Some years ago, I was introduced to something called Manchurian Chakli --- a Maharashtrian snack with vaguely Chinese overtones. I liked it and still do. So fusion food is OK in my book. While purists may baulk at the new trend of adding cheese and cream to traditional Indian dishes, my taste buds do not complain. As long as there is no sweet-salt assault on my palate, I'm fine. But this object – a chow mein paneer burger – this seemed to cross over a certain line:
It has some ambiguous looking noodles and fried paneer stuck in a bun. This abomination was shared by senior journalist Barkha Dutt for the consideration of another journalist, Vir Sanghvi.
I seem to recall watching a food show on TV years ago where Sanghvi had described so-called Chinese food in India rather accurately as ‘Sino-Ludhianvi’ cuisine. For sure, what passes for Chinese food in India, bears little resemblance to what people actually eat in China.
Remember India’s original quizmaster Siddharth Basu? He had this punny reply.
This was not a popular opinion – considering how much we love paneer.
We do put paneer in everything – so why not this as well!
Well-known photographer Atul Kasbekar was horrified at the idea.
The idea of a chow mein paneer burger seemed to tickle the fancy – and the taste buds – of this commentator.
But in a good way, says this tweet. ‘Food mayhem’ said another.
The strange concoction is actually a good representation of the contentious political landscape of Punjab which soon goes to polls.
Such a creation should have a proper descriptive name – like this one.
This person seems to be a culinary adventurer for sure and still sounded poleaxed.
This tweet expresses admiration not for the journalist’s food choices, but her professional capabilities. Right now with a pliable mainstream media that functions largely as a mouthpiece for the government, voices such as Barkha Dutt’s, which question the government and hold those in positions of power accountable are few and far between.
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