#best Indian restaurant in Phnom Penh

[rpcomtrade123]

Indian food is beloved by many in Phnom Penh's lively food scene, which offers a wide array of delectable dishes. At Shiva Shakti, one of the oldest Indian restaurants in town, the devotion to Indian cuisine extends far beyond the traditional fare of biryanis and curries. Guests will have a lovely introduction to the many breads that go with every Indian meal at this restaurant that focuses on the art of Indian bread making.

[namasteindiarestaurant]

Curries in Phnom Penh

[namasteindiarestaurantbkk]

Vegetarian Indian food

Established in 2018, Namaste India BKK restaurant is build with a mission to bring true fine dining experience with Indian food in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

[dreamstravel19]

Cheapest Countries to Visit from India: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Traveling the world doesn't have to break the bank. For Indian travelers looking to explore new destinations without spending a fortune, there are numerous countries offering rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and unique adventures at a fraction of the cost. Here's a guide to some of the cheapest countries to visit from India, where you can enjoy a memorable vacation on a budget.

1. Nepal

Why Visit:

Nepal is a haven for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Home to eight of the world's tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, Nepal offers breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Highlights:

Trekking in the Himalayas

Exploring the capital, Kathmandu, with its historic temples and bustling markets

Visiting the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini

Budget Tips:

Use local transport like buses and shared taxis.

Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels.

Enjoy local Nepali cuisine, which is both delicious and affordable.

2. Sri Lanka

Why Visit:

Sri Lanka, often called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," boasts beautiful beaches, lush tea plantations, and ancient ruins. Its compact size makes it easy to explore multiple destinations on a single trip.

Highlights:

Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna

Exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura

Taking a scenic train ride through the tea plantations in Ella

Budget Tips:

Travel by train or bus for cheap and scenic transportation.

Eat at local eateries and street food stalls.

Opt for budget accommodation, like guesthouses or homestays.

3. Thailand

Why Visit:

Thailand is renowned for its stunning islands, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and delicious street food. It's an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. One of the best cheapest countries to visit from India.

Highlights:

Exploring the bustling city of Bangkok

Relaxing on the islands of Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi

Visiting ancient temples in Chiang Mai

Budget Tips:

Use budget airlines or buses for internal travel.

Stay in hostels or budget hotels.

Enjoy affordable and delicious street food.

4. Vietnam

Why Visit:

Vietnam offers diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countryside, and a fascinating history. It's a perfect destination for history buffs and nature lovers.

Highlights:

Cruising in Ha Long Bay

Exploring the historic city of Hoi An

Visiting the war museums and tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City

Budget Tips:

Travel by overnight buses or trains to save on accommodation.

Eat at local markets and street vendors.

Choose budget hotels or hostels for your stay.

5. Indonesia

Why Visit:

Indonesia, with its vast archipelago, offers a myriad of experiences from beach getaways to cultural explorations. Bali, in particular, is a favorite among travelers for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Highlights:

Relaxing on the beaches of Bali

Exploring the temples and rice terraces of Ubud

Diving in the pristine waters of the Gili Islands

Budget Tips:

Use local transport options like scooters or public buses.

Stay in budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels.

Enjoy meals at warungs (local eateries).

6. Cambodia

Why Visit:

On the list of cheapest countries to visit from India, Cambodia is home to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers a deep insight into ancient civilizations. It's also known for its friendly locals and rich history.

Highlights:

Exploring the Angkor Wat temple complex

Visiting the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh

Relaxing on the beaches of Sihanoukville

Budget Tips:

Travel by bus between cities to save on transportation costs.

Eat at local markets and small restaurants.

Stay in budget hotels or guesthouses.

7. Malaysia

Why Visit:

Malaysia offers a mix of modernity and tradition, with bustling cities, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. It's a great destination for those looking for diverse experiences.

Highlights:

Exploring the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur

Visiting the historic city of Malacca

Relaxing on the beaches of Langkawi

Budget Tips:

Use public transport like buses and trains.

Stay in budget accommodation options like hostels.

Enjoy meals at local hawker centers.

Conclusion

Traveling doesn't have to be expensive, and these cheapest countries to visit from India prove that you can have an incredible experience without spending a fortune. By planning wisely, choosing budget accommodations, and savoring local cuisines, you can explore these amazing destinations without straining your wallet. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and embark on a budget-friendly adventure from India to these beautiful countries. Safe travels!

[indianamastey-blog]

[withsarahj]

phnom penh guide

RESTAURANTS 

Mexicano/Itacate - Really yummy Mexican food, probably the best in town, two branches are run by the same owner so if you want to skip the crowd go for Itacate (cooler atmosphere too). Get any of the classic tacos with a side of guacamole and sour cream + one of their lime sodas that come in a huge pot. Cute colourful interior and friendly staff. 

Jaru - Good value Korean food, chicken wings are great and they do a solid stew. Nice banchan and good atmosphere, is always full but you can always get a table.

Tokkiya - Homey Korean food for cheap, their Bimbimbap is the best I’ve tried. Low-key and very casual. Feels like your Korean grandma is cooking for you. 

Enso - Great for breafast/brunch. Australian style, healthy, fresh and has something for everyone. I always either get the mushroom omelette or the pancakes. Their bakery is pretty good too. Yummy smoothies.

Lot 369 - Along the same vein as Enso, Aussie style cafe, a bit more pared down. Nice ambiance and has a good range of food, service sometimes unreliable in the busier hours though. 

Java Cafe - One of the first cafes in town ever and still going strong. Go for the bagels, mushroom burger and huge salads. Friendly staff and very approachable with cool interiors. 

Backyard Cafe - Healthy food to the max but I love it when I’m in that mood. Huge portions, lots of veggies, salads and good for you food. Cold-press juice + healthy desserts too. 

The Shop - A Phnom Penh classic. Perfect breakfasts and even more perfect lunches. Go for the Benedict and the mango and passionfruit pancake. Smoothies and juices, I love their lychee mint one + they do a mean eclair. 

Origami - On the pricier side but they do set lunches for less than 10 if you’re on a budget. Great quality fish and good service. Feels like you’re in Japan.

O-san Ramen - The only acceptable ramen in the city. A super solid bowl of noodles. Hole in the wall kind of feeling, business guys getting off work and having dinner.

Shiva Shakti - Best Indian food in PP, a bit pricier but really worth it. Order your favourites + sweet lassi. 

Sesame Noodle Bar - Cute and quirky interiors, draws a nice crowd. Cheap and small menu. Star is the sesame noodles + Thor buns. 

Brooklyn Bistro - If you want to pig out, get the pepperoni pizza and the ribs. I can only go there when the mood hits since the food is on the heavier side.

Kravanh - Great Khmer food. Pricier side with traditional yet chic interior. 

Sakana Lab/Sushi Lab - Owned by the same people but different vibe. Sushi Lab for a one-time omakase experience. Sakana Lab for great japanese food for good value. Nice atmosphere and crowd.

