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2011-04-02
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20 years later and I'm walking into the same institution that's weathered massive change in Singapore's Little India landscape. Same old decor (maybe the mural is new) but the tables, chairs are the same. The metal-rimmed, vinyl-lined seats. The waiters are older but still cheerful as long as you visit off-peak. There's no rush and no pressure as you pore through the menu. Baffling if you never had Indian Vegetarian but you get the gist fairly quickly.Idly SetThe staples are the lentil sambar o
Idly Set
The staples are the lentil sambar or stew (in bowl), the coconut chutney (white) and the tomato chutney (reddish brown). The various forms of carbohydrates carry the staples, but ingeniously delivering a different experience with each. Idlys are steamed cakes made from rice/lentil, broken down by fermentation, and supposedly better for the body since it's much easier to digest. No chewing required especially if you eat it with the condiments, since it breaks down easily and is a healthy snack, typically eaten by Indians for breakfast or at tea.
Rava Thosai Set
The Thosai family is actually also made with the same batter mix as the Idly but probably in different proportions, and then ladled onto a hot greased griddle and left until it forms a crispy almost wafer-thin pancake that takes the size and shape of the griddle ie. a pretty sizable circumference. The Rava Thosai, however, is made from semolina which has little to no trace of fermentation. Here, it is laced with cumin seeds and sliced green chili for added heat and kick. This is a favorite especially with kids who are typically averse to the aftertaste of the fermentation.
The food here is not posh by any means, especially since it's got the prison-feel with the steel, compartmentalized platters, but for me, it's a nice break from the rich meats and other proteins we consume too much of. It is no wonder that this is the stuff served at Indian temples, and often for nothing except a voluntary donation. If you steer clear from the deep fried breads, these snacks are a good way to put the body right on track. And it tastes a lot better than most health foods out there. With more than 5000 years of history, the Indians must know a thing or 2 about how to get this right.
And if you want to complete your Indian experience, walk across the street to Madras' sister shop which offers Ayurvedic treatments and offers Shiro Dhara, the ancient treatment of dripping oil onto the brow chackra (the third eye) located on your forehead. It is supposed to give you a glow and take years (read lines, crows' feet and other wrinkles) off!
For the original post and photos, visit edeats.blogspot.com
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