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My personal food rankings

manjukiran

December 30, 2018

My Personal Food Rankings

I love eating. Period.

I remember watching more cooking shows than my mum, mentally noting down the ingredients and then forcing her to cook the same. Initially, they were simple, but then SHIT GOT REAL. The advent of cable television in my house meant, that I started craving for complex western delicacies. (Mom, if you are reading this, by “complex“, I mean that ingredients weren’t available at our local grocery store). Tomato ketchup was a delicacy then and “Mayonaisse” for me meant “Fancy French Painting“.

All this meant, that I had to choose either of the two

Stop watching cooking shows (which was easy, there were tonnes of Cartoon Shows around)
or

Learn cooking (harder, mum wouldn’t allow me in the kitchen)

I choose the harder part;
‘cos I knew this long term investment would pay off. And boy it DID !! The greatest payoff , is when you can enjoy food like never before at restaurants. You can feel the essence better, sense the aromas quicker and soak in the mixture of tastes. It was amazing, even the road side food started to taste better (or sometimes worse).

So with that experience, I present to you , my personal food rankings in these past 9 years that I have started cooking. Mind you most of these are recent (upto 3 years old). But that’s only because I want you to enjoy these foods while they are still being served. So without further ado,

Honey Chilli Chicken Rank 10

Soft boneless pieces of chicken, marinated with spices and stir fried with masala, glazed with Honey. Everyone that I have introduced the food to has kept ordering it again.

Place : Cibo Esca, Chandra Layout,Bangalore

Sarson Da Saag Rank 9

Wake the “Punjab da Puttar” in you.. Although the most expensive dish on the list, this is as close to a typical homemade Sarson Da Saag you can get. All the right amount of spices and you get this melting in the mouth curry which an only be complimented by a Makke di Roti.

Place: Punjab Grills, Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon

Masala Upma Rank 8

One dish every Bangalorean hates when homecooked but loves when its cooked at MTR. The Semolina dish that is soaked in MTR Ghee goodness and the legendary Tomato Slice on top. Best enjoyed with a sip of Hot Filter Coffee.

Place : MTR , Lalbagh Road, Bangalore

Anda Paapdi Chaat Rank 7

If you love Eggs, this is the place to be. Imagine Paapdi Chat. Now imagine warm Egg Bhurji along with fresh cut veggies on top of the Paapdi. U cant go wrong on this one.

French Toast with Maple Syrup Rank 6

Now dont disregard this just because its quite common. One Bite into the French toast @ Egg Factory dipped in Maple Syrup and you are transported to some other place. Peace and Harmony indeed !!

Place: Egg Factory, St Marks Road, Bangalore

Chicken Wings Rank 5

Everyone loves the wings. But one bite of the Chicken Marinated in Nandos’s Spice and their Extra hot sauce and it all becomes clear. The meat melts in your mouth, the sauce makes you want to eat more. Its like the CocaCola of Food world.

Place: Nandos Restaurant, Wilmslow Road, Manchester

Veg Hyderabadi Biriyani Rank 4

A biriyani and that too VEG ??? It makes it to top 4 in this list. Should be testament enough.

Place: Adigas, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bangalore

Hot Dragon Chicken Rank 3

I have had this dish for 3 months, DAILY. It goes with everything, Rice, Bread, Noodles !! Plus its nice blend of Oriental Chinese cuisine with Indian spices.

Place: Kung Food, Bandra East, Mumbai

Sheesh Tavouk Rank 2 - Runner Up

I have had this dish , ONCE. Only Once. That too, last week. Cooked in a typical Arab-Bhatkali style cuisine, this is one of the tastiest chicken I’ve had. So tasty, I used its Masala in dishes ordered afterwards also.

Place: Ali Baba, Frazer Town Mosque Road, Bangalore

Suggi Special Chicken Rank 1

Crispy Chicken coated in traditional spices used in Coastal India and the result something magical. If KFC didn’t have the title, Finger Lickin’Good, I would have gifted this restaurant the rights to Use the Tagline.

Place: Suggi, Basaveshwara Nagar, Bangalore.

That’s that folks.Now get off your ass, get to one of these restaurants and eat your heart out
Tell me what are your favourite foods that you’ve enjoyed and I will try visit those places too.

Dont Stay Hungry (or foolish), get out and get munching 🙂

Thoughts

The small things – Part 1

manjukiran

December 29, 2018

The small things – part 1

Its been a month since I sat at my favourite place in my house, a wall on the roof which, incidentally is used to protect someone tipping over. The sight from here was nothing short of spell binding. The sight faced west and I could see the sun setting over the mountains of Savandurga while a cool breeze helped calm my thoughts.

On the front, facing my house, was the park that was built recently. The park was at its busiest during the sunset; for it would bring the womenfolk of our locality to socialise. This meant that their kids and grandkids would also get the grand opportunity of getting to know the best and latest gossip in our area. The men wouldn’t bother much, carrying on their daily walks with their buddies only to talk about politics or whatever our news channels were serving that day.

