Indian Aroma

The Alandi Markal Road is always busy with trucks and bikes, so we get a lot of dust blowing in through the front. We keep the big pots of curry simmering in the back and the kitchen stays very hot all day long. Most of the people who stop by are looking for a quick meal before they get back on the road. We have simple benches and tables that have seen better days, but they do the job. You can hear the clanging of the spatulas against the iron pans whenever someone orders a fresh dish. We go through a lot of onions and ginger every single day. The staff usually eats their own lunch in the corner when there is a quiet moment between the rushes. It is not a place for a quiet conversation because of the noise from the traffic outside and the exhaust fan in the kitchen. We do not use any fancy decorations, just a few pictures on the wall and a stack of napkins on every table. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we have to use candles or flashlights to finish the cooking. It is hard work, especially in the summer heat, but we have a routine that works. We just keep the stove going and make sure the water filter is topped up for anyone who is thirsty. Most days are exactly like the one before.