Luna - My favourite pizza in town. Tuna salad + the seafood pasta is a favourite. Desserts are also great. 

Adachi - Solid Japanese food on the pricier side. Great service, super reliable and very high quality. You can get small Japanese style booths. Lively atmosphere usually. 

Fuwari - Small Japanese bakery. Best cream puffs and the mille feulle is wow. Takeaway is best, their seating is pretty limited.  

DRINKS

Tini - Tiny spot but beautiful and minimalist interiors. Nice coffee and artsy books to look through. Small menu + a few cakes. 

Kinin - Converted wooden house turned bar/restaurant. Nice open atmosphere, don’t really dig the food but the drinks are great. Mocktails are one of the best here too. 

Bassac Lane - Quickly turning into PP’s own Pub St so some areas can be seedier but Harry’s and Le Boutier are definitely the highlights. Yummy cocktails and a good vibe. Very hipster.

Sundown Social Club - Overlooks Russian Market, good spot for people watching. Nice cocktails and bar food but mainly go there for the beautiful interior and atmosphere. 

Brown - The ultimate local coffeeshop/brand. Brown is a PP icon. Delicious cold drinks and frappes. Ice lemon tea or ice latte is a go-to. Go for the great interiors, vibe and service, the food is not a highlight IMO. You’ll get a sense of the local coffee culture here.

Koi - Bubble tea is big here, so go for a takeaway cup. Oolong tea + their house grass jelly is my favourite. Another local fave is the green tea macchiato that you get a baby knife to cut and drink out of at a 45 degree angle. Extra but so yummy !

THINGS TO DO  Rooftop swim at Penh House or Patio: Rooftop swims are a big thing in the city, spend an afternoon just lounging around, drinking a coconut, eating too much from the poolside menu while watching the sunset. These two spots have the best views and ambience but can get crowded so go earlier.

Spa and massage at Bliss/Champei: Bliss has gorgeous interior and a super serene atmosphere, the building inside is very unique. Champei gives a good massage but on a budget. Cambodia is well-known for their spa-game so this is a must !

Russian market - Probably the most popular market in PP, I usually go for swimsuits, silver jewelry and sports clothes. They also have a food market inside, get the freshly squeezed orange juice to cool off.

Games cafe - So many games to play for cheap, paid hourly. I always have a good time here, there’s also a food and drink menu to order off of. 

Factory - Very cool and interesting co-working space + a bunch of other things. Huge place with coffee shop, basketball, games room + bikes for getting around. Trampolining is also here + a skatepark. 

Odom park - Relatively new park and one of the only truly green areas in the city. A space of calmness, draws a really diverse crowd. Has a cafe and some markets on the weekends. Worth it to check out. 

Now.here - Sweet studio run by a creative duo/couple. They do workshops, have prints and have other things for sale. 

Wander around in front of the Royal Palace - The street is blocked off from traffic, very rare in the city. Nice for people watching and has an otherworldly vibe. 

[shivashakti1-blog]

Shiva Shakti restaurant

Shiva Shakti is the best Indian restaurant in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The restaurant has the best Indian dishes and a splendid interior with supportive staff and service. The restaurant is worth visiting.

 https://www.tripadvisor.in/RSManagementCenter-g293940-d2281769-Shiva_Shakti-Phnom_Penh.html

[primortravel]

New Post has been published on https://primortravel.com/5-reasons-to-go-in-2021/

5 Reasons to Go in 2021

During my trip around the world, I was excited to backpack Cambodia in Southeast Asia for many reasons.

Ancient temple ruins set the scene for Hollywood movies, villages that float on water, and killing fields where the worst of humanity was witnessed.

Cambodia, a primarily rural country, is full of complexity.

In this post, I’ll share five reasons to visit the country, plus the best places to add to your Cambodia itinerary, all of which I hope will inspire you to spend time here, too.

Getting to Know Cambodia

Offerings for Buddha at Bayon ruins

Historical Influences

Over the last 2,000 years, Cambodia has been heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian culture, acting as a conduit to spread those influences to Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

One such influence has been Buddhism, written into the country’s constitution and practiced by 97% of the population.

Perhaps this is part of why Cambodian people are known to be so friendly.

As a practitioner of Buddhism, I loved being immersed in a country with such a rich tradition.

Today, there are more than 4,000 monastery temples across the country.

In the 12th Century, Cambodia’s Khmer Empire was the largest in Southeast Asia.

Their capital was Angkor, and it was during this time that Angkor Wat and Bayon were constructed.

Fast forward to the mid-19th Century, and Cambodia reached out to France for protection from Siam (now Thailand).

As a result, Cambodia was a French colony from 1857 to 1953.

The French language was taught in school. However, once the Khmer Rouge began waging their genocide in the mid-1970s, most educated, multilingual Cambodians were killed.

Modern-day Cambodia has benefited from its growth as a premier travel destination in the last 20 years.

The influx of travelers, expats, and businesses has also had an impact.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Learn About Genocide

When the Khmer Rouge took power in 1975, led by Pol Pot, millions of Cambodians were marched into the countryside to perform forced agricultural labor.

The educated class was tortured and killed en masse. Even babies, the most innocent form of human life, were brutally murdered by the regime.

An estimated two to three million Cambodian people died during the genocide or approximately 30% of the country’s population.

For this reason, you may not see many elderly Cambodians (over the age of 60), however as time passes, this effect is slowly fading.

I realize recommending visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison (aka S-21) and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, both in Phnom Penh, sounds like dark tourism.

By all accounts, it is. There’s nothing darker and few things crueler than genocide.

But, it’s critical for us as world travelers to educate ourselves on these atrocities so we can support efforts to prevent them in the future.

Phi-Lay on his motorbike

The People

A defining experience from my backpacking trip to Cambodia was spending time with Phi-Lay, a motorbike guide in Battambang.

I’d hired him to take me around the rural villages. We spent the day driving through green fields of rice and visiting colorful Buddhist temples.

We also made a somber stop at the Killing Caves (a genocide memorial).

Afterward, as I was eating lunch at a nearby restaurant, Phi-Lay shared his experience living through the genocide.

I hadn’t asked out of respect; however, I appreciated his willingness to share.

When we returned to Battambang at the end of the day, he invited me to dinner at his house with his wife and eight children. I said yes.

That night, I dined on curry-stuffed frogs at Phi-Lay’s home, and afterward, watched Bollywood DVDs together with his family.

I enjoyed the day so much, I hired him for the next day, too. And once again, he invited me over to dinner!

A few days later, after I arrived in Phnom Penh, I mailed Phi-Lay a few of the pictures I’d taken of him and his family. I hope he enjoyed them as much as I did.

Floating village on Tonle Sap lake

Wonderful Weather

Cambodia is in the northern hemisphere, and given its proximity to the equator, has fairly consistent temperatures year-round.

