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How did Qatar get its name?

The origin of the name Qatar is uncertain.  However, it dates back at least 2000 years.  A term catharrei, was used by Pliny the Elder, in the 1^st century AD to describe the inhabitants of the peninsula.  The Catara peninsula was depicted on a map by Ptolemy, in the 2^nd century AD.  The Capital City of Doha may have gotten its name from the Arabic word Ad-Dawha, meaning “the big tree”; a reference to the prominent tree that stood at the site of the original fishing village.

Where is Qatar located?

The small peninsula jets out about 525 feet north into the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Peninsula, making it a sub peninsula.  Qatar has a small land border with Saudi Arabia to the southwest and they share maritime borders with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran.  Its northwest coast lies just thirty kilometers, or 19 miles from Bahrain.

Qatar is generally a barren land.  It has a dry, subtropical, desert climate, with low annual rainfall and blistering hot and humid summers.   Much of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with only scattered vegetation.  There is a small range of hills in the northwest, the highest point reaching just 328 feet.  The coastline has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, the best of which lie in the north and west.  Due to the topography, Qatar is susceptible to intense sand storms.

A Brief History of Qatar

Qatar has been occupied by humans for at least 50,000 years.  Stone Age encampments and tools have been unearthed on the small sub peninsula.  It fell under the domain of numerous empires during its early years of settlement.  In 628 AD the population was introduced to Islam.  By the 8^th century it became a pearl trading center.

In 1783, Arab tribes conquered Bahrain and the Al Khalifa imposed their authority over both Bahrain and Qatar.  After a war broke out, the British installed the religious ruler, Muhammad ibn Thani-al-Thani, the head of a leading Qatari family.  In 1893, the Ottomans who expanded their Empire into the area, made incursions into Qatar.  They withdrew from the area after the beginning of World War I, in 1913.

In 1916, Qatar became a British Protectorate and Abdullah Al Thani was put into power.  The Al-Thani family has been in control of Qatar ever since.  The country is run as a constitutional monarchy.  It gained independence from Britain on September 3, 1971.  Oil was discovered in the 1940s, bringing great wealth to the country.  Oil and gas make up 85% of the GDP.  Today Qatar is one of the richest nations on earth, based on per capita GDP.  There are no taxes in Qatar and the people get free health care, education (including higher education) and a corporate tax rate of 10% as a flat tax.  Women were allowed to vote in 1999, at the same time as men.  It wasn’t until 2003 that it was put into the constitution.  Qatari women make up about ½ of the labor force, which is above the world average and among the highest in the Arab world.

In 2003, Qatar became the nerve center in the US-led military campaign in Iraq.  In 2010 Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup.  They are spending billions of dollars to get ready for it, with new hotels, buildings and infrastructure.

In recent times, there has been a diplomatic crisis due to its neighbors Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, as well as the UAE and Egypt, which have imposed an air, land and sea blockade.  They are hoping Qatar will cut its alleged connections with terrorism and distance itself from Iran.  Qatar which is known to have the best airline in the world, has to avoid these air spaces in its flight patterns.

Qatar Culture

Qatar has about 2.6 million inhabitants.  However, foreign workers, mainly from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines make up 88% of the population.  Qatari nationals make up the other 12% of the population.  Its culture can be traced back to three main influences: the desert, the sea and Islam.  The desert, Bedouin culture is intrinsic to Qatari identity.  Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken as well.

The Arabian Peninsula is one of the last places in the world where falconry is still actively practiced.  In fact, this 5000 year old tradition was introduced by the Bedouin as an effective means of hunting.  Today the practice is a national heritage and passed down from generation to generation.  In the famous Souq Waquif there is a falcon hospital where falcons can be bought and sold for thousands of dollars.  Some birds are even issued their own passports to prevent them from being taken out of the country illegally.

Camel racing is known as the “sport of sheikhs” and is big business in Qatar, with races held on nearly every Friday.  Today the riders are robotic jockeys and some of their best camels can cost more than luxury cars.

Poetry and storytelling remains an integral part of the Bedouin culture.  Nabati poems, which are a source of local tribal pride, are regularly broadcast on Qatari TV and radio as part of their cultural heritage.  By the way, Qatar is home to Al Jazeera, a very popular news station, worldwide.

Qataris are very proud of their maritime traditions, which are based around pearl diving, fishing and boat making.  Their folk music lyrics are closely associated with the sea, describing pearl diving, the hoisting of sails and rowing.  These folk songs are normally sung together, as the traditional sailors would have sung them.  Each year there is a dhow festival that celebrates not only the boats but all aspects of the old sailors.

It is Islam, however, where most of the cultural traditions are found.  Traditional dress for example requires modesty by both males and females in the public realm.  The thobe, is a long white robe typically worn by men, along with a head covering, known as the gutra, which is held in place by a black rope called an agal.  Women wear a black robe called an abaya and a head covering called a shayla.