It is this very place, that I used to despise the most in the mornings. For I am not a morning person. Not. One. Bit. Laughter clubs, clapping clubs and the incessant talking would wake me up invariably; and you would not like me if I met you without adequate sleep. Not. One. Bit.

As I sat in my apartment in London, 8000 miles away from home and this very park, I felt a surge of emotions for this place of gathering. I never realised how big a part this park had played in my life. It was the place where some of my best memories were forged. I remember talking to my friends when I was at one of lowest points in my life, only to hear their confidence in me and getting renewed energy to fight on. It was in one of its benches when I heard about my best friend getting engaged. I remember the vast number of times that my mother asked me to go on a walk with her in the park; and the minimal number of times that I actually agreed to go with her.

But most important of all, I remember the numerous sessions when I would go for a power-walk in the park, with Rocky OST blaring away in my headphones thundering me to go achieve my ambitions. Although, I never doubted in my efforts, I was never sure of when they would bring results; and by results I meant the milestones that would mark the achievement of an ambition.

But milestones are just like destinations to be reached if you don’t care about the journey; and I deeply care about the journey. How I reached there is equally as important as if and when I reached there.

I realised, that often, we ignore the smallest things that radically shape the very fibre of our lifestyle.  

Why are these thoughts in my mind you ask ? I’ll tell you.

It had been a month since I moved to London and I somehow never felt the elation I was expecting to. My thoughts ran across all the things I wanted to do here and I started to pine for those perfect moments where I would get to live some of my dreams.

What I had forgotten were about the moments that led-up-till and were felt-after-the-passing of the perfect moment. Weren’t they equally important ?

The moment of seeing the perfect sunrise on a snow-clad peak are preceded by hours of camaraderie with friends and family on the trek up the mountain, minutes of quenching your thirst from the streams and moments sharing of chapati and pickle on the way back.

The moment of seeing an offer letter are preceded by weeks of preparation, years of learning, seconds of “all the best”s from your well wishers and the hours of actual performance in the interview.

The park that I so incessantly chose to ignore, was one of the very things that was shaping me to be where I am today. It provided a place where I could discuss my feelings, personal and professional, with those I felt confident with. It was the place which brought a sense of security, warmth and happiness that I could forge my memories with.

It is not only the park, it could be

the road on which you may have had a long conversation with a loved one
the fruit drink you shared with friends after a hearty meal of kebabs and naan
the stick that your mother used to drive a scary dog away that chased you
the mobile phone which was offered to you by a stranger in times of distress
the blog that I am writing now that I will read someday in the future and smile

These things may have been long gone away but they were absolutely the very fibre that constructed and strengthened the bond of relationship with those around you, got you through the day, made you who you were.

So whether you are going through a moment of elation, sadness or mundane-ness, embrace the things around you. I can still feel the wonder when I travel on the London Tube. I do so, since I had worked hard to be able to travel on that; to be able to move to and live in a city that houses it. It wasn’t easy. It took months of effort, heartbreak, tense moments, confidence and support.   I am writing all of this so that I can share with you on how amazing it feels sometimes to appreciate the smallest things in life.

Something absolutely inconsiderable somewhere will make you create a memory that will shape you for the rest of your life. It is not just materialistic. The most unexpected smile from a stranger can make your happiness seem even bigger or a sadness even smaller.

Embrace the smaller things in life, you don’t know how big an impact they have had on you.

Until next time.
MK

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Achilles Syndrome

manjukiran

December 18, 2011

Beyond money, happiness, peace and satisfaction , there is a factor. A factor that motivates us all to go that extra distance when we do stuff. Its Recognition. No, I am not talking about recognition you get when you win a local contest or when you achieve something. That’s short term; by which I mean that “it’s forgotten“.

Let me illustrate. In the movie Troy, a kid tells Achilles (Brad Pitt) before his battle

I wouldn’t fight him if I were you. He is the biggest man I’ve ever seen in my life

For which Achilles replies

That’s why, kid, no one will remember your name

That’s recognition, things by which people remember you. Your name, your identity, your legacy. That ladies & gentleman , I refer to as the “Achilles Syndrome“. Its the need within yourself, to do something that people will remember you for; something you will want to be remembered for.

For several years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for those blogs that can provide a balance of both business and personal insights. So much so, that I have been inspired to contribute more frequently to this broader conversation. To provide a glimpse into how I see work, family, travel and other activities converging, and the lessons I learn along the way. No, this is not my Achilles syndrome. But it definitely is a step in that path. I created this website to share my thoughts, soak in the thoughts of others and perhaps learn a thing or two in the process. I am passionate about a lot of things that my fellow men have gifted this world. This shall act as a platform where, I can share with you, my thoughts and that of a few others.

In other words, this is my customary first “Hello World” post.

As a kid, I too have dreamt of changing the world in my own little way. I believe that this site shall act as a platform, through which I can reach out to a bigger audience who share my passions and interests. The wise say that travel leads to knowledge, and I agree. But given the limitations, I hope I will be able to interact with, learn from and influence more individuals through this portal.

