We set off into the small winding streets of downtown Amritsar to find the number one rated restaurant on TripAdvisor, Kesar Da Dhabu. Our taxis took us as far as possible and then, luckily, one of the drivers walked us the rest of the way there. I'm not at all sure we would have found this little hole in the wall without his help. We walked into a completely empty concrete room holding long tables and stools. The guys seemed happy to see us as we set off on a communication adventure to order food (they spoke only Hindi and us only English). We eventually ended up with two bottles of cold water and ordered food - we weren't sure what or how much would come out, but surely it would be good. Quite quickly three trays arrived at the table - food to share between two people on each one. Two rounds of fried bread, hand cracked by the boy serving us, was accompanied by three bowls - a dal fry (lentils) in one, a curried chickpea dish in the second, and a yogurt garlic mix in the last. Sharon and I made quick work of our food practically cleaning out every dish and putting the others to shame. Yum! The rest of the group ended with an almond custard and after much debate ate the silver covering which was not (?) tin foil.
After dinner we went next door to take a glimpse into their kitchen and were warmly invited in and encouraged to take photos. In fact they insisted on a photo of everyone including the dishwasher. We marveled at the huge pots (and ladles) for the dal. Were amused that the men in charge of the bread were seated cross legged on the counter - two working with the dough while the third sat over a sunken vat of hot oil dropping dough in and then fishing it back out with two long sticks. The guy by the door was responsible for the sweets. There were anther couple of men inside - one just peeling a pile of onions and others cooking. They were quite proud of their little operation, which churned out tasty food, while those who were with me were quite glad they hadn't seen the kitchen before we ate. Me, I haven't gotten sick, so it can go down as a delicious and memorable meal.
Jan, Tony and I enjoying our meal (photo from Sharon)
Happy you enjoyed it! Food seems great and like you said: if you don't get ill then you don't mind! or at least that's what I tell myself since I saw the baby at Xousath favorite dinner pee on the ground close to were they store the food... ;) However, I love how organized they seem to be, must have been really intereseting to watch. Keep well!
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