You can expect anywhere from 70 F for a low to 95 F for a high (21 to 35 C). Perfect for wearing a t-shirt and shorts day or night.

More importantly, there’s a wet and a dry season, which is good to know before choosing dates to backpack Cambodia.

The cool, dry season is from October to April, and the wet season runs from May to September.

I visited during the first few weeks of September and did experience some rain, but it wasn’t enough to cause any issues.

However, I did run into a delay when my minivan to rural northeast Cambodia had to detour around a very muddy, almost impassible stretch of road.

So, if you intend to get off the beaten path and spend more time in the countryside, perhaps it’s best to go in the dry season.

Enjoying the silence at a volcano crater lake

Natural Landscapes

Why you may wonder, was I going to Ban Lung in northeast Cambodia?

I’d learned there was a volcano crater lake (Boeng Yeak Laom) you could swim in, and that sounded swell to me at the time!

It was a heck of a long day in a crowded minivan to get there, but the journey was worth it.

The lake was completely undeveloped, except for a small wooden dock from which to stare out at the scenery or go for a swim. I hope that’s still the case.

To get there, I’d hired a motorbike guide who also took me to three local waterfalls, including one large one you could stand under without getting wet.

One thing I missed while backpacking in Cambodia was the beaches, specifically those around Sihanoukville.

Lonely Beach on Koh Rong and Otes Beach were highlighted as two of the best beaches in Southeast Asia by Thrillist.

The list could go on. The 18 days I spent backpacking in Cambodia were a truly wonderful experience I still savor years later.

_____

This story is brought to you in partnership with Karambol.

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio, a food blog. He’s been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Read the complete story of how he became a pro travel blogger.

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[ilyaslam]

The Most Popular Budget Travel Destinations For 2018

ravel means different things to different people. It can be an adventure, a learning experience, rest and relaxation or a combination of all of these. There are some amazing trips to be taken and some of them are available at budget prices.

Here is a list of the most popular budget travel destinations around the world for 2018 grouped by region.

North America

Montreal, Canada

This 375-year-old city with a French influence is a great treat for lovers of history, culture and art. It’s safe and has a comfortable climate May through September. U.S. residents can save on expensive flights and enjoy the favorable exchange rate.

Moab, Utah

Central to some of the most scenic areas of the United States, Canyonlands, Arches National Parks, and a short drive to Bryce and Zion Canyons, Moab is great for hiking, climbing, camping and glamping for those with a slightly larger budget.

Other budget locations include: San Miguel de Allende Mexico and Yelapa, Mexico

South America

Santiago, Chile

This is another amazing destination for budget travelers. From the Atacama Desert to the Andes Mountains, with $20 hotels and $10 a day for your meals, you can’t go wrong, even if you just hang out in the city or on the beach.

Argentina

With an attractive exchange rate and government-lowered taxes on hotels, your savings will never be greater. From Argentina’s wine country to the best steak dinner you’ll ever have, you can also bring home some fantastic finds on leather goods. Vegans can enjoy the Patagonian peaks and valleys and vegan restaurants are plentiful in the bigger cities.

Other budget locations include: Peru

The Caribbean and Central America

Curacao

Among the few Caribbean islands that escaped the devastating damage of last year’s hurricanes, Curacao is showing lower hotel pricing with the splendor of the Caribbean. It’s great for relaxing or water adventures.

Other budget locations include: Guatamala; Granada, Nicaragua; Bastimentos Island, Panama

Africa

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Escape your world completely with this East African island. This is should be the first of many trips you’ll enjoy for its exotic culture, beautiful beaches and vistas, plus it’s a foodie paradise. Perfect for rest and adventure, the money you expend on flights will be offset by how far your dollars will go.

Other budget locations include: Namibia; Dakar, Senegal; Morroco

Europe

Paris, France

Paris on a budget? Yes, if you stick to museums, parks, jazz clubs, and amazing little cafes. Check out Airbnb for great accommodations and go while the Euro is still a good deal for your dollar.

Albania

A neighbor of Greece and a ferry’s trip from Italy, Albania borders on the Adriatic. Considered a top destination for budget trips to Europe, hotels start under $20,  and there are inexpensive tours of castles and coastlines. Albania is a great central location for any Mediterranean trip.

Other budget locations include: Estonia; Slovenia; Portugal

Asia

Xian, China

China is always a great trip, but frequently overwhelming for many travelers. With this trip you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and other ancient sites. Xian’s monuments stay lit at night and are sensational for photographers.

Sri Lanka

Another great travel destination for those on a budget is on the “pearl of the Indian Ocean.” With 3-star hotels under $15 and amazingly good and inexpensive meals you can set aside $10 a day for three meals. Sri Lanka offers a historic Asian experience without the crowds of travelers in Thailand and India.

Other budget locations include: Nepal; Koh Dach (Silk Island) Phnom Penh, Cambodia

[jasminestravelspot]

A wee bit off the grid

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know I’ve not been off grid. At all. However as soon as I was with a group of people (some of the most fantastic people alive) I have found it much harder to dedicate time to write.

It is currently the small hours of be morning (it’s 3am and we didn’t get to bed until 1am) but our aircon is broken and I can’t sleep.

I. Am. Astounded. Rather than run through chronologically I might just jump all over the place with some of the phenomenal things we’ve seen. Today (yesterday I guess) remains difficult to put into words. We visited the Killing Fields and S-21 prison, learning very in-depth about Pol Pot’s regime, the systematic torture and killing of beyond innocent people - millions of them.

But not only this - because of the cultural difference between a country like this and where I am from, the whole thing is much more raw and accessible. For example you actually walk over dead bones and clothing in the grass, you see blood stains of the floors, the faces of 12 year old machine soldiers stare at you in the prison cells. It was confronting. I am selfishly grateful for the people I visited with - all of whom shared the experience and space with humility and kindness.

In addition, from thousands upon thousands of people in this one prison, only 7 survived. Two of these brave men come to the museum everyday to share their story, less we forget.

It was extremely difficult (again selfish?? But it’s hard....) but Elodie and I took the offer of a photo with one man (which lit him up and brought out one word of his non-existent English ... “thank you”. It’s a truly special photograph.

The rest of that day was spent chilling out together, clearing our energies and connecting through sharing stories. Needless to say if you know me, but I’m in a heavenly place.

Before things got really heavy, we spent our final day in Siem Reap (we’re now in Phenom Penh) at Angkor Wat - INCREDIBLE. Just incredible. Stunningly beautiful and a really fun day with my fellow travellers. The photos speak a thousand more words than I have so please enjoy them. We have one guy, Omar, with us who has an IPhone Gazziliion (or something) who has been taking the most stunning photos. I sadly don’t have access to my Canon photos yet, so catch me in a couple months posting massives of photos. I won’t apologise.

