RL Hira is the place to go for those slightly exotic things you can't find anywhere else. They've got a wide variety of ethnic foods (including Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Polish) and a huge and inexpensive spice section. The staff are friendly and helpful, and this is one of the few places in the area that's open on Christmas, which is a godsend if you've forgotten something on the day. read more

This is an excellent store which sells a wide variety of ethnic foods, as well as useful newsagent/corner shop items. The prices are very reasonable, certainly in line with what other similar stores in the area are charging. For many products (e.g., dried spices), they are much cheaper than supermarkets. There are other shops in the area which have a slightly larger selection of fresh meat and vegetables, but it's not really the fault of this store as there isn't the space for much more fresh produce, and besides, they seem to have a good selection of popular fresh items in any case (e.g., onions, chilli peppers, herbs, etc). At the front of the store by the entrance, they also have a delicious fresh food counter, filled with samosas, bhajis and the like they are absolutely delicious! There are a number of ethnic food stores in the Sidwell Street/Old Tiverton Road area of Exeter, but this is my favourite, because in addition to having a great range of items, the staff are incredibly warm and friendly when you visit. They always greet you when you enter the shop, offer help if you seem to be having trouble finding something, and they just make the whole experience of shopping there really nice. Even though I actually live nearer to Continental Food Stores on Old Tiverton Road, I'd prefer to walk the extra five minutes to this store (I find the staff at the Old Tiverton Road store really rude, in contrast to the lovely people at this store!). read more

Called in today with a large list -didnt really know what the things I needed looked like, however I shouldnt have worried, the guy in the shop literally went through my list and instead of 30 minutes it took 5 minutes. Honestly couldnt have been more friendly or helpful. If only all shopping experiences were like this. Needless to say I will be returning when the need arises. read more

if you are into asian cooking or even just english cooking, this is the place to go, i can spend hours in this shop, it has everything, and the staff are so nice, when i shop i buy vast amounts so only go there probably twice a year, but they never forget me, not sure whether thats a good thing but hey ho! i so much love indian cooking and you can ask their advice on recipes.. i especially love their home made samosas they are the best in exeter, and they have a great range of indian and chinese lagers which i havent found anywhere else..prices are extremely reasonable, have been going to this shop for ooh a good 20 years, and god willing will continue for the next 20 years.. read more