The Islamic month of Ramadan is widely revered in Qatar.  Fasting is required during daylight hours, so all the restaurants are closed during the day.  About 67% of the population of Qatar are Sunni Muslims with a few Shiites as well.  Islamic instruction is compulsory of Muslims in all state-sponsored schools.  Despite Islam being the state religion in Qatar, they do have freedom of association in their constitution.  Both Muslims and non-Muslims are tried under the unified court system which incorporates both secular law and Sharia law.  The Islamic holy days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national holidays.

Why Visit Qatar?

Doha, the capital city, is the highlight of this quickly growing nation.  It is home to a spectacular modern skyline, one of the best Museums of Islamic Art in the world, plus a fine traditional souq with a burgeoning arts and culinary scene.  Being one of the richest nations on earth, here you can find the finest of everything.

As Qatar prepares to host the FIFA 2022 world cup, they are building at a stunning rate, adding new parks, buildings, high speed rail and gigantic stadiums.  Watching the sunset over the sand dunes will make you feel as though your Arabian fairy tales have come true.  Whether you are sand dune bashing or sleeping out in the dessert with camels, experiencing an authentic Bedouin meal along with traditional music is a dream come true, and you can find it all in Qatar.

They also have a stunning waterfront promenade called the Corniche, which lies on the Doha Bay in an elegant crescent shape.  The Corniche is a beautiful place to walk and see their famous dhow boats.  The Qatari people pride themselves on their Arabian hospitality.

Qatari Cuisine

Qatar has very little arable land, so most all of their food must be imported.  The sea provides for locally caught fish, which is always plentiful and is prominent in their cuisine.  As the country has become world class, nearly every conceivable type of cuisine can be found there.  However, they pride themselves on keeping the local traditions and foods alive.  The cuisine is heavily influenced by the cultures of the peninsula, as well as India, Iran, the Levant and North Africa.

Machbus is considered to be the national dish, as it is for its neighbor, Bahrain.  Machbus can be made with chicken, seafood, or meat.  Mutton served with yogurt is another staple, as is ghuzi, in which a whole roasted lamb is served on a bed of rice and nuts.  Goat and sheep are also very popular meats in the cuisine.  Dates are grown locally and are often served with a cup of Kazak tea or coffee as a means of showing their hospitality.  Pork and alcohol are forbidden in Qatar, unless served in an international hotel. The best places to experience an authentic Qatari meal are in Souq Waqif or Katara.

So let’s enjoy a Qatari meal:

The Menu

Starter

Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Main Course

Harees (Beaten Wheat and Chicken)

Khubz Arabi (Arabian Bread)

Dessert

Esh Asaraya (Sweet Bread with Cream)

Served with Karak Tea (Spiced Tea with Milk)

We set our table with a small carpet, placed on the floor, with cushions.  It is customary to sit on the floor in a cross legged position to eat a traditional Qatari meal and to use only the right hand.  It is believed that eating in this sitting position, aids digestion, and the movement of reaching for the food and going back to a straight posture, helps with arthritis.

We decorated with a statue of an oryx, their national animal that lives in the desert there.  A picture of a falcon  was placed to signify their national bird.  Dates were added, as they are the national fruit, along with pearls to represent their pearl diving heritage and a little can of oil, to symbolize their great wealth.

Our first course was stuffed grape leaf bundles, filled with sweet, lamb meat, herbs and spices.  With one bite we were immediately transported to the region.  Stuffed grape leaves are a loved tradition in many of the countries surrounding Qatar.

For the main course, we had harees, which is a hearty, beaten wheat and chicken dish, quite similar to the dish we had for Oman, called madrouba, (which was a beaten rice and chicken dish.)  The harees are seasoned with ghee and toasted coriander.  It is a true comfort food and each heavenly bite was scooped up with the Khubz Arabi (Arabian bread).

For dessert we enjoyed the sweet bread and cream dish called esh asaraya.  It was topped with pistachios and was a lovely, sweet end to our Qatari meal.  We enjoyed our dessert with their Karak tea; milk tea with a hint of cardamom; a true delight.  Coffee and tea are always served to guests in Qatar and when you are finished, you simply shake you cup from side to side to let the hostess know you are satisfied.

As we say goodbye to this little nation of Qatar, I leave you with a quote from their tourism board.

Qatar

“A land that understands, a traveler can never be a stranger, just a friend not yet met.  That ultimately everyone is on their own journey, seeking the warmth of a friendly embrace, unique experiences, new stories to share.  Where a meal is not a meal unless it is shared.  A land rooted in ancient cultures, authentic soul, where past learning informs contemporary vision.  Progressive spirit ignites new futures.  A land offering enlightenment, invigoration and inspiration through its warmth of soul and spirit of vision.”

Until next time,

Shukran (That’s “thank you”, in Arabic)

Darlene

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Pakistan is officially called the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.  Pakistan means “Land of the Pure,” in both Urdu and Pashto.  It is believed it was named by Chaudry Rahmat Ali, by using the first letters of the five provinces that make up Pakistan: P for Punjab, A for Afghania, K for Kashmir, S for Sindh and TAN for the Balochistan province.  Chaudry was the author of a famous 1933 pamphlet titled, “Now or Never; Are We to Live or Perish Forever”, which is where the acronym first appeared.

