Since 2001, Ramesh and Smita Patel have co-owned and operated Best India on Wickham Road in Melbourne. Now, 14 years later, the store is still 4,300 square feet with a knowledgeable staff of four employees, but the space is absolutely burgeoning with everything imaginable in South Asian foods and merchandise. Whether shopping for fresh vegetables, Indian spices, Ayurvedic supplements, or South Asian accoutrements from clothing to kitchen utensils, Best India is truly a one-stop shop for South Asian needs and wants.

In 2013, Best India brought in a line of top quality dietary and nutrition supplements that is said to “harness the power of the ancient art of Ayurveda.” The VedaRx products are based on Ayurvedic principles, known as the “science of life,” which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago, and focuses on balancing the mind and spirit to achieve inner harmony. Many of the herbs and blends now available in the VedaRx products have been consumed by people for thousands of years.

The VedaRx products are all natural, made from 100% pure extract of naturally occurring herbs and packed in 100% vegetarian capsules. They are also reasonably priced, starting at around $10. The line includes both individual herbs and formulas for specific conditions, such as LivKare (Liver Support) and Sugar Balance, based on the Ayurvedic system. To assure customers are getting the best products for their particular needs, the staff at Best India is educated and prepared to offer information about the VedaRx products and their claims based on Ayurveda and ancient Indian beliefs.

“Many of these herbs and formulas have already gained wide popularity such as garlic, turmeric, garcinia, neem and triphala, among others. Common reasons people use VedaRx products are to boost the immune system, combat stress, lower cholesterol, enhance memory, aid with digestion, slow the absorption of fat, reduce blood sugar levels, promote weight loss and lower blood pressure, to just name a few,” affirms Ramesh. He notes that while VedaRx products can typically be taken along with allopathic (physician prescribed) medications and are considered safe when taken as directed, as always, one should consult a physician before purchasing or starting any new herbal supplements.

The foods available at the Best India store include a full line of Indian and Pakistani groceries, along with some British products. Imagine shelves lined with the perfect all-natural spices to make authentic dishes such as chicken tikka or lamb curry and, in other aisles, all the additional ingredients for any meal conceivable including a wide variety of all the extras such as beans, basmati rice, pickles, cooking sauces, pastes, masala mixes, frozen foods and a delightful selection of fresh vegetables.

“Asian Indian shopping has never been easier. Best India offers fast and easy shopping for Indian snacks, ready to eat foods, frozen entrees, in addition to all the ingredients needed to make simple or gourmet meals from scratch,” states Smita. “We will help you find the ingredients that you have been searching for.”

For those who aren’t familiar with how to prepare Indian cuisine or would just like to learn more, there are cooking classes, led by Smita, who loves to share her passion for cooking. The cooking classes are interactive, instructional courses that demonstrate the versatility of Indian cuisine, with dishes prepared using fresh ingredients found at Best India. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the fun of cooking and always get to sample the dishes made during the class. In addition, everyone gets a take-home recipe packet that includes ingredient lists and easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions so that they can easily recreate the dishes Smita prepared.

Since the first class back in 2012, Smita has entertained and taught more than 2,000 attendees about the unique flavors of Indian dishes and how to easily prepare delicious and healthy snacks and meals at home. A recent cooking demonstration class menu included vegetarian culinary delights such as carrot-spinach soup, samosa with potato and peas, cilantro chutney, and rice kheer. Classes are held on select Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. and are only $20 per person. See the Best India website for the next cooking demonstration class date and menu, along with many pictures of the spacious studio kitchen and beautiful dishes prepared. There are also ample positive reviews from previous attendees.

To round out the shopping experience at Best India, there is a varied selection of health and beauty products, henna kits, Indian utensils, puja supplies and articles for religious traditions. Clothing and accessories include imitation jewelry, bangles, bindi and traditional Indian dresses and saris.

Best India is located at 205 S. Wickham Road in Melbourne. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Connect with Best India at 321-914-0876, [email protected], facebook.com/Best.India.FL or visit BestIndiaFL.com for more information about the store. For more information about VedaRx products, visit VedaRx.com, or stop by Best India. VedaRx products are also available at your local pharmacy and throughout Florida at India markets.