By the early afternoon we’d been chugging along since 4am and were all pretty exhausted. A couple hours pool side filled the tanks and Bailee and I went and explored the nearby temples. Managed to befriend a monk of Facebook (did you know they like all have iPhones?!?) and have a dog piss on me whilst peacefully watching monks meditating. Mood killer if I’ve ever experienced one. We excused ourself from the holy place crying with laughter.

Despite our early morning we kept the vibes going until the early hours with a night out together. I tell you what, smack 15 perfect strangers together in another country, give them some beers and long bus rides of chatting and you’ll be partying like you’ve known each other for years.

A couple of us managed to smash out a HITT workout in the morning which got my hangover off to a fantastic start. Needless to say I was falling off my chair with exhaustion by the end of the day.

Back on the bus we went headed for the capital city Phnom Penh. The drive was pretty lovely and we had lunch at this gorgeous spot on the river side. The next stop was a insect market where ONLY 2 of us tried the local delicacy of friend crickets (or spiders or like any other bug imaginable). Tasted very much like garlic and crunch. Thumbs up from me.

When we got to the capital I really felt the French colonialism in the country. The architecture is insanely beautiful, but very European. Our evening exploration saw us discover the waterfront where the pretty pink sky and cooler air had us all overflowing happiness.

Our dinner was at this funky restaurant where they played us Cindy Lauper and classic 80’s bests. I haven’t written much about the food but it is really delicious. I’m adding chilli to everything and enjoying all the yummy spices and flavours and mmmm yes Asian food. Khmer food has definitely won me over so far.

The next morning at 6am Rachel, Omar, Bailee and myself (the four doing the full 40 day tour) went out for a 5km run along the river. Definitely a run I will never forget (both for the scenery and the humidity which killed my lungs).

After learning about the modern history yesterday we all wondered off and made the most of the city. Meeting back up later for some YUM Indian food and a couple of beers. We’re currently on a van on our way to an Island for two nights for some well needed lazy lounging time, swimming, snorkelling and maybe a sunset boat ride or two. Fantastic.

[rpcomtrade123]

Embark on a sensory journey through the vibrant world of Indian spices, where flavors dance and aromas tantalize. Join us as we explore the essence of India's culinary heritage, guided by the expertise of Shiva Shakti, an esteemed authority in spice discovery, amidst the bustling spice markets of Phnom Penh.

[namasteindiarestaurant]

Namaste India was established with a goal in mind to provide the epitome of Indian cuisine along with the true dining experience to our customers.

[namasteindiarestaurantbkk]

South Indian dishes

Established in 2018, Namaste India BKK restaurant is build with a mission to bring true fine dining experience with Indian food in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

[hellotravelur-blog]

15 Countries Indians Can Visit Without a Visa!

Traveling is fun but flying overseas can be cumbersome and daunting for some of us. The visa processes can be long and time-consuming. However, Indians can visit a number of destinations around the world which offer visa on arrival.

All you have to do is pack your bags, get your accommodation sorted and catch a flight. Here’s a curated list of 15 countries around the world which Indians can visit without a visa.

1. Mauritius:

With luxury resorts and surreal beaches aplenty, Mauritius is an ideal destination for honeymooners. Explore Chamarel to see the rugged volcanic surfaces of different hues. Go for a sugarcane field tour at the L’Aventure Du Sucre, it is an interesting sugar museum with its own sugarcane fields.

2. Fiji:

The sun-kissed 333 islands of Fiji are quietly tucked away in Oceania. Don’t miss out on the water sports at the stunning Denarau Island. Visit the Kula Eco Park to experience Fiji’s flora and fauna. Indians can visit this tranquil paradise with visa on arrival to experience a unique culture.

3. Hong Kong:

Numerous markets, restaurants, and an impressive skyline. Indians can visit Hong Kong by just filling up a form. Disneyland is a must visit for tourists of all ages. Don’t miss the Lantau Island. Ladies’ Market and Temple Street Market are the best places to shop in Hong Kong.

4. Jamaica:

Go on an impromptu trip to this Caribbean island nation to revel in its lush green rainforests. If you’re a coffee lover, visit the Blue Mountains National Park which also offers an enthralling hike up the hills.

5. Nepal:

The exotic sights of the Himalayan beauty that Nepal beholds will leave you spell-bound. If you’re an adventurist or an offbeat mountain enthusiast, Nepal is for you.

6. Cook Islands:

A group of 15 islands scattered over a vast area in the South Pacific is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The Aitutaki Lagoon is recommended for an exceptional beach experience.

7. Ecuador:

The famous Andean Highlands and the Galápagos Islands set in the lush Amazonian rainforest. Located on the Equator, Indians can visit this literal center of the world without a visa.

8. Bhutan:

Bhutan sits at the eastern edge of the Himalayas. It is known as the world’s happiest country. Visit picturesque monasteries, the grand dzongs, and the enchanting hills and valleys.

9. Samoa:

Snorkel at the Lalomanu Beach or dive into the infamous Togitogiga Waterfall. Another must-do thing is to witness the infant turtles at the Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary. Indians are offered a permit on arrival.

10. Macau:

Experience a mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures in the “Las Vegas of Asia”. Go casino hopping or visit the Taipa Village. Munch on the scrumptious Portuguese egg tart!

11. Maldives:

The Maldives is the land of beaches and coral reefs. It is the preferred destination of honeymooners. We recommend you to stay in an overwater villa.

12. Cambodia:

Visit the various marvels of Khmer architecture such as the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. The world famous Angkor Wat calls Cambodia it's home.

13. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:

TRNC is a holiday destination for those looking to have a good time. It is home to several castles overlooking the breathtaking coastline.

14. Montserrat:

Hike in the rainforests, spot different aviary species, or just soak up the natural beauty of Montserrat. Rendezvous Bay is famous for swimming and snorkeling.

15. Micronesia:

Comprising of 607 islands, Micronesia is a remote, pristine natural beauty spread across the western Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its ancient ruins, sunken temples, and beaches.

[indianamastey-blog]

[monkeyjeff4]

No Enclave — Emerging and Unofficial Ethnic Enclaves of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles metropolitan area is widely recognized for its diversity, something which is reflected in its many ethnic enclaves. Those ethnic enclaves include ones that have been officially recognized, as well as ones which have only been colloquially recognized, and they’ve risen and fallen on waves of immigration and assimilation.

The earliest of Los Angeles’s enclaves — Chinatown, Frenchtown, Greek Town, Little Italy, Little Tokyo, and Sonoratown — were all enclaves formed of restriction. All were enclaves for non-Protestant and/or non-white Angelenos, in most cases for Angelenos of European origin, who could legally own property, if not in most parts of the city. Over time, restrictions on Catholics and Orthodox Christians lessened and definitions of whiteness expanded. Inhabitants previously confined to enclaves by-and-large assimilated and in the post-World War II era began moving into the newly developed suburban sprawl. Of those old enclaves, only Chinatown (not in its original location) and Little Tokyo (originally Little Tokio) survive today. 