Pakistan, located in south Asia, is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, China to the northeast and the Arabian Sea to the south.  Pakistan is blessed with an array of different landscapes; deserts, plains, forests, hills and coastal areas.  Pakistan has the only fertile desert and the largest glacier outside of the polar regions. The northern area has five of the seventeen highest peaks and in the world.  K2 is the second tallest mountain, after Mt. Everest and rises to an imposing 28,251 feet above sea level.  Its name comes from the mountain range, Karakoram.  Its nickname is “Savage Mountain,” due to the extreme difficulty of ascent.  Pakistan has many beautiful natural sights and historic landmarks.  Lonely Planet says "Pakistan may become the next big thing in travel".

The area of Pakistan was home to the Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world.  The city of Harappa flourished along the Riva River between 3000-1500 BC.  It has a rich history of invaders including the Aryans, the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Greeks, the Parthians and the Turks.  Babar, a Muslim ruler from Afghanistan, established the Mogul Empire.  In the 1700s, the British took over control of the East India Company.  In the 1940s, the Muslim League demanded partition from the British, of a separate nation for India’s Muslims.

Pakistan gained independence from the British on August 14, 1947.  Pakistan is the only country to have been created in the name of Islam.  It was the result of the Pakistan movement, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who is considered the founding father of Pakistan.  He died of tuberculosis very shortly after Independence, when he was named Governor-General.  Had the man who was asked to make the partition (Cyril Radcliffe) known how sick Jinnah was, it is very likely the lines would not have been drawn at all.  Those lines resulted in 12 million people becoming refugees and between a half a million and a million people being killed in religious violence.  Unfortunately, the lines drawn to establish Pakistan, remain some of the most hotly contested land borders in the world.  India and Pakistan, to this day, are bitter enemies over them.

In 1948, war broke out with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir, which still remains in turmoil.  Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan, declared Independence on March 25, 1971.  This precipitated a horrible. nine month liberation war between the two countries, which killed millions more innocent people. There has been way too much bloodshed over these borders.

There is also a dangerous border area with Afghanistan where it is believed terrorists are harbored and operate on both sides of the border.  The Taliban (one of the terrorist groups) is present in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Pakistan is accused of not doing enough to act against extremist groups; an issue which just caused the USA to put Pakistan back on the “gray list,” a global-terrorism, financing watchlist.  They have a year to prove they are doing the right things to prosecute extremist leaders, and shut down their financing streams.  Pakistan is also the place where Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 911 terror attacks in the USA, was hiding out. That is until he was killed in an undercover mission by the US special forces.

Today, Pakistan is a nuclear power, ranked ninth in the world as a super power, because of this arsenal.  They have the sixth largest army in the world and have some of the top, air force pilots. They also are known for manufacturing fighter jets, which they now are exporting and they have some of the best missile technology in the world.  Pakistan is also the world’s fifth most populous country and has a growing economy.  The official languages are Urdu and English, although, some 60 languages are spoken there.  The literacy rate has been poor in Pakistan, however they have been making great strides in recent years with a 250 percent increase in their literacy rate through education.  Education is important in Pakistan and they are listed as having the seventh largest pool of engineers and scientists.  The Lahore University of Management Sciences attracts thousands of international students. It is considered to be the best university in the country.

As we look into the cuisine of Pakistan, we see it is heavily influenced by its past, when it was part of India.  It has influences from Central Asia, as well as their rich Mughal legacy.  As with most countries, the cuisine of Pakistan is regional and largely based on the ethnicity and diversity of its people.  Generally speaking, the eastern region is known for its highly seasoned and spicy cuisine, reminiscent of the Indian subcontinent.  Cuisine from the western and northern provinces are characterized by milder dishes, with more influence coming from Central Asia.  It has Middle Eastern flavors, as well.  Pork and alcohol are forbidden, as 97% of the population is Muslim.  Mutton, beef and chicken, as well as seafood from along the coast, are the proteins of choice for the wealthy.  Lentils (or dahls) supply protein for the rest of the population. Nearly 2/3rds of the population lives on $2 a day.

The main spices used in Pakistani cuisine are: chili powder, curry, ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, saffron and turmeric.  Sabzi (fresh herbs and vegetables) or kachumber salad are typically served with the main meal.  Flat breads like naan and roti, are also served with the meals and rice is ubiquitous as well.  Pakistan is the one of the largest producers and exporters of both rice and wheat in the world.  They also have one of the largest irrigation systems in the world. The spicy, main dishes are often accompanied by dishes that soothe the spicy flavors.  These come in the form of chutneys, made with coriander and mint, raita (a yogurt dish) and lassi, (a delicious drink made with yogurt) which is often flavored with mangoes, for which Pakistan is also famous, and is the national fruit.   A sugarcane drink called roh is the national drink.

