- By Supratik Das
- Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A video of Jersey City, New Jersey's India Square, went viral with netizens calling it “New York Living in India.” A travel vlogger from South Delhi shared the video on Instagram, showcasing the vibrant lifestyle, cuisine, and culture of the Indian diaspora in one of the most densely populated South Asian neighborhoods in the US. India Square, often referred to as “Little India,” is a commercial and cultural center for thousands of Indian Americans and is located directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan. From authentic eateries to traditional jewelry stores, the square provides a taste of India right in the middle of America.
India Square: A Cultural Haven For Indian-Americans
India Square in Jersey City is home to a variety of Indian eateries, retail stores, bakeries, and service providers. Everything from South Indian dosas to North Indian biryani can be found in the district. It is scattered with eateries like Rasoi Indian Kitchen, Sri Ganesh Dosa House, Korai Kitchen, and the famous Vatan Hot Bread. One of the vlogger’s most surprising finds was Bikanervala, India’s iconic sweets and snacks chain, which he described as a “cultural shock.” Additionally, he went to Ganpathi Jewellers, Atul Bakery, and Laxmi Pan Center, all of which mirror images of busy Indian market streets, such as Delhi's Chandni Chowk.
Among Indians in the US and back home, the video went viral very fast. With more than 3.4 million views, it has sparked amusing and nostalgic online reactions. One Jersey City local said, "I visit here every week; the food is excellent." Another said, "I live in India and I'm from New York." "Bhai, kaise aur kahaan se laate hain udhar? One user made a joke about Laxmi Pan Center, saying, "Supplier to hum hain India mein paan ke." The video gave immigrants a sense of familiarity and belonging thousands of miles away from home, and for many, it was a reassuring reminder that Indian culture is still thriving overseas.
India Square is more than just a place to eat and shop. It’s a living, breathing community that has preserved Indian traditions while blending seamlessly into American urban life. This region is a year-round destination for Indian-American families because of its temples, cultural events, Indian film screenings, and even local Diwali parades.
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