GO! Smell Mumbai : Part 4 - The food & drink!
February 23rd, 2008 by Jim & EmSo the GO! Smell the flowers report from Mumbai continues, back to cult bar Leopold’s with their unique way of serving beer…
The local food, quality spicy curry with Naan bread laced in garlic….
Washed down with the finest carrot juice……
As Emma recovers from an upset stomach 
and Jim craves another curry 
as he writes this post we ask what is your tolerance like for a) spicy foods and b) cuisine when travelling? How hot can you GO!? Do tell and along with any food & drink travel tales, just save us a bit!
Love it love it love it
enjoy the old schotch bonnets - simply great
UP’s chilli fact……….
the hottest chillis in the world are grown in Dorset England.
time for a phall………..
Seroiusly - hottest in the world in dorset? We thought South American chilles hit the Schoville scale higher than anyother..
Scotch bonnet anyone?
defo in dorset
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/04/01/nchilli01.xml
as for hot dishes…………
an ex girlfriend of mine who was nigerian could eat hot food like it was nothing. she used to do a form of Jollof rice for me which was the hottest dish I’ve ever had. even eaten cold after it was lovely and hot.
a lot of west african food is damn hot. chilli snails, ox tail, chilli kidneys- all great stuff
she would routinely eat a phall - a curry place we went to in catford used to do her a special phall- I at this stagre could have a normal phall- the special one they asked her to sign a waiver before eating it.
she murdered it and we got a free botle of champagne!
also west indian food uses a lot of chillis- a dcent jerk chicken or escoveitch fish can really pack a punch
my current fave is a bar of chilli chocolate. lovely
Arvind their is a chocolate shop at spitalfields on a sunday which sells this- about 70% cocoa with chilli- its addictive on so many levels
Thanks Gary _ I shall visit Spitalfields Market on Sunday week and pick up some chilli chocolate.
Might even do a post about it…
Hey Jim,
Spicy food - I love it!
Cant live without an Indian dish for more than 2 days
The “Curry” that Indian joints serve as authentic Indian food here in the UK is a cheap and nasty imitation of the real thing. It is usually lots of oil with some strange colours such as orange, yellow and red.
The best Indian food I have ever had has been in of course India in the 5 star hotels such as the Taj group. I have never had a bad tummy in India - I guess being vegetarian helps too.
Jim - I hope you did get a chance to check out the food at the Taj.
Emma - Get over the upset tummy soon. The best cure is to go and have some more Indian food.
Hey Arvind - Chicken chillie masalla is it? Or a Jalfrezie…Em is working up on the heat and spice and thankfully her korma days are behind her!
Have you sampled the phal yet? We wondered why some curries say vindaloo is hotter than madras, tindalloo not as hot as ceylon, what gives?
The Taj - we hit the first floor window view where I enjouyed a super spicy masalla omelette. Yum
Vindaloo hotter than Madras anyday..
Not tried Phal. Yet
Looks like a great place! I’m not adventurous when it comes to new cuisine…especially spicey. Bland and dull work for me
Urban Pagan - is it true that the kind of food a person likes tells us a lot about them?
For example, if someone likes bland and dull, they are likely to be the same?!
That would then make you fiery and me spicy…
Is that your back handed way of saying I’m dull & bland. Thanks
Snigger snigger….. Didn’t read like a back handed remark to me…….
DM, I hope this comment was said with your tongue planted firmly in your cheek, otherwise. STOP TAKING EVERYONE’S COMMENTS TO HEART!
Arvind was in no way suggesting that you are bland and dull!
I’ve read through a few of your comments this morning and without meaning to be hurtful, have been completely negged out.
Please lighten up and accept people for who they are, it’s getting tedious.
Group hugs all round - lets move on! LOL’s all over the place…
BTW, that’s you in the pic drinking carrot juice Jim right?
You look different than in the other pics of you I’ve seen so far.