So let’s enjoy a Pakistani meal:

The Menu

Starter

Shami Kababs (Chicken Kebabs)

Main Course

Chicken Karahi (Chicken Curry)

Served with

Kachumber Salad (Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad)

Dessert

Shahi Turka (Bread Pudding)

We sat down on the floor on our dastarkhan (a floor covering) and surrounded it with cushions.  We began with handwashing, as we would eat the meal with only our right hand, which is customary there.  We decorated with the colors of Pakistan; green and white.  We also breathed in the fragrance of jasmine, which is the national flower of Pakistan.  A soccer ball was also part of the décor, not because it is the national sport (which is cricket), but because Pakistan makes them for the rest of the world.

Our first course was shami kababs, a delicious patty style, kebab made of chicken and yellow split peas.  They were soft and flavorful and perfect when dipped into the green coriander chutney, served as an accompaniment.

The main course, chicken karahi  (chicken curry), was served with raita, a creamy yogurt mixture.  It is a cooing agent for the spicy curry.  A kachumber salad made with cucumbers, tomato, onion and fresh herbs was also part of the main meal.  It was dressed simply, with lemon juice, making it extremely healthful.  It was sprinkled with a spice mixture called chaat masala, that was tangy and spicy, at the same time.  Aside from being used on this salad, chaat masala is also loved on hard-boiled eggs and fruit.  We had fresh, naan bread, which makes just the right scoop to enjoy the salad and the spicy goodness of the chicken karahi.  You can get the naan recipe here.

For dessert we had a dish made for royalty, called shahi tukra.  It was a scrumptious, bread pudding, made from crispy pieces of bread that were fried in ghee (clarified butter) and then smothered in a rabadi or milk sauce, flavored with saffron and cardamom.  The whole dish was garnished with three different types of nuts.

After our meal, we sat back on our soft cushions and contemplated how different things would have been had the British chosen not to make a partition, leaving India whole, as it was in the past.

We then watched the documentary, He Named Me Malala.  This film is about the young Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head and nearly killed by the Taliban for going to school.  She is the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and a superstar advocate for girls education and children’s rights.  I leave you with a few of her famous quotes.

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.”

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.”

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don't miss a thing,  it's free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

India gets her name from the Indus River, a major river that flows through China, Pakistan and India. The river’s name comes from Sanskrit (Sindhu) meaning “body of trembling water, river”. India is the largest part of the land mass that is South Asia. She is the seventh largest country in the world by size and second largest in population. India shares land borders with six countries, Pakistan to the northwest, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the southwest. She is surrounded on the southeast and southwest by the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka and the Maldives lie just off the coast, to the south.

India is an ancient land with a history dating back thousands of years. In 2700 BCE, the first urban civilization in the world emerged in the Indus River valley. There were numerous states and kingdoms throughout the region over its long history, which is also the birthplace of the some of the world’s largest religions: Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. Today an overwhelming majority of the population is Hindu, which is the religion associated with the caste system in India (a rigid, social and occupational stratification system). Twelve percent of Indians are Muslim. This fact makes India one of the largest Islamic nations in the world because of the size of the population; over 1 billion people call India home. They also have the largest number of mosques in the world, with over 300,000. Every major religion in the world is represented in India.

Today, India is home to 29 states and seven union territories, each with their own extraordinary history, culture, language and uniqueness. There are 16 official languages of India, which include: Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and English (making India the largest English speaking country in the world). However, there are numerous other languages and dialects spoken there, totaling over 1500. The capital city of India is New Delhi but the most populated city is Mumbai, also known as “The City of Dreams” and formerly known as Bombay. The term “Bollywood,” gets its “B” from the previous name of the city coupled with the fact that they are the largest producer of films in the world. Mumbai is home to the wealthiest people in India, with many millionaires and even billionaires. However, many Indians live on as little as $2 a day and 35 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

India gained her independence on August 15, 1947, after 200 years of British rule. India is the largest democracy in the world. The Indian, Independence Bill, which made independent nations of India and Pakistan, was hailed by Indian Independence leader, Mohandas Gandhi as the “noblest act of the British nation.” Unfortunately, after the bill took effect it began a period of religious turmoil between the Hindus and Muslims. That resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, including Gandhi, who was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic in January of 1948 during a prayer vigil. More commonly known at Mahatma Gandhi, he is hailed as the Father of India. (Mahatma is an honorary title in the ancient Sanskrit language meaning “Great Soul”.) His birthday is celebrated every October 2nd and the day is also commemorated by the United Nations as the “International Day of Non-Violence”. Gandhi used non-violent civil disobedience as a method of evoking the people of India to rally for independence. His mission was to peacefully free India from British rule, to relieve poverty and to provide equality for women. His influence on humanity cannot be underestimated as he inspired similar movements around the world. His life and principles have inspired countless people all over the world with his message of peace, simplicity and devotion. He will forever be remembered for his many inspirational quotes and life lessons.

The world has a lot to thank India for as they are the inventors of many things that affect the lives of people every day. India gave the world yoga, developed over 5000 years ago. They invented the game of chess, the shirt button, the ruler, the decimal system was invented in 100 BC and the number zero. They also get the credit for the value of pi, trigonometry, algebra and calculus, to name a few.

