Gundruk (गुन्द्रुक) is one of Nepal's most iconic ingredients — leafy greens (usually mustard, radish or cauliflower leaves) that are fermented, dried and used in soups, pickles and curries. For many Nepalis, the smell of gundruk cooking is the smell of home. If you're in Australia and looking for it, here's where to find it.
What is gundruk and how is it used?
Gundruk is made by wilting leafy greens, fermenting them for several days, then sun-drying them. The result is a deeply flavoured, tangy ingredient used in three main ways: gundruk ko achar (pickle with tomato, chilli and spices), gundruk ko soup (a sour, warming broth), and as a side dish with dal bhat. It's also a key ingredient in the classic Nepali dish Aloo Tama Gundruk — potato, bamboo shoot and fermented greens curry.
Where to buy gundruk in Perth
- →Thamel Bazaar (East Cannington) — One of Perth's original Nepali grocery stores. Usually stocks both loose and packet gundruk.
- →Mustang Grocery & Butchers (Cloverdale) — Well-stocked Nepali grocery with gundruk in the dried goods section.
- →Little Magic Grocery (Wembley & Queens Park) — Both locations carry gundruk, usually near the spice and pickle section.
- →KTM Mart (Morley) — North Perth's Nepali grocery option, stocks dried gundruk regularly.
Where to buy gundruk in Melbourne
- →Indreni Glenroy Supermarket (Glenroy) — One of Melbourne's largest Nepali grocery stores. Stocks a wide range of Nepali dried goods including gundruk.
- →Indreni Supermarket Sunshine (Sunshine) — The western suburbs branch, equally well-stocked.
- →Nepsay Mart (Melbourne) — Another reliable Melbourne Nepali grocery option.
- →KTM Groceries (Tarneit, online) — Delivers Australia-wide. Order gundruk online at ktmgroceries.com.au.
Where to buy gundruk in Sydney
- →Namaste Nepal Ko Pasal (Sydney) — Dedicated Nepali grocery store stocking traditional ingredients including gundruk.
- →Bijaya Shree Nepalese & Indian Grocery (Sydney) — Well-stocked Nepali and South Asian grocery.
- →Harris Park and Parramatta — Several South Asian grocery stores in the area carry gundruk, particularly those catering to the Nepali community.
Can't find it locally? Order online
If you're not near a Nepali grocery store, KTM Groceries (ktmgroceries.com.au) delivers Australia-wide from Melbourne. They stock gundruk along with a full range of Nepali pantry staples — wai wai noodles, sel roti mix, Nepali spices, achar, and more.
Storage tip: Keep dried gundruk in an airtight container away from moisture. It lasts for months when stored properly. Once rehydrated for cooking, use it within a day.
What to cook with gundruk
- →Gundruk ko Achar — The most common use. Soak gundruk in warm water, squeeze dry, then mix with tomato, chilli, garlic, mustard oil and coriander. Serve as a side with dal bhat.
- →Gundruk ko Soup — Simmer rehydrated gundruk with water, garlic, ginger and a little oil. Simple, warming and deeply flavoured.
- →Aloo Tama Gundruk — Add gundruk to the classic bamboo shoot and potato curry for extra depth and tang.
- →Dal Bhat accompaniment — Serve gundruk achar alongside your dal bhat as a traditional pickle.
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