Dare I say it, Jim looks chubbier in this pic
Yep tis me,
Chubbier? Well in Bombay it’s a status symbol, right? A few Xtra pounds?
I meant.. you look like an unhappy litle boy who is being force-fed his carrot juice and will cry anytime now :))
the photo was taken during a ‘Mumbai Colonic’
hence the pained expression
Umm…yeah, I know
Your pictures are interesting, but your story of beggars, upset stomachs and “bumblebee” taxi and beggars and slums is very boring and is the kind of typical sterotype that you are trying to re-enforce. Can you not use more imagination when it comes to describing mumbai? It cannot be surely that you have only seen these kind of things in mumbai.
Hi Eric, welcome to flowers and thanks for raising this…
We’re posting a series about what we saw in Mumbai, as it was and we welcome you enlightening us about this wonderful City that we spend 90 hours in last week…
Our imagination in descriptive writing would either glamourise or dull down what we saw so what you read is what we saw, to trigger comments, such as yours!
So help us out here - List here your highlights of Bombay and share your knowledge - your experiences as we’re going back in September…..maybe we could post with greater depth and understanding then?
More to follow…..!
In all fairness they were only there about 48 hours so it’d be hard to focus on anything else really.
Mumbai does have a lot of beggars, it does have old Ambassador taxi’s and it is is easy for a delicate constitution to get upset.
Perhaps next time they can dig deeper into the culture and so on.
I would recommend timing a visit to coincide with a big holiday/festival. Maybe Holi or Diwali.
I’ll second that. There’s only so much you can do in 48 hours, and I think Jem have shared as many aspects as was humanely possible in such a short time frame.
Go! on untrodden ways in September Jem!
Thanks for the feedback Eric and welcome to Flowers!
thats the spirit eric
Hey - isn’t anyone going to start making smartass remarks about why food and drink in England is SUPERIOR to that in Mumbai? Fertile Fish/Urban Pagan? Anyone?
By the way - that beer looks delish! (That’s American slang for delicious in case you’re wondering.)
Hey Olga, the crazy thing is that the number 1 food in the UK is..
Chicken tikka Masalla - seriously!
And the even crazier thing is that there was never such a dish in India, until the Curry houses in England “invented” it. The story goes that one day some chef decided to simply pour a curry sauce over some chicken tikka (pieces of chicken marinated and grilled) - and a new national dish was born!
Apparently quite a few restaurants in India now have on their menu Chicken Tikka Massala to cater for the British tourists.
I worked for 5 years marketing Indian food and I have seen many an Indian restaurant kitchen in my time. Since then, i hardly ever eat out at an Indian curry house
if I may
the true story is in Glasgow some scottish guys ordered some chicken tikka thinking it was a curuy and not marinated meat- when it came they felt it was dry so asked for some ‘gravy’- the chef opened a tin of tomato soup heated it trhough and poured it over.
the next variant of it was served at the Gaylord on Mortimer Street London
urban Pagan - I know the Gaylord on Mortimer Street.
How abuot we meet there next time you are in London?!
So thats where it all started….
Arvind
that could be a plan!
I am that juvenile when I used to work for my younger brother on Mortimer St we used to claim that is was named after each other.
childish I know but it STILL makes me laugh
veeraswany (spelling) is ace and chutney mary inchelsea is a cracker too
Not me.
The food in Asia absolutely knocks most UK food for 6.
CTM is not really a dish of Indian origin. It was developed to suit a lot of UK tastes - that is they like to think they are eating a curry but don’t really want the spice. It is more a dish that was inspired by Indian food.
I hadf some of my Indian colleagues visit the UK and when I took them to a restaurant I had to be careful as the first ‘Indian’ one led to an argument as the my friend Makarand spotted they were Bangladeshi and had an issue with them telling everyone they were Indian!!
the bangla’s were Indians at the time they immigrated to UK
Not these guys, they’d only been in the UK 2 years. Way after Bangladesh split off.
Agreed Gareth - over 90% of “Indian” restaurants in the UK are owned and run by Bangladeshis.
