“Spices. So many spices,” a visitor exclaims stepping into Passage Brady.
Here in front of us is Passage Brady. It is more than just a covered passage. It is a journey to another world. Passage Brady is a vibrant slice of India right in the heart of Paris.
Passage Brady is located in the 10th arrondissement. It stands a short distance from the bustling Faubourg Saint-Denis and Faubourg Saint-Martin.
Built in 1828 by Mr. Brady, a local merchant, the Passage Brady has a rich history. Initially, it had an elegant rotunda. But in 1854, the construction of Boulevard de Strasbourg split it in two. Now, it consists of two distinct sections. One section has a glass roof. The other is open to the sky.
In the 1970s, Passage Brady found its identity. Indian and Pakistani businessmen arrived. They transformed it into what it is today. It became known as Little India.
The first of these entrepreneurs was Antoine Ponnoussamy. He was an Indian from Pondicherry. He opened Supermarket Bazar Velan. Soon, others followed. Passage Brady became a hub of South Asian culture.
Today, Passage Brady is alive with activity. The air is thick with the aroma of spices. Restaurants offer Indian, Pakistani, Mauritian, and Réunionese cuisines. Shops sell colorful saris. Exotic fruits and vegetables line the aisles. You can find special teas like chai masala. Jewelry and Bollywood movies also fill the shops.
The section from Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis to Boulevard de Strasbourg is covered. It has a recently restored glass roof. The other section, beyond the boulevard, is open-air.
The passage has several entrances. They are located at 22 and 33 Boulevard de Strasbourg. Others are at 46 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis and 43 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin.
Passage Brady is not just a place to shop or eat. It is a sensory experience. The colorful shop fronts are dominated by pink, red, and yellow. Unusual scents fill the air. The tastes of the dishes evoke faraway lands. Prices are reasonable. You can try lentil dhal, chicken biryani, and cheese naan. Fish rougail from Mauritius and samosas from Reunion Island are also available.
The passage is also a place to find festive items. If you are planning a Bollywood party, this is the place to come.
Passage Brady is a historical monument since 2002. The Art Nouveau inscription at the entrance reminds us of its past. The original blue and yellow mosaic floor also adds to its charm.
Passage Brady is open most days. From Monday to Saturday, it welcomes visitors from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm. On Sundays, it opens from 6 pm to 11:30 pm. You can reach it via Metro Château d’Eau or Strasbourg-Saint Denis.
So, step into Passage Brady. Let your senses guide you. Explore Little India in the heart of Paris. It’s a journey you won’t forget.