The sheer size and scope of India is simply astounding. They have six seasons, which include the normal four, plus winter and summer monsoons. They have incredibly diverse topography which includes some of the tallest mountains in the world, the Himalayans, to arid desserts, forests, fertile plains and tropical seaside villages. Interestingly the whole of India is in the same time zone. They grow over 1.2 million tons of mangos annually as well as many legumes, like chickpeas and kidney beans and lentils of all types, which are often dried. They are also the largest producer of milk in the world. Cows are sacred in India and you will often times see them wandering the streets. Because India is such spiritual country, there is no shortage of festivals. There are festivals that celebrate good over evil, one where camels are dressed up and paraded, celebration for the harvest, kings’ birthdays, elephants ornately decorated and ridden thru the streets, etc. They are some of the most colorful festivals in the world. Weddings are multi day celebrations as well, with food, dancing and extravagant outfits. Even in modern India, most marriages are still arranged.

As we look into the cuisine of India, it is as diverse as the country itself. They have over 37 different cuisines along with hundreds of variations of those. The differences are often times simply, what is available locally due to the soil, climate and ethnic group. It is clear that religion and culture have a major impact on the choices. Hindu’s don’t eat beef and Muslim’s don’t eat pork. India has the largest number of vegetarians in the world. India is one of the few places in the world where you will find vegetarian meals at Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Indian cuisine is loved throughout the world and mostly known for its amazing use of spices called masala, which are used to make hundreds of curries. Some of the hallmark spices in Indian cuisine are chili pepper, black mustard seed, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, asafetida, ginger, coriander and garlic. The famous garam masala is a combination of at least five spices, ground together, which usually includes, cardamom, cinnamon and clove. Each region has a special garam masala blend to call their own. Indian food always uses spice but you can enjoy Indian food with or without the intensity of heat from peppers. Some Indian food is off the charts on the hot side but can be adjusted to suit your tastes. Rice, millet, bean pulses, potatoes and dahls, are all staple ingredients in Indian cuisine, along with delicious flat breads like naan, chapatti and roti.

To be honest, I had no idea how to tackle India from a cuisine standpoint. I decided to go with a vegetarian meal as an introduction to Indian cuisine. We enjoyed the meal with masala chai which means “spiced tea.” Chai is the national drink of India, and yes they are the largest producers of tea in the world as well.

So let’s eat Indian food:

The Menu
Starter
Bhindi Masala Dry Fry (Spicy Okra Dried Fry)

Main
Palak Paneer (Spinach Curry)

With Paneer (Cheese)

Served with
Aloo Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower Dry)

All served with
White Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan Bread
Dessert
Mango Lassi (Mango Smoothie)

We placed a mat on the floor, along with some cushions, as it is customary to sit on the floor to dine in India. We removed our shoes, washed our hands, feet and face and sat down cross legged. The decorations included lotus flower candle holders, as the lotus flower is a sacred symbol in India especially to Hindus and Buddhists and is their national flower. In fact, in New Delhi, there is the lotus temple, which is one of the most visited in the world. It is shaped like a lotus flower with 27 gigantic petals that are covered in marble. We also placed a peacock feather to symbolize their national bird, and a Bengal tiger, their national animal, which used to roam all over the country but today, its numbers are threatened. We, of course, used only our right hand to enjoy the meal, which is their custom. It is important to know you should never share food, as it is considered contaminated if you have touched your mouth and then your food. Only the finger tips are used and never lick your fingers. You will wash your hands at the end of the meal as well.

Our first course was the dried, okra fry and it was absolutely amazing. The complex spices in the dish and the fact that it was not at all gelatinous, was a real treat. These little morsels were very easy to eat with only the right hand and we didn’t have a one left over; a delicious way to begin our vegetarian meal.

Next, we enjoyed the very popular, palak paneer. This spicy, spinach curry was off the charts, outstanding. The grilled paneer cheese is very similar to a tofu that seems to just soak up the flavors of whatever it is cooked in. The grilled cheese melts in your mouth as the spicy, spinach curry enlivens your palate. This was enjoyed with basmati rice and naan bread.

As a side dish, we served aloo gobi, which was also cooked in the dry style, with amazing spices. The potatoes and cauliflower were a wonderful combination; tender and delicious.

For dessert, in honor of their national fruit, the mango, we savored a mango lassi. Basically, it is a creamy, mango smoothie but it also served to soothe the palate after the heat from our amazing, vegetarian meal.

We thought about how, if you wanted to be a vegetarian, Indian cuisine would be a wonderful way to indulge. We loved every single dish and were totally full and satisfied. We then decided to have a little chess match over a movie called “Slumdog Millionaire”. This movie gives an interesting perspective of India and has won numerous film awards.

India is a complex country, many have said that it can’t really be explained, it must be experienced. As my nephew Eliot described last week, India is indeed a land of many contrasts and full of intense sensory stimuli. I hope to someday breathe her in myself, but in the meantime, exploring the many diverse cuisines, is a good place to start.

As we say goodbye, I leave you with a few inspiring quotes from Gandhi:
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.”
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
“Where there is love there is life.”
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

Until next time,
Namaste’
Darlene

How this mysterious country got its name is not completely known.  The most common theory comes from the Nepali scholar, Rishikesh Shah, who says that the ancient chronicles report it was named after a sage, Ne.  He was believed to come to the area for meditation and later became the protector or “Pala” of the land.

