Lady's fingers in Chick Peas Curry
Butter Curry Beef
Black Lentil Dal
Cauliflower Bryani Rice
Four years on, Mumbai surprised me. While still far behind China's pace, Mumbai's urban development is evident. Slums are still around, only this time they are hidden behind taller buildings and newer structures. The long awaited highway bridge is open, but traffic never eases. The snail pace infrastructural development just could not keep up with India's economic miracle. My rides in the city were comfortable this time around. I expected worse, being haunted by memories of my previous trips years ago. Constant honking on the roads however, remains a regular feature. Saw fewer slum kids in the street coming up to our car this time. Hotel accommodation at the Trident was world-class. It just opened its doors last week, and I was the first customer from my company. Staff's attentiveness was over-the-top, I must say. Everywhere you turn, you'll hear "Excuse me madam, may I help you?". Got some excellent dinner recommendations from Indian colleagues. The Peshawri at ITC was superb - it serves the best black lentil dal and mutton in the world, I was told. Will have to agree with that. Soma at Grand Hyatt was nothing less spectacular. Felt like a pig last week.
So inspired by my trip this time, I tried my hands at reproducing some of the dishes, with the help of ready-made spices purchased on my way home. They loved the food. It was Mumbai in a flash!
