[Brit Guy]

I love cooking curries, and have been doing so for years. We have so many Asian and Oriental stores around us at he moment, we are spoiled for choice, in as much as we can get just about any ‘spice’ or ‘unusual veg’ that we need by the cartload. Just wondering if anyone knows of similar stores in NZ, especially Chch area. Also, I know you are not supposed to import foodstuffs when you arrive, but my spices (sob sob)… I can’t bear the thought of throwing them all away! What’s the chances of being ‘picked on’ regarding a container inspection? :booby

The person who gives me the best positive reply will get a free meal (curry) for two, when we are settled in!
:yes

[veronica]

There are loads of specialist thai and chinese and japanese supermarkets in the area we live in at the moment (Riccarton) so I doubt you will have a problem finding most spices used in these foods, there are indian restaurants about to and they must get there spices from somewhere.

I did read a post on here the other day regarding spices and maf and it seemed to be saying if they were processed it was ok, but I wouldn't think that would apply to the whole seed spices. Email Maf and ask.

[Brit Guy]

Thanks Veronica… you could have earned yourself the best home cooked curry this side of Madras :mrgreen:

[Tara Sage]

I miss my local chinese and Indian in UK, and as yet haven't found one I like the look of here as anyone got any suggestions?

Thought I might make my own, if anyone has a good curry receipe, send it this way :nice1

[Brit Guy]

Tara... got lots of recepies for curry... all in book form i'm afraid. However, there's lots of stuff on the net for free. Get the basics right though, and you can create many great dishes.

[Lil]

Have a look here: http://www.spicewise.co.nz/spices.asp?cid=26

[Raeven]

Also, I know you are not supposed to import foodstuffs when you arrive, but my spices (sob sob)… I can’t bear the thought of throwing them all away! What’s the chances of being ‘picked on’ regarding a container inspection? :booby

Hi, Brit Guy,

This is a common misperception about moving to NZ. Now, listen up: There is no need to throw out your spice collection!!! I wrote to MAF and asked about this specifically. I was told it should be declared, would be subject to inspection to verify no viable seeds or insects, and that's it. Not a problem. Like you, I have a lot of unusual, hard-to-find and expensive spices, and I couldn't bear to let them go without a fight. Here's a link you may find useful: http://www.maf.govt.nz/quarantine/foodstuffs/index.htm

Leave fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products, honey and eggs at home. Anything commercially packaged (except honey) is pretty much not a problem.

I also did a lot of searches on available spices and herbs in NZ. Bottom line, it's all there. You won't want for much!

All the best, Rae

[Moorf]

I'm a curry cooking, curry eating fanatic too and am happy to advise that there are LOADS of asian shops to buy just about any spice you can think of and more :nice1

As for an Indian restaurant - I can't recommend Indian Sumner enough - it is fantastic - limited menu but v..v.v good - if you go in there tell Vanta (the lovely Indian/Canadian lady who runs it) that Warren and Helen sent you :nice1