The second great wave of Los Angeles’s ethnic enclaves began following the 1968 enaction of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which removed preexisting racial quotas and thus opened the door for more African, Latino, and Asian to immigrants; so newer enclaves arose. Most of these were informally recognized long before they were officially recognized by any city council. If it weren’t for them, and the diversity of Los Angeles, I almost certainly wouldn’t have moved to Los Angeles in 1999. If I had the fortune, I’d happily spend my life navigating the planet. I don’t, however, and the next best thing seems to be living in a city which draws on every corner of the planet for its population. What’s more, I love the cultural interactions that arise here that would never happen anywhere else and I’d miss out on those if I was constantly traveling abroad.

Several of Metro Los Angeles’s ethnic enclaves have been granted official recognition since I moved here in 1999. Often, it seems to me, the official names bestowed upon them lack the elegance of their preexisting informal nicknames. Occasionally the city does the sensible thing and defers to the vox populi. Thai Town was granted official recognition in 1999, as Thai Town. The neighborhood known both as Little Phnom Penh and Little Cambodia was designated Cambodia Town in 2000, the same year that Little Armenia was recognized. Filipinotown, though, was officially rechristened Historic Filipinotown in 2002, which it seems to me implies that it was formerly Filipinotown (see also “Historic South Central”). The neighborhood variously known as Little Addis and Little Ethiopia officially was named Little Ethiopia in 2002, the same year Garden Grove‘s Little Seoul was blandly (if straightforwardly) rebranded “the Korean Business District.”

Developer Frank Jao originally promoted naming the Vietnamese community of North Orange County “Asiatown,” I suppose because there are a few Laotian, Hmong, and Hoa people (such as himself) who live and do business there although it may also have had something to do with the fact that many Americans still think of Vietnam as a disastrous war first, and a country in Asia second. Some of the thinnest-skinned Orange Countians protested at the existence of freeway signs for Little Saigon.  Although Westminster recognized Little Saigon’s existence in 1988, it took Garden Grove and Santa Ana until 2004 and 2005 to do so. Amusingly, Vietnamese people my age seem to prefer to refer to the community as “Bolsa,” or, less often, “Cho Bolsa” or “Khu Bolsa.”

Probably the most inelegant official designation has to Artesia’s “International Cultural District” — or Little India to you, me, and everyone else. The geographic and ethnic vagueness of “International Cultural District” (or ICD, as no knows it) was an attempt to placate non-Indian Artesians who live in the area and mistakenly think that ethnic enclaves are homogeneous ethnostates in which only those explicitly referenced in the name are allowed to live or do business. A similar misunderstanding of how nicknames arise too place in Little Osaka. For decades Angelenos referred to the Japanese enclave in Sawtelle thus because Osaka is Japan’s second city (sorry Kyoto) and Little Tokyo was already taken. It also helps that Little Osaka is a funkier, hipper, less touristy Japanese enclave located west of Little Tokyo — echoing the Japanese cities after which they’re nicknamed. “But what about residents without roots in Osaka?” the “whatabouts” asked and the city caved, officially saddling it in 2015 with the clunky “Sawtelle Japantown” (apparently the whatabouts are either not concerned that not everyone in Sawtelle Japantown is Japanese or that many people in Little Tokyo have ancestral origins from outside the Japanese capital).

At other times, it’s the demarcation of official boundaries that proves (for the easily bothered) “problematic.” When Little Bangladesh sought to obtain official recognition for their enclave along 3rd Street, a Korean developer claimed that 3rd Street was the heart of Koreatown (and, I assume, couldn’t fathom the existence of an enclave within an enclave). At the time, all of the “Koreatown” neighborhood signs were posted only on Olympic Boulevard, nine blocks south (Koreatown has a big heart). As a result, in 2010 Little Bangladesh’s boundaries were drawn to exclude several Bangla businesses and Koreatown’s were expanded with a strange spoke along Western that excludes all but the businesses along that street. As for what the reasoning was for singling out a section of Vermont Avenue to be proclaimed, “the El Salvador Community Corridor,” perhaps only City Council knows.

There are still several ethnic enclaves not officially recognized, either by their accepted vernacular names or graceless new ones cooked up within the bureaucratic kitchen. Criticisms aside, there are reasons for official recognition. With official recognition, it’s widely assumed, awareness of the community is increased which in turn, in theory, leads to increased business. What is provable is that official designation leads to recognition at the listicle mills, who then churn out listicles devoted to the neighborhood’s restaurants (and only restaurants — unless the enclave is Korean, in which case they might include a day spa).

Recognition is such a potential draw, in fact, that designations have been suggested for areas in which almost none of the corresponding people and sometimes a single business of that ethnicity operates (e.g. Guatemalan Mayan Village, Little Venezuela, Paseo Colombia, and Peru Village. Official designation never precedes the existence of an ethnic enclave, though, rather it inevitably lags far behind, because ethnic enclaves emerge slowly and organically, from the ground up, not the top down. They usually begin inconspicuously, with the opening of a single specialty market or restaurant, usually in a blighted neighborhood in which rents are low and properties cheap. Over time, businesses owned or oriented toward people of the same ethnicity spring up in the vicinity. Occasionally, but not always — those same people overcome the urge to live near a “good school” (in some distant, dull suburb with little to otherwise recommend it) and instead put down roots in the vicinity of the growing enclave.  Various nicknames appear and only years later does a city government grant recognition of these places they had no hand in creating and what, more than boring malls, commemorative sidewalks, and replica real estate signs — are what make Los Angeles a metropolis worth exploring.

LITTLE ARABIA – ليتل عربية

Little Arabia Plaza (Little Arabia)

A stretch of unincorporated Anaheim known as “Anaheim Island” began to attract significant numbers of Arab homebuyers and entrepreneurs in the 1980s. They arrived from various corners of the Arab World; businessman Ahmad Alam, who established the Arab American Council and Arab World Newspaper, came from Lebanon, Belal “Bill” Dalati came from Syria, and the neighborhood’s first Arab restaurant, Kareem Mediterranean Restaurant, was opened in 1996 by a Palestinian couple from Nazareth.

Pendersleigh & Sons Cartography’s oil paint map of Little Arabia

Another name for the unincorporated area of West Anaheim is Garza Island. Although the community’s Arabs came from various regions, the punability of “Garza” proved irresistible and people began referring to the area as the “Garza Strip.” Although the area was previously dominated by seedy strip clubs, hourly rate no-tell motels, and “adult” video rental shops, the concerned folks of Anaheim — surely motivated by morality, not post-9/11 anti-Arab hostility — took action in 2005 to make it more difficult for Arab-owned lounges to feature sinful activities like live music performance and belly dancing. Nevertheless, the area overcame such obstacles and is today utterly dominated by Arabic and other Middle Eastern businesses catering to a diverse clientele from throughout the Middle East and the broader Muslim world.

