We picked up two varieties of Haldiram's namkeens on our recent trip to H Mart - Panchrattan (potato sticks with raisins, cashews, almonds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves) and Chilli Chatak Lachha (spicy potato sticks).
The Panchrattan has tiny thin potato sticks and a nice, slightly spicy seasoning. I'm no fan of the raisin, but the small golden ones in this mix add just the right bit of sweetness and a bit of chewiness. Because the potatoes are so fine, I'm thinking this would make a very interesting breading for pork chops or chicken. Or a casserole topping!
The Lachha are much thicker, like shoestring fries. The flavoring was a bit sour, a bit spicy. Ok, but not exactly yummy - more commercial-tasting. I much prefer the panchrattan, even if it is a bit more difficult to eat (messier).
What's your favorite ethnic snack food?
I love the shrimp chips you can get at H-Mart. They have to be the puffy kind and not the ridged kind - if that makes sense. The bag is usually empty by the time I make it home.
ReplyDeleteI also like Japanese strawberry marshmallow candy. I've seen it at H-Mart and at the Chinese grocery store on Park Ave. The marshmallow has a strawberry gel in the center. According to the ingredient list, the coloring is made from beets.