Food Tale

Food is an integral part of our life. What kind of food we eat is also primary to what kind of life we are living. I love food and crave for any that’s hot and spicy. Although my friends will not like sharing my veg delights unless it’s a necessity. I particularly remember all the junks that I had in Guwahati in my higher secondary days. Reminiscing that is a total gastronomic cry for the lost crony. The rolls of Pirish, the chowmein of Nakkata Pukhri and the ghoognis of License Bar are the few but the obvious. These experiences are my own Anthony Bourdain moments. The things which make it memorable and intriguing are the incidents attached.

I remember the story my brother used to tell me about the owner of the lake side chowmein stall known to all Guwahatians as Nakkata Pukhrir chow. The owner had a very humble beginning and started the business on a paltry sum of Rs 100. I don’t know the authenticity of the story but it had to be hard work and the pure endeavour to serve people that created a legacy that so many people like me try to associate.

Pirish will always stay close to my heart. The first time I went there was on Sanjay’s birthday. It was a treat, pure delight. I remember this place the most as it was my second dinning home. The rolls were simply amazing.

License Bar was our den, where we had our birthday parties, celebrated anniversaries, held agenda meeting, and cooked up gang plans. It was also a place where we drowned to swim out from the numerous break-up. We had the most stopovers here but I believe the only thing we could take out from here will be the food. Chilli Pork will be the favourite for my friends but I will go with the ghoognis.

There is a reason I still cherish these places and the food because on several occasions I have tried making the same food myself and failed miserably. I am happy that I have not succeeded. These places cannot be replaced.