Why do I say “don’t be fooled by the name”? Because I was, for some reason I was thinking that Paan was similar to Naan bread, which I love. But they are really nothing alike, I assure you, and here’s why I know.

I was shopping on the weekend in my neighborhood. I live near a part of town that many refer to as “India Land” which is an area that is heavily populated by East Indian restaurants and bazaars. It’s a great area to live near, especially if you like to make Indian food, like I do.

While walking by all the colorful fabric shops and such, I noticed a few shops that had signs outside that said things like “Paan and Video” or “Paan Centre” and this sparked my curiosity. One store in particular had quite the line up, so I wandered in. I was nervous at first, because I didn’t even know what I was lining up for.

So, I thought I would just ask! The lady in front of me said “Paan” is considered to be a “refresher” snack. Good ones are apparently supposed to melt in your mouth. So I had to try one, actually I bought two, one for me and one for Joe. They were just so beautiful, filled with spices, grated coconut, betel nuts, and bits of fennel candy. And to top it off, it had a big dollop of soaked rose petals.

However, despite it’s beauty, I cannot tell you how disturbing it was (for me anyways) to bite into. It was like 10 packages of “Thrills” soap gum x’s 100. I could still taste it four hours later. Joe of course waited for me to try it, so I tried to keep it together. I had to be honest and told him it wasn’t my favorite thing. He said if I had one more bite, he would try it. In the end he did try it, and his immediate reaction was this…he said, “I would rather eat liver” and he really hates liver. He then immediately opened up the fridge and scanned for something. He spotted a bottle of ketchup and said, “I think I might have to squirt some of this into my mouth”. In the end he didn’t of course, but we did have to go and brush our teeth a few times.

In the end I was glad that I tried it. I even convinced Joe?s brother and sister-in-law (Jim and Mia) to try it. Unfortunately (for them), they came over during the experiment. And now, I am not sure if they are talking to me :-)

I so wanted to like it. It thought I had discovered something new and magical. I guess this just goes to show you how food and people?s taste buds can be so different, especially between cultures. I do still love the fact that this is just down the street from me (Indian food that is, maybe not so much the Paan).

Has anyone else tried these before? And do you like them? Or perhaps you have something in your neighborhood that is unique or culturally different that you might like share. Or maybe you have a story about eating chocolate covered bugs, that you are dying to share!

p.s. Here is a great video on making Paan that was just sent to me.

Thanks Shanti.

Ciao for now, dawn