90-120. Lidl is a short bus ride from centre too, but its not too much of a hassle.

The Cost of Keeping Your Indian Snacks Stash Full

If you can’t survive without your favorite Indian snacks and Maggi, be prepared for a slightly higher grocery bill. Here’s what to expect:

• Maggi Noodles: A single packet costs around 50p, which is about 50 rupees. If you’re used to having it regularly, these costs can add up quickly.

• Frozen Parathas and Snacks: Items like frozen parathas, samosas, and bhajias are convenient but come at a premium.

• Popular Snacks: Brands like Kurkure, Lays, and Parle-G biscuits are available but pricier than you might be used to back home.

  
  

If you plan to stock up on a month’s worth of these snacks and groceries, expect to spend an additional £40 to £110 per month, depending on your needs.

Save More with Grocery Store Apps

To make your money go further, make sure to download the apps for the grocery stores you frequent. Here’s how you can save:

• Sainsbury’s Nectar App: Collect Nectar points and access special Nectar prices.

• Tesco Clubcard App: Get Clubcard prices and accumulate points for future savings.

• Lidl Plus App: Collect points and unlock rewards with regular shopping.

Final Thoughts: Share Your Experience!

I hope this guide helps you get settled in Coventry and makes your grocery shopping a little easier. If you have any questions, suggestions, or need more tips, feel free to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking for specific items, have discovered a hidden gem in the city, or just want to share your experience, your input can help others too.

And if there’s anything else you’d like me to write about, let me know! I’m here to help and look forward to connecting with you all. Happy shopping and best of luck with your university adventure!

you can reach out to me on Instagram as well!!!