They Said It

Food superstitions have played a major role in our lives. Either our grandparents, or their parents or our aunt's have very sweetly told us what or what not to do when surrounded by food or in the kitchen. If I decided not to be single, I was advised to eat the last cookie from the jar. Whether or not you believe in superstitions, here is a list to keep you entertained tonight!

#1 Garlic - Legend has it that the way to repel an evil eye is by carrying a piece of garlic with you. Garlic was supposed to be a powerful deterrent against werewolves and vampires. 

#2 Peanuts - Don't eat peanuts at any kind of performance, whether it's a play or a racing event (really!). The legumes are believed to give the performers or players bad luck.

#3 Tea - It is considered bad luck if two people pour tea from the same pot. Another story goes that if one lifts the lid from the teapot while making tea, it means that a stranger will pay a visit to your home soon.

#4 Noodles - In China, long noodles symbolize a long life. The Chinese never cut their noodles as it is believed to shorten their lives. 

#5 Birthday Cake - The tradition of having a cake with candles on a birthday began with ancient Greeks. They baked moon-shaped honey cakes to celebrate the birth of mood goddess Artemis - but believed evil spirits were attracted by the revelry. By saying "happy birthday" and burning candles, spirits are chased away. Today, lots of people believe that blowing out all the candles on your cake will make a wish come true. Fools!

#6 Bananas - In Malaysia it was believed that if you ate two conjoined bananas you would have twins! 

#7 Rice - In India it is believed that if you sweep spilled rice from the floor, it will not only bring bad luck but the Gods will be mad too. If rice falls, pick it up with your hand - don't be lazy.

#8 Apples - During the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, people dip apples in honey to bring good luck. It symbolizes hopes of a good and sweet year to come. 

#9 Onions - Sticking pins into your onions and placing them on a windowsill protects you from any harm that may enter your house. Try this one, folks!

#10 Hot Peppers - You should never give hot peppers to your friend as it will ruin the friendship. If you want to give your friend a jalapeño or pepper, put it on the table or counter and have them pick it up.

With this, happy eating and practicing! 

Your Foodista

he tradition of having a cake with candles on a birthday began with the ancient Greeks. They 

Spicy, Red and Incredibely Tasty

Haiking, Hyderabad

The Basics - Good food, decent service, for Indian Chinese it might be slightly expensive, good ambiance, parking problems. Rs. 1000-1200 for two.
The Address - Road # 36, opposite Nature's Basket, Jubilee Hills
The Verdict - If Indian Chinese food is your thing, do not miss!

Indian Chinese food has become a staple meal for every Indian. It's humble roots originating in Kolkata (Calcutta), the Chinese were quick to learn that Indians love their food spicy, oily and red. Come to think of it, what really makes Indian Chinese food popular is the "Indianness" of it. The Chinese were quick to figure this out and simply masala-fried and greased their cuisine into a gluttonous delight bestowing them with the lethal formula for success in the Indian food market.

Haiking, hasn't forgotten this lethal recipe. They've expanded into the high-heeled Jubilee Hills market and are still trying to find their feet here. Parking is a problem and some of the waiters are yet to be trained, but the chefs' secret recipes remain the same.

Keeping with my Haiking tradition of Ginger Chicken, Spring Rolls, Fried Wanton with Garlic Sauce, Chilly Fish and Fried Rice, I religiously ordered my favourites. I could have easily fed an army of ten with these quantities, but I come from a family that strictly follows an "I-don't-share-my-food" policy.

The ginger chicken was tender, generously bathed in ginger sauce and the spring rolls were nicely oily, triggering signals in my brain saying "Eat, eat eat!" The garlic sauce that came with the wantons was not watered down but rather thick, acting as a perfect combination, almost like an alloy. The ambrosial fish is fresh and spicy, leaving me craving for more. And the fried rice, is just as you expect it to be, typically Indian Chinese.

The nodding waiters, good food and the comfortable ambiance makes for a good dinner or lunch. That's the good news. The bad news is that parking is a problem and the building being under construction, can be of a nuisance.

Come here with your family or a bunch of friends. If you have to take someone culinary tasting to try out some spicy, red, oily and incredibly tasting, "authentic" Indian Chinese food, bring them here. If you have any plans of starting a family soon, this is probably not the place for you - unless of course, you're a regular already.

If you don't mind slightly expensive Indian Chinese, then, happy eating!

What's hot - Ginger chicken

Your Foodista