Taking customers on a journey from Paris to Seoul

Shalimar

The moment you walk into this shop, you will feel that you are somewhere in India, with spicy fragrance and Indian pop music blasting a warm welcome.

Opened in 1976, the store offers everything Indian -- CDs, cassettes, magazines, postcards of Bollywood film stars, Ganesha statues, cosmetics and colorful bracelets.

There are also spices to perfect your Indian dishes, with the labels written in English and Hindi, and translation in Indonesian.

Considering that the products are imported -- mostly from India, followed by Malaysia -- the cheap prices are amazing. Wholewheat flour (Premier Laxmi is priced at Rp 11,500), Indian natural hair dye from henna, dhall or dahl (lentils), Masala (spice) and Agerbethi (incense) are among the favorites. Various incenses, from India and Malaysia, start at Rp 2,250.

Exotic Indian foodstuffs like Jeera Powder (Rp 2,500), fish curry powder, meat curry powder, cinnamon sticks, Amchur powder, turmeric, nutmeg powder, chilly powder and ginger powder (Rp 1,450 per 50 grams) are abundant.

Looking for Indian clothes and jewelry? Drop by Emporium. It offers imported Indian merchandise in various sizes and shapes -- colorful bangles, anklets (Rp 25,000), fashion bindies, tattoos, silver and gold jewelry, lovely sandals and thongs, bags, belly decorations as well as pretty bed covers and cushions, including some exquisite patchwork.

Bridal henna and henna tattoos are also on offer. The clothes section is worth a look, too, with imported sari and kurti (tunic blouses), starting at Rp 75,000 -- "one piece, one-design" is the tag line.

You may also visit Heritage day spa next to Shalimar. It offers a variety of spa treatments -- body massages, body scrubs and aromatic flower as well as milk baths. A spa treatment lasts between two and two and a half hours and costs between Rp 250,000 and Rp 350,000.

"I like Shalimar because it sells a wide range of Indian spices, at reasonable prices," said a shopper, Veena.

Delivery service in Jakarta is free, with a minimum purchase of Rp 100,000. Plenty of Shalimar goods are also available at selected Hero supermarkets -- like in Kemang, Seibu, Plaza Senayan, Lippo City Mall (Jakarta); Bogor; Semarang, Surabaya and Bali -- and Diamond supermarkets in Kelapa Gading and Jl. Fatmawati in Jakarta, as well as Bandung and Purwakarta in West Java.

Shalimar Kelinci Raya No. 24 Jl. Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta Tel & Fax: (021) 345 3660, 348 31081 Email: Shalimar@cbn.net.id Opening hours: Monday through Saturday : 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday & Holiday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Heritage Day Spa (next to Shalimar) Tel: (021) 381 1604, Fax: 345 3660 Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Papaya Fresh Gallery

If your passion is Japanese cuisine, Papaya is your spot. About 80 percent of the products are sourced from Japan and the rest comes from several other countries but mostly Indonesia.

It's a pleasant place to shop, very clean in appearance with shelves well stocked with a variety of goods -- rice, ramen, udon, bottled Japanese sauce, curry, biscuits, candies, Japanese magazines and other items -- at attractive packing.

Papaya has introduced its own line of products, under the Kaihatsu and Kaiyoran brands, including yogurt, milk and tofu, at its supermarkets. Favorites include Kaiyoran Omega 3 eggs (Rp 17,500 for six), Kaiyoran Low cholesterol eggs and Kaihatsu Shohin Kyogoku Tofu, Rp 6,000 per pack.

Various choices of vegetables are on display, like imported dried shitake mushrooms. Organic products like tomatoes, carrots and green pepper are also available.

Tako Sashimi and Japanese cuttlefish Surumeika (Rp 6,800 per 100 grams) are just a few samples of its seafood products. Those with an adventurous palate should try off-beat delicacies (off- beat for some of us that is), like octopus legs.

Apart from food, Papaya also stocks wine from several countries, including Japan and Australia. Sake is available, too.

Its bakery, Komugi, sells a wide range of cakes and breads, from black forest, to raisin or butter rolls (Rp 3,200). Japanese cakes like Sakura Mochi, Daifuku Mochi (Rp 4,700) and Dorayaki (Rp 7,750) are available too.

Tired shoppers can take a rest and enjoy various types of tasty udon at Noah Cafe. Favorites include Noah Udon (Rp 31,000), Seafood Doria and Japanese Spaghetti Pickled Plum (Rp 31,000). Or, you can taste its Fruit Parfait (Rp 29,000), a glass filled with ice cream, chunks of fruit, plus cornflakes for a crunch.

As well as the supermarket and cafe, the store also has karaoke, VCD/VHS rental and two small shops that are filled with items that make lovely gifts.

"I consider Papaya a good one-stop shopping spot. Here, I can buy different items, from Kikkoman soy sauce to a cute pink piggy bank for my little cousin. You don't have to be Japanese to like Papaya," said Rudy, a local customer.

Delivery service to select apartments is available at no cost, for a minimum purchase of Rp 100,000.

Papaya Fresh Gallery Jl. Melawai Raya No. 28 Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta Phone: (021) 727 93777 Fax: (021) 7272 93883 Visit: www.papaya-online.com Hours: Papaya, Just Shop and Omoshirokan: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon day through Sunday. Noah's Cafi: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Please note Just Shop and Omoshirokan do not accept credit cards.

Other Papaya supermarkets: Darmo, Surabaya: (031) 731 0990; Margorejo, Surabaya (031) 8473 636; e-mail: ppydrm@rad.net.id

The Gourmet Boutique

This store charms our eyes with its beauty and its plenty of space to move, accentuating its stylish yet homey atmosphere.