GETTING THERE

Little Arabia is served by several Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) transit lines including 35, 42, 42A, 46, and 50.

FURTHER READING (AND LISTENING)

“Little Arabia thrives in Anaheim, Garden Grove” by Art Marroquin

“California Fool’s Gold — Exploring Anaheim’s Little Arabia”

“Anaheim’s Little Arabia pushing for a higher profile” by Paloma Esquivel

“Little Arabia provides tastes, comforts of home” by Mona Shadia

“A day in the life of Anaheim’s Little Arabia” by R.H. Greene

LITTLE BRAZIL – PEQUENO BRASIL

An economic crisis in Brazil between 1986 and 1991 provided the incentive for many Brazilians to leave their country and pursue a better life abroad. Those that settled in the US most often chose New York City, Boston, and Miami. Far fewer settled in Los Angeles — estimates from the Brazilian Consulate say about 10,000. There are small Brazilian pockets, however, in the Harbor, South Bay, and Westside. The Brazilian Consulate estimates that about 30% of local Brazilians live in the adjacent Westside communities of Palms and Culver City, in an area nicknamed “Little Brazil.”

Café Brasil was likely the first Brazilian business to open in what became Little Brazil, having done so in January 1991. I remember trying to eat there when I first visited Los Angeles in 1998 but my friend and I at the last minute changed our and ate down the street at Zabumba, which opened in 1994. There we dug into a buffet, deafened by music and blinded by a throng of beautiful dancers as the venue’s focus underwent its nightly transformation from eatery to nightclub.

In 2000, entrepreneur Marcello Gomez rechristened a strip mall “Brazillian Mall” but the US was hit with a recession from 2007-2009, during which time several of the neighborhood’s Brazilian businesses closed. An arguably more serious (and certainly more tragic) blow to the neighborhood was the 2010 murder of Zabumba’s owner, Monica Burgos, by her husband. Afterward, Monica’s sister, Carla, renamed the restaurant Kikafulo, and attempted to carry on but ultimately closed the institution in 2012. More recently — just a few months ago — the first location of Café Brasil closed (although the Washington Boulevard location remains open).

GETTING THERE

Little Brazil is served by various transit lines including Metro lines 33 and 733; Big Blue Bus lines R12; and Culver City Bus lines 1 and 3. There are dedicated bicycle lanes along Brookhurst Street and portions of Ball Road.

FURTHER READING

“‘Little Brazil’,Culver City,CA-A gastronomic tour through a yet unnamed Brazilian enclave in LA” by Bill Esparza

“Brazilian enclave takes root in Culver City, boosted by World Cup” by Matt Stevens

No Enclave — Exploring Brazilian Los Angeles

LITTLE BRITAIN

Like Little Brazil, Little Britain is an ethnic enclave that sometimes feels likes its best days are behind it — although it’s far older than any of Los Angeles other unrecognized enclaves. The story, as usually told is that as living in Santa Monica became unaffordable for all but the most gilded toffs, its British population was been squeezed out with the rest of us rabble. However, though there may be some truth to that tale, the decline of Santa Monica’s British population began back long ago, when pockets of the city were still affordable. In 1969, for example, there were 3,923 British in Santa Monica. By 2000, however, when my working class friends were living on 17 Street, that number had dropped to 1,171. By 2011 it was down to 807. Furthermore, the British are still living in Los Angeles County, (mostly seaside) communities like Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes Estates, Westlake Village, Topanga, Sierra Madre, Manhattan Beach, Malibu, and the Hollywood Hills, none of which are exactly working class.

Whatever the reasons, then, Santa Monica has long seen it’s British population ebb and flow, like the ocean waves which lap Worthing — the West Sussex town to which it has occasionally been compared. The town wasn’t even twenty years old when The Santa Monica Cricket Club was founded back in 1893. Then, in 1913, the cricket field closed. After the conclusion of World War II, many British working in the aerospace and defense industries relocated to Los Angeles where, despite the end of military hostilities, the military-industrial complex continued to expand. Now that industry has mostly departed too — even though US military expenses continue to balloon to ridiculous levels.

Even if the residential British population has declined and even as businesses have closed, Little Britain remains the most recognizable British corners of the metropolis. For starters, Of course, a British enclave means British groceries. The Tudor House, a small market and teahouse, opened there in 1959. The Continental Shop, where rentable VHS copies of British soaps shared space with British food items, moved from Wilshire Center to Santa Monica in the 1980s. The former closed in 2012, the latter in 2017.

British pubs seem to be better at weathering the British exodus from Santa Monica. Ye Olde King’s Head, having opened in 1974, is likely the oldest. There’s also the Britannia, the Daily Pint (est. 1987), and the Cock ‘n Bull (est. 1990). The King George V British Pub was felled not by a downturn in business but by the wrecking ball, in order to make way for a new library. Gone but not forgotten are the Brigadoon, Ye Olde Mucky Duck, and the Thistle. There are still British automobile service stations, a British newspaper office, and British residents in Santa Monica and perhaps Little Britain will hang on long enough to be recognized officially.

GETTING THERE

Little Britain is served by various transit lines including Metro Lines 20, 33, 534, 704, 720, 733, and the Expo Line; and Big Blue Bus lines 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. There is a fairly vast network of dedicated bicycle lanes along most major streets.

FURTHER READING (AND VIEWING)

“British expats bring Santa Monica pubs to life”  by John Flinn

“Pouring on the British charm” by Tiffany Tsu

“Santa Monica business hurt by British expats departing” by Bridget Bodnar

“No Enclave — Exploring English Los Angeles”

“Little Los Angeles: Little Britain” starring Anthony Bourdain

LITTLE CENTRAL AMERICA – PEQUEÑO CENTROAMÉRICA

Unlike most enclaves, the name “Little Central America” doesn’t refer to an enclave with just one ethnicity or country of origin. Nominally it refers to an enclave populated by people from across an entire multi-nation region (nominally at least, as there are relatively few Costa Ricans and Panamanians living in all of Los Angeles and most Belizeans live in South Los Angeles’s Westside. In Little Central America, however, you will find a handful of Honduran and Nicaraguan businesses as well as many Guatemalan and Salvadoran businesses — not to mention residents. 

Pendersleigh & Sons Cartography’s ink map of Little Central America

Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Salvadorans outside of El Salvador and besides Little Central America, located in Westlake and Pico-Union, substantial numbers can be found in the Crenshaw area, Watts, Arleta, Hyde Park, Highland Park, North Hills, Boyle Heights, Exposition Park, East Los Angeles, Whittier, South Gate, Echo Park, Adams-Normandie, Commerce, University Park, Leimert Park, Huntington Park, Athens, Pico Rivera, Walnut Park, Inglewood, East Hollywood, Mount Washington, Mid-City, La Puente, Montebello, Mission Hills, Jefferson Park, and Reseda. Los Angeles is also home to the largest population of Guatemalans outside of Guatemala and in addition to Little Central America, substantial populations live in Hollywood, Val Verde, Lennox, Wilmington, Manchester Square, Paramount, Larchmont, Hawthorne, Playa Vista, and South Whittier.

Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and other Central Americans began arriving as refugees in larger numbers during the Central American Crisis of the late 1970s and ’80s. Back then, communist revolutions threatened to topple several US-backed, Central American puppet governments and the US, in part to protect its corporate interests, propped up anti-democratic regimes by providing weapons and training for counter-revolutionary right-wing death squads. Those death squads massacred peasants and working-class Central Americans and those who supported them, which fueled a mass exodus to Miami, San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles. Decades later, the dust has yet to settle in much of Central America and many of the refugees still live in the Mideast neighborhoods around MacArthur Park.

GETTING THERE

Little Central America is served by several transit lines including Metro’s Red line, Purple line, and lines 16, 17, 18, 20, 30, 33, 35, 38, 51, 52, 66, 200, 204, 316, 351, 487, 489, 603, 728 and 754; and LADOT‘s DASH Pico-Union/Echo Park line. There are dedicated bicycle lanes along 7th Street.

FURTHER READING (AND VIEWING)

“Little Central America LA – Pico Union/Westlake Area” by Frankie Frank

“One Little Central America” by Henry Cantor

“The Salvadoran Influence: The Fight for Cultural Space in Pico-Union”

“Guatemalans in Los Angeles: The Influence in the Westlake-Pico Union Area”

“Little Central America – Pico Union/Westlake Area” by Marvin Ortiz

LITTLE MONGOLIA – Бяцхан Монгол

Los Angeles is likely home to the largest Mongolian community in the United States. Its estimated to be around 5,000 and most Mongolians have thus far almost exclusively settled in Koreatown — a vibrant, densely-populated neighborhood which is naturally dominated, at least on the surface, by Koreans. The neighborhood is diverse, and Korean culture rich, even though local media coverage of Koreatown tends to be disappointingly shallow.

Most Mongolians arrived after the peaceful democratic revolution of 1990, which saw restrictions on travel and emigration eased. Although I’ve met and had interactions with a few Mongolians in the neighborhood, there are still few outward signs of their presence in the neighborhood — fewer since the apparent closure of the Mongolian School-Los Angeles. I know only of the Mongolian Association, a Mongolian Buddhist congregation, a Mongolian church congregation, and a single Mongolian Restaurant nearby, Golden Mongolian Restaurant. Designating anywhere Little Mongolia might still be premature then, but that didn’t stop a writer at the LA Weekly from asking if it will become the next enclave.

GETTING THERE 

Little Mongolia’s few physical sites are served by Metro lines 18, 20, 28, 51, 52, 207, 212, 312, 351, 728 as well as the Red and Purple line subways; and LADOT DASH’s Hollywood/Wilshire line. There are dedicated bicycle lanes along portions 7th Street.

FURTHER READING

“L.A.’s Christian Mongolians Find Home at Church” by K. Connie Kang

“At The Mongolian School Of Los Angeles, Culture Is Preserved” by Raphael Rosen

“No Enclave — Exploring Mongolian Los Angeles”

“Could a ‘Little Mongolia’ Become L.A.’s Next Cultural Enclave?” by Lila Seidman

LITTLE ODESSA – Маленькая Одесса

West Hollywood has long been recognized for its thriving communities of gays and Sunset Strip rock ‘n’ rollers — but the eastern half of the small city has for decades hosted a Russian community, commonly known as Little Odessa. Although many Russian businesses line the sides of Santa Monica Boulevard and dot intersecting streets, its population of Russian residents is undergoing a long, decline. According to a city study, the Russian population fell nearly 30% from 2000 to 2010, to just 3,82 people. The majority are Jews from Russian and other former Soviet republics who came when the USSR collapsed, more Russians came to the US between the 1970s and ’90s. Others came to the neighborhood following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. In 2000, foreign-born residents of West Hollywood made up 35.9% of the population. 21.8% were from Russia, and 14.8% from Russia. Additionally, Russians made up 14.2% of the entire population, making them still the largest ethnic group in that city.

GETTING AROUND

Little Odessa is served by several transit lines including West Hollywood’s Cityline, Sunset Trip, and the Pick-Up Line; Metro’s 4 and 704 lines; and Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) line 786. There are dedicated bicycle lanes along Fairfax Avenue.

FURTHER READING

“Weho’s General Plan Could Drive Out Little Russia” by Mito Aviles

“West Hollywood’s Russian Population Is Rapidly Shrinking” by Olga Grigoryants (2017)

LITTLE TAIPEI – 小台北

Detail of Pendersleigh & Sons Cartography’s map of “the Far East Side”

As of 2010, California was home to 49% of all Taiwanese-Americans and 60,478 lived in Metro Los Angeles, the largest population of Taiwanese outside of Taiwan. Taiwanese immigrants have generally eschewed settling in enclaves for life in the suburbs, particularly the San Gabriel Valley. Large populations of Taiwanese live and work in Industry, San Marino, Walnut, Rowland Heights, Arcadia, Ramona, Hacienda Heights, Diamond Bar, and Temple City. Elsewhere there are substantial numbers of Taiwanese in Westwood, Claremont, Palos Verdes Estates, and Irvine.

Much of the credit is owed to a Chinese-born American realtor and investor named Frederic Hsieh (1945–1999), who was the proprietor of Mandarin Realty. It was he, who in 1977, decided to begin promoting Monterey Park as the “Chinese Beverly Hills” to monied Taiwanese, Hong Kongers, and mainland Chinese. In 1983, Monterey Park elected a Taiwanese mayor, Lily Lee Chen. During that decade, the Asian population of Monterey Park became the majority and the city acquired the nicknames of “Little Taipei” and “Mandarin Park” (“Chinese Beverly Hills, sadly, never caught on). However, after Monterey Park’s city council passed an ordinance that all commercial signage be in English, many of the city’s Taiwanese population began to head to nearby cities like Alhambra, Arcadia, Rosemead, San Gabriel, and San Marino and more distant suburbs, at the other eastern end of the San Gabriel Valley. Meanwhile, the void created by Monterey Park’s departing Taiwanese was largely filled by generally less wealthy mainland Chinese and Hoa from Vietnam. Monterey Park currently has a population that is about two thirds Asian, but not significantly Taiwanese, and with them gone, the nickname left too.

Today, the community of Rowland Heights is the most Taiwanese in Los Angeles County and the nickname “Little Taipei” is sometimes applied to it, although it could almost as easily be applied to the adjacent unincorporated community of Hacienda Heights (home to Hsi Lai Temple — the largest Buddhist temple in the Americas) and the Taiwanese businesses which dominate the neighboring section of City of Industry. It’s also been less often referred to as “New Little Taipei” although might I suggest “Little New Taipei”, as it more closely resembles Taipei’s suburban New Taipei City than it does Taiwan’s vibrant, bustling, capital.