And good for them too, as most of them are supporting their families back home.
The way it seems to work is like this - one guy opens a restaurant and then all his cousins and extended family come over and work their guts out for a couple of years waitering and being chefs. Then these cousins set up their own curry house and on it goes.
VERY, VERY hard working people - they deserve all the success they get. Even if they “invented” CTM
ok olga
England has more michellin restaurants per head than India
therefore its food is better
not a comment
a fact
There are probably more “restaurants” in India than there are people in England.
I love spicey food… I had some sri lankan friends who would only make traditions food.. they would make this black meat and noodle dish it looked the colour of licorich…… so hot …. the unfortunate part is that hot and spicy doesnt like me and usually comes back for second visit the next day…. never is the same second time round… chilli is the same just cant eat it or if I do I suffer the next day…..
Olga heres a link that might explain why people think what they do about Americans this is not a snipe or a snigger just an explaination:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3RrqBqk14&feature=related
Are you kidding me?! Do you actually think this is a fair representation of Americans? There are uninformed people in every nation of the world. (I notice this clip didn’t bother showing the people who KNEW the answers.) Do you really believe everything the media says? The media skews things to suit there own purpose - which is to make money. It’s sad to think that this is the kind of garbage that people in other countires base their opinions of Americans on…how about trying to get to actually know some Americans rather than basing your opinions of that of the media? I must say I am pretty shocked to learn of this underlying contempt - especially on this forum.
No not really however it is a matter of perception and the way in which you guys are portraid….
However it is just one program there are many more out there which using a vast cross section of the communities show the same result or very similar results …. there are other things also such as the point that 65% beleive in creationism not evolution… that the earth is less than 5000 years old and such… and a large % think the earth is flat…
I preferr to base my opinion on facts, actions and deeds as opposed to stereotyping and simply are showing one reason for opinions…
My personal opinions are not represented in any part of either in my comments or the link.. and I shall keep them to my self in this instance….
however I have found that the deeds of a nation are not necessarily a true reflection of the will of people… and one should not paint all people with the same brush…. just because of their place in the world….
this does not seem to carry through as the opinions of some countries towards another, seems to do exactly dont you think….
It is not bias as such, just a matter or perception and the comments show that perception.
Your contributions here at flowers and on your blog shows many that the above is true for you are a great asset to all who know you… and above that regardless of where in the world we come from people are basically the same just trying to get by and live a great life …..
Olga,
Its a sad fact but its the common perception. I guess electing Bush twice didn’t help.
Elect a stupid person and people think you are stupid.
I’ve met dumbass people from all countries and I’ve met clever people from all countries. I would point out though that when I was in the US I did meet more dumbass people than normal, or perhaps I should rephrase that, more people who lacked what I consider to be fairly fundamental world facts than normal.
AC,
You can’t go on telling everyone this isn’t your view when it plainly is. Also when posting about dumb people it’d probably be better if you spell checked it. Maybe download firefox and install the automatic spell checking plug in.
er didn’t the UK keep electing Blair?
BTW, Bush is Yale & Harvard.
He wasn’t as overtly inept as Bush. However that did show the lack of real leaders at the time. He was the best of the bunch. There was no way William Hague was going to get power or Iain Duncan Smith.
I think the fact that Bush also had Rice around him didn’t help, she’s a right brain dead doughball if ever I saw one.
Attending Yale and so on is not so much about his brain but his connections and money.
However fair point, its hardly like we covered ourselves in glory by following Bush wherever he went.
Neither did we with the Howard affair…..
hmmmm
Live and learn
Actually Gareth it is not necesary my opinion at all… just as regards to the perception my thoughts on this matter agree with some aspects of it and not others…. I could just as easily agrue the totally opposite arguement and tell how wonderful any subject is… if you would prefer…..
