Challenge Sisuahlai

Two weeks today, I will be blogging in the paradise world of Kuching. I am looking for a fresh challenge... have you any ideas for Sisuahlai?

I set myself a challenge the other day. To be a vegetarian. Life must be so wonderful (so I thought) without ingesting easily-absorbable animal iron, no animal protein, to live like a cow. A doctor friend introduced me to this unconventional, minority lifestyle (whatever people say, vegetarianism is not a mainstream option). He took me to his vegetarian kitchen.

None of his utensils have touched animal products. Pure, he say. Siao, I say.

So he showed me how to prepare a typical vegetarian dish. He is originally from Bangalore. Some town, or city (whatever) in India.

"(My real name), this is how you make masala dosa!" He smiled and inadvertently showed his uncaffeinated spotlight bright white teeth... si beh kherng. He held up a potful of batter. Dosa is made from lentils and rice blended with water and left to ferment overnight, in his case, a few hours. This is life in the fast track. We are doctors, no patience. Patients are sick people.

He folded his sleeves and washed his hands ala scrubbing operating theatre-style. "Follow me."

I said, "No thanks. I can learn by observation, no need participation."

This was when he started crushing well-boiled potatoes with his bare hands. He added salt, spice (could not rememeber names, the only Indian spice I know is called curry), and onions into the mashing frenzy.

Then the dosa batter was spread on a heated pan. While another pot cooked the spiced up potatoes. The dosa slowly turned golden. And the cooked spice exuded this heavenly aroma. I wish one day there is an internet "olfactory" technology so that one can share the sense of smell. Yum.

"This is a classic vegetarian dish from my hometown." He preached some more about the virtues of being a vegetarian.

I nodded, not listening. I was too busy stuffing my face with masala dosa.

"Try this coconut chutney." He pushed more food in my direction.

With food of such high quality, I will swear loyalty to any allegiance. "Thank you Apoo." I left his kitchen, happily satieted, convinced this is THE lifestyle.

I went home an hour later, and seriously annoyed my wife. "Sorry for not informing you earlier." My guilt was evident in my voice, body language. I just could not have another meal after the masala dosa.

"I just have your chicken soup, ok?" I gingerly slurped the broth.

Proud, I was a vegetarian for one full hour! (I just heard on TV that vegetarian is a primitive word for bad hunter).

Who serves the best dosa (toh-sei) in Kuching? Let me know.