Chai wallah

Before I went to India, I’d never tried tea or coffee, but it didn’t take long for the addiction to set in. Not only was I fixated on the blend of aromatic spices that went into masala chai, but I was mesmerized by how the chai wallah poured the liquid to cool the hot brew into a glass.

South Melbourne Markets

Markets anywhere offer an insight into the foods worth savouring. South Melbourne Markets were no exception. From the freshest vegetables, fish or meats to curry leaves, these markets had it all.

Little India’s best restaurants

I stayed in Singapore’s Little India for one reason only; to be close to my favourite restaurant in the world – Komala Vilas! I discovered since my last visit some twenty-five years ago that instead of one restaurant, there were now another four within a kilometre radius.

Was the South Indian food still as good as I remembered?

A serious addiction

I’m still addicted to tantalizing masala chai I drank in Dar es Salaam. After years of experimenting, I have the perfect blend. No packet mixture. Yuck!

I know you’re thinking India, but think again

Recently there was a Bollywood girls only night in my neighbourhood and I had to go.

There were tables of: delicious pakoras and samosas; Indian textiles and jewellery; a bhindi stand; mendhi counter. Above was a screen belting out dated Shahrukh or Aishwarya Bolly Holly movie hits.

Succulent Singapore

Singapore was about shopping but for me, it was more about eating. We either ate an early breakfast of Malay roti canai, or brunched at my favourite restaurant.