Nepal is nestled between two massive countries; China to the north and India to the south.  It has two other close neighbors, Bhutan and Bangladesh, but their borders do not touch.  This landlocked country does not celebrate an Independence Day, as it was never technically colonized by another nation.  In 1923, Britain recognized the absolute independence of Nepal.  Between 1846 and 1951 the country was ruled by the Rana family.  In 1951, the king took over all the power and proclaimed Nepal his constitutional monarchy.  The monarchy was abolished in 2008.  The earliest recorded history dates back some 2800 years, when the Kirantis (a Mongolian tribe) arrived in the Himalayan territory.  However, it is the Newars who are considered to be the most indigenous people.  They come from what is now known as the Kathmandu Valley, which holds many legends of Nepal. One of which is the legend of Yeti or the abominable snowman.  Yeti is described as an ape-like creature bigger than a human that lives in the Himalayas.  There have been reported sightings but never a capture, so the folklore remains.  Kumari’s  are real, female child goddess and a big part of the Newar culture.  These girls have to meet very strict criteria and are chosen between the ages of 2 to 4.  It is a great honor to be chosen and it is believed that just laying eyes on a Kumari will bring good luck.  Since the migration of the Newars, all sorts of tribes made their way to the region.  Many different dynasties ruled the land over time.  Today, Nepal is a multiethnic, multiracial, multicultural, country. It is also multi religious, with the majority being Hindus followed by Buddhists.  In fact, Buddha’s birthplace is Lumbina, Nepal, dating back to circa 563 B.C.  Nepal is also a multilingual country.  The national language is Nepali, however over 120 languages are spoken.

Nepal is one of the least developed nations on earth.  Many countries have provided economic assistance to this isolated nation.  It is poor, with nearly half the population surviving on just one dollar a day.  Nearly 75 percent of the land is mountainous.  Nepal is home to eight of the ten largest mountains in the world.  This includes the majestic towering peak of Mount Everest, the tallest in the entire world, at 8,850 meters.  The local Sherpas (an ethnic group in eastern Nepal) call it “Chomolungma” which translates to “Goddess Mother of the World.” The word in Nepali is “Sagarmatha” which means “Forehead of the Sky.”   Many have lost their lives trying to scale the tallest mountain in the world.  Apa Sherpa holds the record for scaling it, and did so, an amazing, 21 times.

Nepal is home to the largest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Eight are cultural sites and located mostly in the Kathmandu Valley.  A few of the sites are considered to be the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus alike.  Two are natural sites and National Parks which house a huge array of plant species, bird life and exotic animals.  The Chitwan Park is known for its jungle safari, where you can encounter crocodiles on the lake and take cultural tours on the lifestyle of the Chitwan people.  In the Sagarmatha Park, is where you can encounter rare species of exotic animals like: snow leopards, pandas and lynx, to name a few.

Nepal does not have many natural resources.  Agriculture employs two thirds of the nation but only accounts for one third of the GDP.  They are the number one producer in the world of mustard seed and third in the world for ginger.  Tourism plays an important role in the economy, although political instability has taken its toll on this sector.  The many rivers and plentiful snowfall in the region have massive potential for providing hydro-electric power, which Nepal dearly needs.  In most parts of Nepal, electricity, is only available for half the day.

As we look into the cuisine of this intriguing nation, it is quite regional according to the topography and what is available, based on the soil and climate.  Often culinary choices are determined by culture, ethnicity, and religion.  Yet, some dishes are found everywhere.  The national dish of Nepal is called, dal bhat.  Dal is a lentil soup. This is served over a grain called bhat, which, based on the region, could be rice, roti, a flat bread, or a porridge, made from other types of grain such as buckwheat, barley or millet.

Generally speaking, Napali’s food has Asian, Tibetan, Indian and Thai influences.  For example, Tibetan style dumplings with Nepali spices called Momos, are one of the most loved snacks. These delicious treats can be made with buffalo, goat or chicken and there is a vegetarian variety as well.  Cow, is the national animal of Nepal and considered sacred.  It is not consumed for its meat, only for dairy.  Fish is also available in the lakes and rivers.  Curries, or tarkari are very popular, as are pickled vegetables, called achars.  Vegetables often accompany the dal bhat in the form of a curry.  Sag, which are sautéed greens, like mustard greens, flavored with Nepali spices are also widely consumed.  The most common herbs and spices in Nepali cuisine are: garlic, ginger, coriander, turmeric, cumin, Szechwan pepper, fenugreek seeds, sesame seed, mustard seed and chili powder or fresh chili.  Nepalese food is spicy, in both flavor and heat.  Mustard oil imparts an interesting dimension to their food.  Only about half the population consumes alcohol.  It is typically spirits, made from millet or rice.  Tea is the most common beverage followed by buttermilk.

