The greatest story that was never told – our living story of finding our spicy roots in the US!

Masala Dosa, Cary, NC.
Masala Dosa, Cary, NC.

S. Ramanujan, The Man Who Knew Infinity, died at a rather young age of 32.  His death was partially attributed to the malnutrition he suffered while he was at Cambridge during WW I. During his time in England, he could not find ‘lodgings where good vegetarian food was given.’ This was long before curry houses became prevalent.  He complained that he ‘would have suffered much more had it not been for the good milk obtained’ there. He begged in his letters to his friends and family to send ‘some tamarind (seeds being removed) and good coconut oil by postal parcel through cheapest route.’ It was such a desperate food situation that he would resort to making rice and sprinkle it with a few drops of lemon juice and add some salt to concoct a rasam. Continue reading The greatest story that was never told – our living story of finding our spicy roots in the US!

India Town

Patel Brothers, Indian Grocers, Cary, North Carolina, USA.

 

Patil Brothers - The Spicy Soul
Patel Brothers – The Spicy Soul

When I was a student, in the college town where I lived, there used to be only one grocery store that sold spices catering to the small Indian student population.  The Asian gentleman who owned this small grocery store called “Asia Stores” kept just one shelf full of Indian groceries. They were generic Indian spices and some Patak’s pickles. We were creative in using these spices to concoct some of the best sambars, rasams and curry varieties. Continue reading India Town

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan.

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Mecca for fish merchants and sushi connoisseurs alike, Tsukiji Fish Market is the world’s largest fish market and in fact it is one of the largest wholesale markets of any kind. It also happens to be the number one tourist attraction in Tokyo. Continue reading Tsukiji Fish Market

Flower Shop

Flower Shop, Mylapore, Chennai, India.

Flower Shop, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, India.
Flower Shop, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, India.

Most South Indian Temples have some interesting streets leading the devotees to the very entrance of the temple. The closest streets to the entrance of these temples have a vibrant mixture of assorted vendors selling products that include flower garlands, worship items, bangles, and even expensive silk Saris, and gold and diamond jewelry. Continue reading Flower Shop