And as far as the spell checker goes… I choose not to use one which I know shows… but I like to think people are more interested in comment content than worrying about a few spelling errors… besides in the context of the comments nobody else noticed or commented on it… I did know btw that I had left a few… and didnt notice a couple of others until after I hit submit… but it didnt matter because no-one else worried which either proves that noone other than a few can spell or no one else was worried..
but thanks for pointed it out …..
hmmmm
I am not sure which way to take you you know….
but its all good fun…..
Aussie, here in Canada we have a similar show, it’s called Talking with Americans, and it’s along the same lines as that video. I find most Americans can laugh at themselves, but to be honest, you can find uninformed people all over the world, uninformed about their country and the world.
Hey, I bet if we sent the Talking to American people to Australia or England and asked them the same questions they wouldn’t be able to answer them either…that’s just the way it is.
fair point but most of us have a fairly good grasp of geography, current events etc… I think it is mostly that there is just so many of them and it comes down alot on their holly attitudes…. as well as media protrailel… I guess they leave themselves wide open with some of the stuff that happens and the rest of world are just left shaking our collentive heads …
If an aussie was asked the same question and gave these answers, his or her mate would never let them live it down….. and on camera would have called them a bloody idiot corrected them and given a full explanation of exactly what the error was……. its what mate do….lol…
Well, I disagree with you completely. My cousin lives in Australia and he’s often floored by his co-workers lack of knowledge when it comes to Canada and the US. I think there are just some people in the world who are intersted in geography and world news…and some who are not. By assuming that everyone in the US is like these few poor saps who ended up in this comedy bit is wrong. And as far as attitues go, holier than thou is not geographical.
I do know what you are saying DM….
if you didnt detect my sarcastic tone well sorry… I was however being smart and thought you would get it… however the subject has gone to an emotional one which is leaving some feeling a little bemussed,
and all getting very serious and boardering nasty….. anyways this perception is not just here and is not across the board it is around the globe as the comments show… as I said to Olga these are not my personal opinions and are simply perceptions taken from others…..
noone can agree or disagree with my thoughts on this because well i havent given any… merely stated the image put out in the media around the world… and hollier than thou attitudes are not the domain of aussies and brits… they are a world wide event…..
This is GREAT!
Dammit, got to go to work, can’t join in till later.
Keep getting upset americans / supporters, I want to be part of the ‘debate’.
Snigger snigger snigger……..
oh its gonna get fishy FF…. lol
Hurry home, chuck a sickie….. do a u… lol
Fish person - I’m not upset…no one is upset. The fact that you find the idea of people getting upset to be fun says a lot about you, which is sad. Like I said before … do tell why you’re so angry and we’ll all group hug ya…might make ya feel happy, who knows.
snigger snigger snigger!
My point is…that video you posted was a COMEDY bit, not REALITY. And for a little reality, how about this news article which gave all of us Canadians a good chuckle at the australian government with their travel warnings to citizens planning to visit our country. My point here is, we’re all pretty much the same…we don’t really know a lot about other countries…and that’s okay.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080125/australia_caution_080115/20080125
Yep I did have a giggle at it myself… one of my cousin lives over there… and told me about this….
It is an unfortunate relic from the Howard/Bush scare monger campaign which not many Aussie actually take notice of…
Most realise that Canada has as much change as Oz of being a target and there is more chance of being eaten by shark than the other…
BTW … not upset either have rather enjoyed it to tell the truth its good to be able to debate and not have personal issues get in the way, dont you think….. nice one….. mate
Quality stuff gang! Quality.
One of the first things I crave when flying overseas (another medical first U.P.?) is a cold beer. Helps settle the gut-wrench created by long hours of cabin pressure. Certainly delish, Olga.
Certainly a medical first Paul ha!
The spiciest food I’ve had is Thai food in Fremont, California… I can’t remember the name… but if you manage to eat their “Fire” level, they take a picture of you and put it on the Wall of Fire! I’m there somewhere, courtesy my husband.
Did you get to eat the Biryani at Bade Miyan’s in Bombay, its near Leopold.. its got the best Biryani ever.
