Big joys of Mini - Tiffin!

Traveling through the south of India I became a huge fan of the "Ready - meal". The signs dot entire southern part of India and ensures that nobody goes hungry. I love the presentation too. The thali is accompanied with numerous small bowls with various chutneys and daals served hot with a papadam! Best part is it is all vegetarian and non-oily. So everyone can dig in. If you like all things foodie like me then you are bound to check out all these hundreds of eateries and making a mental note of the chutneys and the sabjis. During my journeys in Nepal too I had discovered a standard thali which comprised of the local rice, daal and one mixed veg and loads of chilli and garlic to beat the cold weather of the mountains. It was difficult for people who like their meal to less hot but for me it rocked. At times when my aggressive non-vegetarian streak would creep in, I would place an order for an onion tomato omlette to go with and the eating experience would be always more than satisfactory.

Saravana Bhavan in Delhi is one of my favourite eating joints to experience the fare closer at home. And here the best dish on the menu is the mini - tiffin. The variety on one plate makes it a sure winner. One small masala dosa, few button idlis, sambar, upma, halwa, coconut and green chutney. For me it releases an explosion of tastes in one meal. Have it as a lunch if you are very hungry, or share it with a friend over filter coffee and you will have memories of good food experience.

Dear readers do tell me more about your favourite snacks. My gastronomic curiosity just refuses to be satiated.