Girmit: The taste of Dharwad |
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Girmit: The taste of Dharwad |
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Everybody knows Dharwad is famous for its 'Phedhe' especially 'Babusingana Phedhe'. Until a couple of years ago Phedhe was available only in Dharwad and some surrounding places like Hubli and Belgaum but now its available in Bangalore also marketed by some of the merchants of Dharwad who were not satisfied with what they got in Dharwad. I really don't think 'Globalization' of Phedhe is good for itself as well as for Dharwad. Very soon it would no longer be called 'Dharwad Phedhe' but get some strange names such as 'Peda','Pede','Chamraj Pet Burphy'! etc. My friends and neighbors in Bangalore knew I was from Dharwad and they used to tell me (Notice the language!) 'Dharwad dinda return barta two kgs Peda tartira/tartiya!'I always tried my best to correct them that its 'Phedhe' and not 'Peda' but failed miserably everytime. Being a Puritan, I hated this kind of language but always brought whatever they asked because I could never let 'Dharwad Phedhe' lose its popularity. I feel Dharwad is also famous for some of the local stuff/eatables not many people know of. The degree of popularity varies but anybody who has stayed in Dharwad for a considerable amount of time has definitely tasted all of them and appreciated them.Whenever somebody goes to Mumbai he'll enjoy Bhel at Chowpatty,if he goes to Agra he'll feast on Kachori near Tajmahal, if he goes to Ahmedabad he'll devour 'Paani Poori' on JC Road and if he goes to Davangere he'll have a byte of famous 'Benni Dosi'.Similarly there are some places in Dharwad which serve delicious eatables that are worth trying. So which are these things I'm talking about? Some of the popular ones are KCD Girmit,LEA Canteen's Mirchi,KCD Canteen Bonda,Paul's Egg Bhurji.I'd like to tell more about a couple of these. Have you ever visited the 'Girmit' centers in front of KCD?. 'Girmit' is probably the most awesome of the snacks that can be tasted in Dharwad. Its a variation of 'Bhel' but tastes real good. You can also call it 'Poor man's Bhel'. When we were in school we used to get a plateful of Girmit for 75 paise. Now it must of anything from Rs.2 or 3 a plate. You don't get much for Rs.2 now a days, Do you? The main ingredients of 'Girmit' are puffed rice (Chur Muri),Tamarind Water,Onion,Tomato,mirch powder and salt. Looking at the ingredients one feels whats special about it? You are right. Its not the ingredients but the way its made gives it a unique taste. He takes all these things and puts in a round aluminium utensil which has dents at multiple places obviously because of overuse and then he stirs very rigorously with a bent spoon ( a big one at that) till all the ingredients mix very well . This stirring process creates a typical sound which is more fun. (And you won't have to pay for that). The name 'Girmit' was also derived from this! very process of stirring in the 'aluminium bhande'.He does this stirring for about 10-15 times and Voila..You have the Girmit ready to be served. He also customizes the Girmit by adding more Tamarind water or Mirch Powder, if anyone asks for it. We were regular customers for him so he knew what we liked and prepared accordingly. There always used to be a big crowd of college students ,families around that Girmit center particularly in the evenings. Some of these Girmit centers are still there so when you get a chance to visit that area do try this item. Its really a 'Taste of Dharwad' Next comes LEA canteen's Mirchi. Man, its really hot. In spite of that there is no dearth of customers who come almost everyday to this canteen to taste Mirchis. 'Mirchi' is nothing but 'Donna Menasina kai' dipped in gram floor paste' and deep fried. I really don't understand what made this place so special for such a simple thing but it always attracted people. Now Dharwad is full of new,dazzling eating places serving everything under the sun, more like the popular restaurants of Bangalore. Crowded with people during all times. Plenty of Darshinis also can be seen near residential colonies and colleges. Darshinis cater mostly to students who need a quick byte before going to the college. Very few visit the once famous Khanavalis of Dharwad. Our parents and some old people in Dharwad still talk about Khanavalis and the kind of food that they served at reasonable prices. Even now the Khanavalis are easily affordable. Its surprising to see some Khanavalis still dragging their feet against stiff competition from these restaurants. One more category that has been added to these eating places is 'bars combined with restaurants. So I should call them 'Bars and Restaurants'. These are frequently visited by tourists and people from affluent families who do not mind shelling Rs.50 for a plate of 'Gobi Manchuri'! The atmosphere and the contents served inside these Bars makes the customer forget how much he is paying at the end of his feast and the owners take full advantage of their inebriated customers. Above that they also expect some tips for whatever crappy service they provided. So next time you visit Dharwad , make sure to visit these small places and who knows you might discover some more joints in the by lanes of 'Hosayellapur' ! |
| -dharwadavan@email.com |