8. The Spice Of Life

How I spot a liar?

If someone tells me, s/he has never had Chatpatey or Panipuri in the streets then that's how I know there are high chances the person is lying to me because no matter how old you are and how unhealthy you think it is you must have at least once had Chatpatey or Panipuri from the street vendors.

I was introduced to this world of spice since very early age. There used to be the time when I and my friend used to have Chatpatey every single day while returning back home from school. I don't remember the year exactly but this was the time when we used to get Rs.10 worth of Chatpatey so much that it used to be difficult for both of us to finish it.

I started experimenting with the spice and was introduced to Panipuri a little later after Chatpatey. The cost was much lower than what it is now for the Panipuri as well, we used to get 10 pieces of Panipuris for Rs. 10 and sometimes more if we bargained for it.

But my favorite among the all the spices of the streets would have to be Papadi Chat. There are a lot of people who I know have never ate it and trust me when I say, you are missing out on one of the best street food. Try it, your taste buds will thank you for it.

Over the period of years, a lot of things have changed but my carving for these street spice remains the same. Sure, I am more concerned now than when I was a child when it comes to eating unhealthy food but once in a while, I give in to the carving. There are times when I leave everything I am doing and rush out of the house just to add some spice into my life.

I am very choosy about who makes my Chatpatey, Panipuri and especially Papadi Chat. I have been regular customer of two street vendors at New Baneshwor for over ten years and I don't think it will change anytime soon. I don't know anyone who knows how I like my spice better than those two.

And there are always perks of being the regular customer:

- You get to instruct them on how you like your spice

- You are always welcomed with the smile

- You get more compared to others in the same price

Most importantly while others don't get packing facility even when they ask for it, the first question I am always asked is "Khanney ki lanney?"

(Note: For those who haven't been lying about not having the street spices:
What are you waiting for? Go add some spice in your life.)