So first we drank a hot brew called rasam that acts as a digestive and it was the most soothing thing ever! It was packed full of coriander, ginger, lemon, and spices. I was sipping it happily in a daze looking at the little shrine on the wall when I realized Dr. Lall was giving directions. I caught the tail end about ‘taking it in a shot’ and I said, “oh! We’re supposed to take it in a shot?” to which everyone at the table leaned forward and yelled, “NO!!!”. Haha. Everyone is so sweet here. I guess it’s important to take it slow :)
Next we had a plate with idly (kind of a soft, light patty made of rice), sambhar (kind of a spicy soup that you dip idly in), and vada (an onion/vegetable bread in a doughnut shape then fried) which you could also dip in the sambhar.
On the side were three different types of chutney which we all differed on our favorites. We thought we were done since we were all very full, but then they brought out masala dosa which was a large piece of dough grilled with a potato curry mixture inside.
Everything was amazing and we were all ready for a nap by the time it was over. Luckily the best was yet to come. Dr. Lall ordered filtered coffee for everyone and it was absolutely delicious.
It is a mixture of milk and coffee that you pour from one container to the next until a foam develops on the top and the flavor is enhanced. It kind of tastes like a perfect latte, but somehow better…because it’s actually better or because you’re sitting in a tiny run down south Indian restaurant pouring coffee back and forth with your new Indian friends….I can’t be sure :)
A great summer afternoon in India filled with laughter and good food…a day well lived.
There was a great South Indian restaurant in Nottingham up the street from my apartment that I frequented solely for the Masala Dosa!
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