Opened in April 2002, it carries a wide range of imported French goods, from adult to kid's food, escargots to vitamins. Ninety percent of the merchandise is made in France; the rest comes from Australia, the U.S. and Indonesia. Non-Francophiles need not fear, for English translations are available on the labels.

Be dazzled by the goods on display -- refined pastas, Italian extra virgin olive oils, antipastos in jars, flavored mustards, venerable Dijon, spices and herbs for all your cooking needs as well as condiments from the Middle East.

You may also be tempted by various choices of premium cold cuts and cheeses (available by the cut), German and French ham as well as sausages at the delicatessen counter.

It's a great source for lots of French stuff you can't get at your neighborhood supermarkets, like the dried morel mushroom that costs Rp 450,000 per kg. Rougie brand products, like whole goose liver as well as duck liver (Rp 112,800 for 135 grams) are available too. Here you may also buy frozen snail bourguignone with garlic butter (oven ready), which costs Rp 50,000 per 12 pcs.

This boutique also stocks lots of kid's stuff, such as Entouka bio orange & lemon candies and organic sticks of licorice (Rp 25,200).

Organic vegetables are also on offer. The health conscious will be delighted with its certified organic product selection, from herbal teas to wholesome breakfast cereals.

It sells exclusive home-made products -- like yoghurt (6 varieties, Rp 8,500 each), Madeleine (Rp 35,000), various flavors of jam (Rp 42,000 to Rp 44,000) and ice cream (Rp 60,000 per packing).

"This is the place to go if you want to serve genuine French cuisine. Besides, shopping is a very pleasant and comfortable experience as this store offers hard-to-find items and a cordial atmosphere," said Claudine, a shopper.

Le Gourmet can supply goods on request, like fresh oysters, free-range poultry and seasonal favorites. No delivery service.

The Gourmet Boutique Jl. Kemang Selatan IX No. 2A (behind Izzi Pizza) Kemang, South Jakarta Tel: (021) 718 1918 Fax: (021) 718 2533 E-mail: gourmetbtque@cbn.net.id Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Sunday.

Mu Gung Hwa

With Korean music playing in the background and aisle upon aisle of Korean food and beverages as well as lots of items that bear Korean characters, you would be forgiven for thinking you are in Seoul or Pusan.

Mung Gung Hwa (it means hibiscus in Korean) is a must-visit for those who love Korean food. Mr. Kim Woo Jae started his business in 1980 in the garage of his house. In 1998, he opened the first Mu Gung Hwa supermarket in Mugunghwa building, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

Twenty percent of the merchandise is sourced from various countries (Indonesia, Japan and the U.S., among others), while the rest is made in Korea -- kimchi, noodles, ice creams, snacks, cosmetics, housewares and magazines.

For a specialty store, this is big. On the first floor, you will find plenty of food, with the best-selling goods of seaweed, red ginseng, white ginseng, ginseng tea, Korean instant noodles such as Shin Ramyun (Rp 4,500) and also Kimchi Ramyun (Rp 4,800).

Kimchi -- Korean spicy, pickled vegetables -- is also a favorite. Mu Gung Hwa sells different kinds of kimchi, imported as well as local varieties. Famous Doosan Lettuce Kimchi (350 grams) is priced at Rp 40,000. Local Kimchi costs Rp 35,000 per kg. Korean bulgogi beef as well as Korean barbecue sauces, such as Deji bulgogi sauce (Rp 21,000), are also in demand.

It also offers cute "Korean souvenirs" like paper fans, key chains and smiling Korean dolls wearing Kunba, Korean traditional costume. Mini wooden figurines start at Rp 5,000 while the cheapest doll costs Rp 15,000.

Moreover, there is a video rental, and cassettes of Korean soap operas are favorites.

Mu Gung Hwa also offers their goods at selected Hero, Sogo, Matahari, Carrefour and Diamond supermarkets.

Mu Gung Hwa Jl. Senayan No. 43 Block S Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta Tel: (021) 722 2214, Fax: (021) 725 7834 Delivery service: unavailable. Hours: 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Monday - Sunday. Branches: Kelapa Gading: (021) 453 3624; Tangerang: (021) 558 2214.

Caswell's-Mom's

Caswell's-Mom's caters to the needs of the expatriate community -- mainly Americans, Australians and Europeans -- with foods from home and hard to find items.

Distance is not a problem to enjoy your favorite food. Delivery service, including to remote locations, is the store's plus, as they deliver to countless places in the country.

They provide delivery service, accept telephone, fax and e- mail orders, and sell by cash, credit card as well as telegraphic transfer.

Caswell's-Mom's pampers their customers by promising to provide what you want, when you want it and where you want it. If your favorite food is not on the list, just tell them what you want and they will add it to the "Dream Sheet" they have of the customer's requests and try to find it for you.

Otherwise, drop by their shop, where you can find different products from Kraft and Atkins, salad dressings to candy bars. Coffee connoisseurs may partake of the fine coffee selection -- like Sumatra Lintong, Colombia Supremo and Ethiopia Decaf.

You may also fill your tummy at New York Deli Sandwiches that serves delicious Caswell's Coffee as well. Tea is also available, from classic to flavored range, each priced at Rp 12,000. There are 32 kinds of sandwiches, such as Veg-Out (Rp 22,000) and Turkey Bomb (Rp 50,000).

For people who have no access to well stocked supermarkets or specialty stores with their favorites, Caswell's-Mom's is good news. Happy shopping!

Caswell's-Mom's Jl. Kemang Utara No. 19 A, Kemang, South Jakarta Tel: (021) 719 0280 Fax: (021) 719 6705 Hours: Mon - Sat: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.caswells-moms.com and www.caswellscoffee.com

-- Susanna Tjokro