Our TY Local History students visited Asian Spices Store on Dean Street, exploring how food, migration, religion and community come together in one local business.
Using student-led question sheets, students discovered that the shop stocks products from a wide range of countries, with particular demand around key festivals such as Ramadan, Diwali, Christmas and Eid al-Fitr.

Students were especially interested in the culinary insights, learning that halal food is prepared according to Islamic guidelines, that basmati rice is a key staple for Indian cuisine, and exploring popular snacks including Lays and Nanna Chips. They also learned how the shop responds to customer demand, often guided by trends and community recommendations, and how a variety of languages, including English, Bangla, Algerian Arabic and Hindi, are used in daily life.
This visit showed how a local shop can tell a much bigger story about Kilkenny’s changing community, global food culture and everyday connections between people. A highlight for many was sampling the Nanna Chips – thoughtful and much appreciated gesture thanks!