Special Meetha Paan!
Paan is an ethnic North Indian chew; usually consumed at the end of meals because it helps in digestion and also acts as a mouth freshener. Paan is available in nearly every street corner in India, but more so in Chennai because of the huge north Indian population here consisting of Kutchi Memons, Marwaris, Jains, Bohras etc. Paan is also served during important functions like weddings, receptions and other ceremonies. The history of Paan can’t be traced but I read somewhere that it was popularized by King Shahjehan’s (of Taj Mahal fame) mother; Queen Noorjehan.Paan is generally of two types; Sadha (Ordinary)and Meetha. (Sweet) The person at the Paan shop generally asks the customer what he would like in the paan. Tastes differ from person to person; but generally its betel leaf that’s washed and dried and then inside there is masala; spices like cardamom, saffron, anise and katha, small fruits, coconut, lime paste and small candy. Sometimes, the paan is wrapped inside delicate silver leaf.
The Sadha version will have betel nuts and tobacco as well. Keep in mind; both betel nuts and tobacco are carcinogens. I generally prefer the Meetha paan. Paan is nearly always made for immediate consumption, but sometimes, like the paan in the picture, it can be frozen.
If you are in Chennai sometime and want to try out a Paan, I would recommend you go to the paan place Hotel Blue Diamond or the one on Nungambakam High Road after the haddows road turning. If you can’t find it, you can always call me and I’ll be happy to buy you a paan! Do you get paan in your city? I would like to know.