Coming back to Mr.Achilles, its ironic that he did die in the end. But he did leave a legacy that enabled us to make big budget Hollywood movie about him. I am not hoping that someone makes a movie based on this website. But somewhere down the line, if someone on the other side of the planet is able to read my posts and think “Hmmmm, not bad !! “, the Achilles in me can smile.

In short, Houston, the eagle has, indeed, landed.

Peace.

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How Shall I put this ??

manjukiran

March 16, 2011

When I had last posted my blog, I had less than a week to go for my exams.. I ponder spark of boredom inspired me to log-on and check my blogs.. Remembering my homeland ?? Perhaps. But, Nostalgia ?? Definitely !! It was going to be my first birthday away from family, and I needed to feel a little connected .

Obviously, you are now wondering why I am re-starting my blog entry this way. Right again, it is nostalgia. Its been more than a year since I came back from the UK and almost a year since I started to work for a well known consulting company. But the nostalgia ?? Yes, its about Cleo. For those who dont know, Cleo stands for Cleopatra, my dashing Black Pulsar 180 UG3 that I parted with back in 2008. The black shining piece of engineering marvel brought a smile everytime I even went near it.

My short stint of professional career within consulting had given me a good lot of stuff I wanted from my childhood. Money, travel, respect, envy (from others), brand value and more…… But had robbed me of three most important things..

3

My Friends : My gang back in Bangalore, DX had been slowly disintegrating and without me in the picture, it sure was difficult to build it back.

2

My Family : After living off a suitcase for more than 10 months, I had realised I could never visit my family instinctively (further reducing chances of planning a vacation for my own).

1

My Bike: From a young age, I had been more into two wheels than four. I thought, perhaps its the age, I was sure of graduating on to having a fetish for four wheels once I grew up. Alas, it wasn’t to be. After failing the UK driving test 5 times, I had been more than wishing “If only the test was on a motorbike”. I had tasted it all.. The wind in the hair, the tingle which crawls up when you are approaching a corner, the adrenaline when you corner, the endorphins when you see a smooth wide open tarmac surface.

But my job had gobbled it all. I had barely sat on a two wheeler for over 4 months let alone riding it on the highways. AND So, I retreated to the forums, pleasuring myself with the excerpts of bikers and their tours on www.xbhp.com/talkies. It wasn’t an ideal situation, but sure was an oasis in the desert of my profession.

It wasn’t long that I had taken the decision to book a bike for myself, whether or not I had the pleasure of riding it (I knew more often than not, I wouldnt even get near it). I had long fantasized about riding to the distant land of the Himalayas. For, I had read travelogues, hundreds, enough to know the roads and places by the tongue tip. I wanted to soak in the pleasure of seeing the piligrimage of bikers, bask in the glory of the holy grail of biking; it was the trip to Khardungla-top.

I feel obligate to continue but I am going to stop here.. and there is a good reason why ..

I am 1000 miles from my bike, 1500 miles from my home with no hope of getting back anytime soon.. The bike awaits its master.. But the master awaits for his return.. For when the ride, born from the finest of the Steeds and perfected by its creator takes birth from within the fire of the Ferrum in its homeland, , I will return to feed the Honda CBR 250 its first drop of fuel..

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CLEO.. My first and only…

manjukiran

September 12, 2008

there she goes…
like a body without its soul….

there she goes…
like a Lioness roaring against the wind…..

there she goes…
like a distant thunder on a rainless night…

“CLEO”… miss you …
You were my comfort when I felt like a needed someone ..
You were my trophy when I needed to celebrate…
None other can fill the gaping hole u left… or rather its the void that I’ve created …

For those who intend to go abroad for studies in year or so, please please don’t get yourself a BIKE…
because when you let her go….
you’ll only wish that you hadn’t…

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The Picture… Now…

manjukiran

August 23, 2008

Well, its been 4 long years now and I have earned myself a nice degree in Bachelor of Civil Engineering …

Sounds too simple doesn’t it ???

Well, when you see all the efforts , the struggle, the pain , the jubilation , the outcomes…… That simple thing is the only thing that matters .. I too have joined a herd of thousands of engineers that have come out of the Education Industry in Bangalore, INDIA ..

But, hey ,on the positive side I am anything but a RUN OF THE MILL ENGINEER …

Now starts the fun….
More on it later…

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Here I am….

manjukiran

November 20, 2007

For the first time in the history, after a long wait for someone to take ownership of this blog address, here I am, entering the big world of blogging.. This may be just a tiny blip on the galaxy of blogs, but hey, sure is very important to me… I had a pretty nice way to writing things in my personal diary … But coming to think of it , i wrote it once every 6months or so… Hopefully , blogging wont be like that and I hope to keep my Blog readers entertained with my “oh-so-supposedly-funny” writings… SO this is it…my first Blog..Will give my intro in the next…