The Spice Route
The life that I’ve come to love, is the one that takes me to newer places every few years - the sights and sounds of a new city, the world of possibilities that await me - and the chance to meet and bond with new people gives me immense happiness.
It is intriguing that as much as I’m interested
in knowing a new place and what it has in store for me, I’m thrilled by the
possibility of discovering new and amazing foods to eat. No, it’s not restaurant menus
that tingle my tastebuds, it’s the humble street food that entices me. The road side
sandwich and coffee kiosk, or the special aloo chaat & sabudana khichdi 'thelas', and of course the omnipresent gastronomical delight, golgappas (panipuri/phuchkas)!
This is a journey that I’ve been tempted to make for so long.
The Spice Route is all the sights and smells that make me drool. The simple yet
most amazing street foods of India that beat any restaurant food hands-down,
line this very special route. Street food is so much a part of the character and cultural fabric of any city, allowing a traveler to delve & dive into the special tastes, spices and aromas of the place.
The Spice Route is for those to take, whose travel itineraries keep aside time to find, taste and savour each city's street food delights! Those who know that nothing peps them up more than a shot of that special panipuri, or a dig into that yummy aloo-tikki! If you’re game to hunt down the best street-side chaat, kachoris, pakodas, pao-bhaji & lots more, you're welcome aboard!
I can't wait to find out more on all the street foods that our country has to offer...keep writing and sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write this comment, I confess that I am not a great fan of dahi-bhalla, paani-puri(aka Puchka, Golgappa)...but a decent Jhaal-muri ( from any self-respecting vendor in Kolkata) or the myriad varieties of 'rolls' ...egg, egg with chicken-mutton-(even fish)..any of those without the egg...waters my mouth even after a 13-course dinner.
ReplyDeleteConfessions made, now, I must say Mani, you are an excellent writer . Google my friend Anjaly Thomas,( she is a back-packer) and when you read about her, you shall find that you are headed the literary way.
I am looking forward to the day, when I stand in the (long) queue for getting my copy of your book signed.
Thank you so much!At this stage, encouragement is what I need the most, and you've given me tons of it! Soon enough I'll also write about the rolls and jhaal-muri(and request you for the pictures of best ones in Kolkata :)). It was very inspiring to read Anjaly's blog. Miles to go before I sleep...
DeleteNicely written! Cant wait to see what you pick as your introductory street food (no pressure!)
ReplyDeleteJust a note.....when in Kolkata, do have rolls from Kusum's at Park Street...ofcourse there are others, but I think this one is easiest to reach.
ReplyDeleteAlso Try to have Jhaal at raju's stall ( Near menoka cinema) its the best one....or you could settle for ones available opposite Victoria memorial.
Also a must try is 'Ghoogni'...chick-pea cooked..
BTW, speaking of road food...if you happen to visit Delhi..give me a shout, I shall take you guys to Ashok Meat Wala..its almost a roadside eatery..the only difference is that the stuff is cooked with Desi Ghee and Whole spices.Yummiest Mutton in this side of the Aravallis.
ReplyDeleteVery well written, Dost. Keep it up!Am already missing the Sabudana khichdi.Going to Mhow in Jun.Can't wait.........Keep writing....All the best!
ReplyDeleteHey mani,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you writing for something that you're so passionate about. Btw, Food is something that most Indians are always so fond of :-) :-)
It 'd be great if we can get more and more 'actionable' information in your write-ups like the specific street Vendor outlet name(even if its small), his contact no., day/time of operation etc etc as the readers can then follow it to the right person/place. I am saying this because many times, in absence of a specific details, we restrict ourselves due to heightened hygeine or quality concerns etc.
Hope to see a Hyderabad write-up soon :-)...we already got to taste the best-ever pastries because of you!