TRAVEL FEATURE - INDIA
MEGAN GOVERNI
THE ROADSIDE LIFE OF A TEA TENT VENDOR
It had become more than a habit ; this was now an addiction . The many semi-permanent constructions that lined our route were the dealer , and as I entered yet another yellow roofed abode , I felt a wave of euphoria wash over me . I knew what the inhabitants of the old opium dens must ’ ve felt .
We ’ d been riding along the Chandratal Lake Road , crossing the Chandra , until we ’ d reached Batal and the roadside ‘ tea tent ’. Numerous locals were inside and stopped to look as we entered the warmth , we were some sort of attraction , it was a welcoming and comforting experience .
Moving to the rear of the construction we were greeted by a woman , busy cooking something ‘ traditional ’ on a stove fuelled by a gas bottle . Well used pots and pans sat above the flames . The meal smelt delicious .
“ What ’ s that ?” I asked Moti , our guide with Motorcycle Expeditions , as he placed a latte styled glass in front me of me , a now familiar sight .
“ Maggi .” He ’ d replied , obviously confused with the expression on my face . “ You know , the stuff in a packet .”
I was confused . What was Maggi ? Another curry I was yet to discover , or more to the point , have forced upon me by my curry loving partner .
“ Maggi .” Moti placed the packet in front of me . I ’ d laughed loud enough that the woman cooking looked at me , I hope I hadn ’ t offended her . Maggi , what we ’ d call Two-Minute Noodles . The sort that costs about two Australian dollars per packet . The sort made by Maggi , owned by Nestlé .
“ You want some ?” Moti asked . “ It ’ s what we eat when we don ’ t want curry .”
I nodded an enthusiastic approval . It wasn ’ t that I was ungrateful for the local foods , just eating curry three
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