Common vegetables found in Nepal are: potatoes, green beans, cucumber, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage and pumpkin.  Fruits include: mandarin oranges, limes, lemons, Asian pears, pomelos and mangoes.  Chow Mein is another Nepali favorite and packaged, instant noodles have become extremely popular.  The Nepali people also love sweets.  For dessert they have a unique treat that is circular, called sel roti (yes, fried dough.)  That is a crowd favorite during festivals and holidays.

So let’s enjoy a Nepali meal:

The Menu

Starter

Chatamari (Nepali Pizza)

Main Course Thali

Dal Bhat (Red Lentils and Rice)

Served with

Chicken Tarkari (Curry Chicken)

Cauli Aloo (Cauliflower and Potato Curry)

Kaakroo Ko Achar (Cucumber Pickle Salad)

Bhogate Sadeko (Grapefruit and Orange Salad)

Dessert

Peda (Milk Candy)

We set the scene by stringing prayer flags from the ceiling, in the form of a mountain peak representing Mt. Everest.  Our place settings were crimson, Nepal’s color of the world's only non-quadrilateral national flag and we decorated with Buddha and Hindu figurines.  We burned incense and scattered petals of various flowers to represent the rhodendron, the national flower of Nepal.

We began with a street food called chatamari, often referred to as Nepali pizza.  This was a real hit.  I made two versions: one with buffalo meat and one vegetarian.  The crust of the pizza is made with rice flour and then topped with spices and meat or vegetables.  It is then topped with an egg, cooked all at the same time, for about eight minutes.  It was unlike any pizza we had ever tasted.  The exotic spices and crunchy, rice crust, made it unforgettable.

For the main meal, we served it thali style.  Thali is a very popular way of eating, which consists of a large, round platter with rice stacked in the middle and surrounded by a variety of  dishes.  It is  eaten with only the right hand.  We put our palms together and we said “namaste.”  This is a common greeting in all of Nepal which literally means, “Bowing to you.”  In Hinduism, it has a spiritual importance which reflects a belief that the divine and soul are the same in you and in me.  So, “namaste’s” deeper meaning is, “I bow to the divine in you.”

Our thali had steamed, white rice in the middle and was surrounded by a lentil soup;  the national dish, dal bhat.  One can easily see how satisfying these dishes would be when mountaineering in the Himalayas.  I understand this is the main meal served on the trek to the Everest base camp.  It is so important in fact, that often climbers rate each day’s trek by the number of servings to complete the task. “ Is it a two dal bhat climb or four, for a really hard climb?  It is a perfectly balanced meal used to fuel the climbers in the Himalayas as well as everyday folk in Nepal. Our dal was made with red lentils and all the rich Nepali spices.  We loved it!

Our thali was also served with a chicken tarkari.  This tarkari  or curry, had similar spices in it as the red lentils.  However, the chicken  is first stir fried and then braised in a stock.  This resulted in a super tender and flavorful chicken curry. awesome with the steamed rice.

Next on the thali was an achar; a cucumber pickle salad.  This achar is meant to cool the palate from the heat of the Nepali dishes, although it has a bit of spice as well.  The coolness comes from the cucumber itself, along with splash of lemon and dollup of yogurt.; another wonderful Nepali dish.

Cauliflower and potato aloo followed.  The cauliflower is cooked dry, along with potatoes, allowing the water in the vegetables to be released.  It is flavored with cumin, ginger, fenugreek and chili.  The trick is to get the cauliflower and potatoes cooked through without them becoming mushy (which is why it is cooked without water).  The result was tender morsels packed with tons of flavor and heat.

I think this last dish on the thali was my favorite.  It was a grapefruit and orange salad.  It too had the Nepali flavors that we have come to enjoy but it had a sweetness to it as well.  It was the perfect accompaniment to the other dishes on the thali.  It had yogurt in it, with toasted sesame seeds.  Mustard oil flavored the fenugreek seeds and also the turmeric.  It does indeed impart a wonderful flavor.

For dessert we had peda.  This is basically a milk candy made from sweetened condensed milk (or by making your own sweetened condensed milk) and cooking it until it turns into a candy.  It is then rolled into bite size pieces and garnished with a pistachio nut.  These treats are loved as a dessert with tea but also are considered a gift for the many Hindu gods.  We loved them too!

Nepal suffered a horrific earthquake back in 2015.  They are working on rebuilding their infrastructure (which was not very well developed before the quake.)  The 7.8 magnitude quake killed nearly 9000 people and injured another 22,000.  It demolished more than half a million homes. They continue to receive aid from many nations to help rebuild after their catastrophic losses.  They also are holding a series of elections for the first time in 20 years.  They are being held in three phases, the last one scheduled for September 18^th of this year.  Millions are participating.  We hope that whoever is elected, they will continue to rebuild this most extraordinary nation and live in peace.

I  leave you with a few Nepali Proverbs:

“Half a loaf is better than no bread”

“Fruits of labor are always sweet.”

and

“If you do right things, you don’t have to worry.”