GETTING AROUND

Little Taipei is served by various transit lines including Foothill Transit‘s 178, 185, 280, 281, 282, 289, 482, and 493. There are dedicated bicycle lanes along portions of Colima Road.

FURTHER READING

“Beyond ‘Little Taipei’: The Development of Taiwanese Immigrant Businesses in Los Angeles” by Yen-Fen Tseng

“No Enclave — Exploring Taiwanese Los Angeles”

OXACATOWN

Oaxaca — officially the “Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca” (or Estado Libre y Soberano de Oaxaca) — is located on the Pacific Ocean and neighbored by the Mexican states of Guerrero, Puebla, Veracruz and, and Chiapas. As with all of the Americas, it is a multi-ethnic state with, in its case, sixteen officially recognized indigenous peoples, the most common of which are Zapotec and Mixtec. Largely spurred by lack of economic development many Oaxaqueños began to emigrate to places like Mexico City, Sinaloa, Baja California, Illinois, and California in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Estimates for how many Oaxacans live in Los Angeles range wildly — from 50,000 to 700,000. Most settled in Central Los Angeles and Oaxacan business are largely scattered across Midtown and East Hollywood.

In 2012, a group of Oaxacans proposed designating the stretch of Pico Boulevard between Crenshaw Boulevard and Westmoreland Avenue “El Corredor Oaxaqueño de Los Ángeles.” In 2014, the Latino Economic Empowerment Round Table proposed designating a stretch of Olympic Boulevard rather than Pico, the “Oaxaca Corridor.” While Olympic has, since 1994, been home to one of the nation’s preeminent Oaxacan restaurants — Guelaguetza — I personally think that some part of the area between and including the two streets should be named Oaxacatown, as the region’s been known informally for years. Perhaps they wanted to avoid trouble with the Byzantines of the Byzantine-Latino Quarter (formerly Greek Town) but rest assured, that dromon has long since sailed.

GETTING AROUND

Oaxacatown is served by various Metro lines including 28, 30, 206, 207, 330, and 757.

FURTHER READING

“L.A.’s Oaxacatown and its Growing Mezcal Liquor Scene” by Zach Behrens

“Proponen ‘Oaxacatown’” by Isaias Alvarado

TEHRANGELES – تهرانجلس

Although various sources estimate a population of between 87,000 and 1 million, it’s generally accepted that Metro Los Angeles is home to more Iranians than any city outside of Iran. Iranians are a multi-ethnic people, with a population composed not just of Persians but Azeria, Kurds, Lurs, Mazandaranis and Gilakis, Arabs, Balochi, Turkmen, and others. It is also religiously diverse, as are Iranian-Americans, 31% of whom identify as Muslim followed by smaller percentages (in descending order) of Baha’i, Christian, and Jewish, and Zoroastrian. 

Few Iranians settled in the US before 1977. Most who came to the country before then did so to attend a university before returning to Iran. All that changed with the overthrow of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which saw a populist uprising hijacked by autocratic religious authorities. If further incentive were needed to leave Iran, a nearly decade-long war with neighboring Iraq provided that for most of Iran’s Jews, Armenians, and Assyrians. Many chose to settle in Los Angeles, a city blessed with universities and the not wholly dissimilar geography.

Most Iranians didn’t settle in one area of Los Angeles, though, with many instead making their homes in the Verdugos (Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, and Tujunga), the Westside (Sawtelle, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Rancho Park, Century City, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Bel-Air, Beverly Crest, Beverlwood, Beverly Grove, Pico-Robertson, and Brentwood), the Santa Monica Mountains (Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and Calabasas), the South Bay (Playa del Rey), and the San Fernando Valley (Burbank, West Hills, Encino, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Studio City, and Sherman Oaks). The entirety of the diaspora was sometimes affectionately referred to as Tehrangeles.

Although Iranians spread throughout the metropolitan area, a short, walkable commercial corridor along Westwood Boulevard in Westwood began to develop after the 1978 opening of Attari. Decades later it’s still dominated by Iranian-owned and oriented businesses. In the past, it was sometimes referred to as Little Persia. I love the wordplay of “Tehrangeles“, however, and around 2009 I mapped and labeled it thus despite never having heard it referred to as such. Although not the same as recognizing a neighborhood, in February 2010, Los Angeles City Council declared the intersection of Westwood Boulevard and Wilkins Avenue to be “Persian Square” (although it is not really a square). At some point, it got added to Google Maps and in 2012 Adrian Glick Kudler penned a piece for Curbed LA titled “Google Decides There’s an LA Neighborhood Called Tehrangeles.” Then it appeared in 2015’s City of Gold, using the same borders and purple color as my map. As far as I’m concerned, the late, great Jonathan Gold carried more weight on such matters than any city council.

GETTING AROUND

Tehrangeles is served by Big Blue Bus’s 1, 8, and R12 lines. The Purple Line’s Westwood/UCLA Station is expected to open nearby around 2026. There are dedicated bicycle lanes on Westwood and Santa Monica boulevards.

FURTHER READING (AND LISTENING)

“Tehrangeles. A street redolent of saffron, kabobs, and rose water offers a window into Iranian culture” by Leila Bernstein

“Tehrangeles: How Iranians made part of LA their own” by Shoku Amirani

“Tehrangeles: Westwood’s Little Persia” by Sara S. Tabatabai

“The Tourist’s Guide to Tehrangeles: Exploring the Capital of the Iranian Diaspora” by Alex Shams

“No Direct Flights” by Alex MacInnis

Eric Brightwell is an adventurer, writer, rambler, explorer, cartographer, and guerrilla gardener who is always seeking paid writing, speaking, traveling, and art opportunities. He is not interested in generating advertorials, cranking out clickbait, or laboring away in a listicle mill “for exposure.”

Brightwell has written for Angels Walk LA, Amoeblog, Boom: A Journal of California, diaCRITICS, Hidden Los Angeles, and KCET Departures. His art has been featured by the American Institute of Architects, the Architecture & Design Museum, the Craft & Folk Art Museum, Form Follows Function, Los Angeles County Store, the book Sidewalking, Skid Row Housing Trust, and 1650 Gallery. Brightwell has been featured as subject in The Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Magazine, LAist, CurbedLA, Eastsider LA, Boing Boing, Los Angeles, I’m Yours, and on Notebook on Cities and Culture. He has been a guest speaker on KCRW‘s Which Way, LA? and at Emerson College. Art prints of Brightwell’s maps are available from 1650 Gallery. He is currently writing a book about Los Angeles and you can follow him on Ameba, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Mubi, Twitter, and Weibo.

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Source: https://ericbrightwell.com/2018/08/12/no-enclave-emerging-and-unofficial-ethnic-enclaves-of-los-angeles/