LIFE IN BANGALORE

Two Stories from Panchapagesan Sampath

Idlis and umbrellas

One of my uncles is based in Bangalore. He has a way of looking at things that has always intrigued me. This Sunday morning, he shared with me two stories that I’m sharing with you. I’ve added a couple of pictures with descriptions in case you have no idea of what the food items my uncle is referring to are.

My words are in regular text. My uncle’s words are in italics.

My dad Panchapagesan Ramachandran and my cousin enjoying idlis — white rice lentil cakes with sambar (a spicy lentil soup). There are two idlis on my dad’s plate, while my cousin’s plate has one. My cousin has some sambar and molahapodi (spicy lentil powder mixed with sesame oil) on his plate. My uncle Sampath objects to being fobbed off with molahapodi for his idlis in his story, but I guess my cousin likes it fine. Author’s photo and editing.

The Idli Story

In south Indian homes, idlis are a staple. People love them. They are very healthy and easy on the digestive system. However, you feel hungry very soon after eating them, as they get digested easily.

I like them, but not too fond of them. I also do not like them without the coconut chutney. Households try to pass them off with just Molahapodi. That doesn’t work for me. I am also very fussy about the idlis being fresh and hot.

I found a few places which would make hot idlis and sell them for as low as Rs.15 a piece. (18 cents) with coconut chutney and a kara (spicy) chutney on the side. Also, the idli comes to my plate straight from the idli steamer. Idli paanai for those who know Tamil.