Hey Chica we’ll try that Bade Miyans when we’re back in September…
Oh that FIRE sounds hardcore…
GO!
Keep the loo roll in the freezer
I see you’ve been at the hair dye again
Cheers Angry, a flattered Jim here…
12 months ago at flowers I posted how a few of the lads reckoned I’ve been uusibng hair dye since my time at the spa with carrott juice and Wheatgrass that, believe it or not, stopped the onslaught of grey hair! Tis the truth….
Maybe I could tie up with a cresian 2000 company and GO! get sponsored?
Thai pork salad - five of us agreed that it was the hottest thing we’d ever had including all Indian curries
If you don’t eat the local food then you are surely missing out on probably the best part of visiting another place.
During my time in India I ate all over the place, from the 5 star restaurants like the Taj Coromandel in Chennai to side street stalls in Bangalore.
Getting a good dose of the local germs tends to toughen you up and mean you can last the rest of the time without an upset stomach.
Highlights in no particular order;
Roasted Scorpion in Bangkok
Dosa’s of various kinds in South India
Curried whole Quail in Delhi
Szechuan hot pot in Chongqing (this is the hottest chilli based dish I’ve had, alhtough any food in China qualifies as a highlight)
9 course crab dinner in Nagoya
Enchiladas and some local dish I can not remember the name of in Mexico City
Balkan mixed lamb grill in Bled (Slovenia, also most beautiful alpine resort)
10 different types of wurst at a braai in Port Elizabeth.
Many other great gastronmic delights have been encountered but these are the highlights. Spicy is great, none spicy is great, all food is great.
The hottest food is definitely in India but the hottest Chilli based dishes are in Szechuan area of China.
Get stuck in to the local food wherever you are.
Totally with you on this one Gareth - if you are to immerse yourself in a local culture you have to go the whole hog and try their cuisine - even if in China it means eating a whole hog
By the way, does anyone know where that phrase “go the whole hog” come from?!
I have stayed and eaten at the Taj Coromandel in Chennai which you mention above - probably the BEST Indian food i have ever had.
I go for curry as cheat meal almost every weekend! Gotta love those spicy food. My mom eat chillies like they are salads!
Borzack - What’s a “cheat” meal?
Whom are you cheating on?!
LOL!
Welcome to Flowers Borzack!
Recently I seem to be having discussions in the pub and then waking up the next day and there is a post about it on flowers? Not about me having a discussion obviously, that would just be freak me out but about the topic.
Anyway, I love curry, can handle jalfrezi heat (yeah I know you are all calling me a wuss) but I just don’t get the whole Naan bread thing.
As far as I am concerned you might as well suck on a Weetabix, there is absolutely no taste to them.
Everyone disagreed with me vehemently but I still don’t get it. Or is that the point, is it supposed to just compliment the curry?
Lib we’ll challenge that…
Try a Peshwari Nam with your next Jalfrezie….
Its a belting combo - failing that - chille naan.
I’ve tried them all, peshwari, keema, garlic and chilli but none have identified themselves as anything other than a flat pack box from Ikea.
Lib - Weetabix has almost NO nutrition in it!!!
You might as well eat the cardboard box that it comes in.
I am not kidding - Weetabix is so processed that all the goodness is gone by the time it gets to you. It is tasteless because there is nothing in it.
I meant to add - how can you even compare Naan bread with Weetabix?!?
As Jim says, try some of the different varieties of Naan bread - which you will only get in a more upmarekt “curry” house.
Arv,
It was the taste I was referring to, I’m well aware of the nutritional value of Weetabix and indeed most cereals. And I struggle with that, I love cereals but always have to opt for a low GI muesli mix in order to stay healthy, all the others are full of sugar.
Anyone else notice how reading and writing this post makes you hungry and crave for Indian food?!
So I am off now to cook lunch - mung beans and rice, extra spicey
We should have a virtual curry lunch day on Flowers!
What is that man doing to the beer ?
I suspect he is “gassing” it.