1) Salted banana chips.
Just like it says, these are fried banana slices coated in salt. And they are addictive. A South India tradition, there are "Hot Chips" stalls all over Coimbatore, and bags upon bags of them in the grocery stores. My favorite brand is "Grandmother's Chips", and my Coimbatore driver always take me to get a sackful when we are out and about. The combination of sweet and salt is an award winner for me. I will be bringing home a bag for sure.
2) Mangoes.
Not just any mangoes, I am talking about Indian "Magic Mangoes". At least that is what I call them because their taste is so magical. I have heard about people going on those crazy apples only diets, and I think it sounds awful, but I could definitely survive it with mangoes. I eat about four a day, so I could probably double that figure and be able to stay alive. Hmmm... Anyway the mangoes here are the best. I will also be bringing these to the US - right after I get out of Fruit & Vegetable Jail at JFK Customs.
3) Bonda balls.
You can eat them, throw them, juggle them - bonda balls are awesome. They are a mixture of mashed potatoes, spices, butter and oil, shaped like balls and deep fried in yummy batter. The kids get these for afternoon snack a lot - and they know to hide them when I sneak in the room during snack time, because I have no qualms about stealing them right out of their little hands. That is not true, but they do love hiding behind the desks while I pretend to snatch them away. Everyone loves bonda balls. KM is sending me with a "plane snack" and I have asked for five in my lunch sack.
4) Lime rice.
From my food experiences here, I have learned that the weirdest sounding combinations often make for the best taste. So now that I have a new perception of what sounds normal, I can't say for sure if things like lime rice will raise any eyebrows (I know that cabbage mixed with yogurt sounds crazy and disgusting, even though I eat it all the time here). I love the lime rice that KM makes - just rice, lime, salt, butter and spices. It is a great lunch.
5) Paneer butter masala.
How to begin to describe the most savory flavor on earth? I can't. I have no idea what is in it and KM doesn't seem to know either. It has a flavor that keeps on giving - bite after bite is full of surprises and it is always fantastic. My advice to all of you is to order it next time you visit an Indian restaurant. If the waiter tells you they don't have it, tell him to stop hoarding India secrets and make it for you - it is not fair that this recipe has not made it into every Eastern restaurant in the world.
**Side note: I have eaten in some pretty fancy restaurants and hotels in the last few months, as well as at weddings and other functions in various places. Without a doubt, the cook at Vidya Vanam (KM) beats all of them hands down. It is official: he makes the best food in India, and he makes me whatever I ask for! :)
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