Until next time,

Namaste

Darlene Longacre

Myanmar is what this country is called today, but it is also known as Burma.  The official, English name was changed from the Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar, in 1989.  It was the ruling military junta who changed the name to wipe away remnants of the English colonial period.  Since this was not done by the people, many countries did not recognize the new name and it is still a bit uncertain as to what the country should be called.  Burma came from Bama, which is the name of one of the largest ethnic groups.  However, this one group does not represent all the people.  There are over a hundred other ethnic groups who call the country home.  Myanmar is believed to mean a “fast and strong people” but also comes from the name of the majority Burmese, Bamar, ethnic group.  It was not just the country name that was changed; many of the city names were changed as well.  For example, the old capital city of Rangoon is now called Yangon and remains the largest city, however it is no longer the capital.   So, although confusing, you would be correct to call this country Burma or Myanmar.  I chose Myanmar simply because that is how it showed up in my world atlas book.

Located in southeastern Asia, she has a long coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.  Her neighbors are Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Laos and China.  Burmese is the official language but nearly one hundred ethnic languages are spoken as well.  About ninety percent of the population is Buddhist, with Christian and Muslim minorities.

Myanmar has an intriguing and rich history.  Stone tools were discovered dating back to 11,000 BC.  In the 11^th century, the Bamar, King Anawrahta, converted the land to Theravada Buddhism.  This was considered to be the Golden Age.  He built the first temples at Bagan (Pagan.)  It was during this age that thousands of stupa, dome shaped Buddhist shrines, sprouted up under successive kings.  From the 11^th to 13^th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone.  It is believed that so much money was poured into the building of the stupas that it ended up being the demise of the kingdom.  Today only about 2200 remain, after earthquake and war damage over the years.  The most recent earthquake was in 2016.  That earthquake alone destroyed nearly four hundred temples.  Myanmar has started a reconstruction effort with the help of UNESCO.  This area is now an important tourist attraction for the country.

Myanmar gained Independence from the British back in 1948, after being under their rule since 1885.  There was a brief time during World War II when the Japanese took over the area and it became a major, battle ground, during which time, much of the country was destroyed.  After gaining independence, there was a coup in 1962.  The military junta took over and began to shape a single-party, socialist system.  It was considered a pariah state while under this oppressive rule.  The generals who ran the country suppressed almost all dissent, which was symbolized by the house arrest of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.  Her late father, General Aung San, was considered to be the Father of Burma and was assassinated on July 19^th, 1947.  The military junta was accused of gross human rights abuses, which resulted in worldwide condemnation and harsh sanctions.  Since independence, civil wars have been a constant problem.  Even today, foreign journalists and visitors have to obtain special permits to travel to areas where civil war continues.

The country, in turmoil, was forced to make changes when they held “free” elections in 1990.  Although the party of Aung San Suu Kyi won 81 percent of the seats, the military junta refused to cede power.  She was under house arrest for 15 of 21 years between 1989 and 2010, which made her one of the world’s most prominent political prisoners.  In a landmark election in 2015, her party won a majority in both houses.  In the beginning of 2016, and for the first time since the military coup of 1962, a non-military president took office, named Htin Kyaw.  Despite the win, the military still remained in charge of many aspects of government.  Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, is constitutionally barred from becoming president.  A role similar to Prime Minister was created for her, called State Counselor.  Her presence in government and as a Nobel Peace Prize winner back in 1991, remains a sign of hope for a successful transition to a free, democratic system.

The country has promise as an emerging economy.  It is projected to have a growth rate of nearly eight percent for the next several years.  Their main agricultural industry is rice, which covers about 60 percent of the country’s cultivated land.  Garment production is an important industry as well.  The Myanmar government introduced a meager minimum wage for garment workers in 2015, of $2.80 per day.  The country has some great natural resources, such as gems, especially rubies and sapphires, although many top retailers will not purchase them due to inhumane conditions in the mines.  Oil and gas production has increased recently.  However, tourism will be a massively growing sector of the economy, as the world wants to see this land that was off limits for so many years.

As we look into the cuisine of this mystical nation, we can right away see how blessed it is with its neighbors’ influences alone.  Indian, Chinese and Thai influences are the most prominent.  Myanmar is a large country and therefore has regional and ethnic differences as well.  Rice, both regular and sticky, are staples.  Fish sauce and fermented seafood are used extensively in the cuisine.  Mohinga, rice vermicelli noodles in a fish broth, is considered to be the national dish and is often eaten for breakfast.  Seafood is common in the coastal cities, whereas meat and poultry are more common inland.  Pork is the most often consumed meat, as the cow is revered by devout Buddhists.  Vegetarian dishes are also prevalent.  Freshwater fish and shrimp from the rivers, are used in a variety of ways and are an important source of protein.

They also enjoy a large number of fruits and vegetables.  Salads are especially loved and often several are provided at once.  Condiments are always available, from sweet, to sour, savory and hot.  This allows you to make your dish according to your taste.  In traditional Burmese, medicine foods are divided into two classes, heating or cooling, based on their effects on one’s body.  They also have some interesting superstitions about food, like you shouldn’t eat chili while pregnant or your child will not have a good head of hair.

So let’s enjoy a Burmese meal:

  The Menu

Starter

Baya Kyaw (Spiced Yellow Split Pea fritters)

served with Myanmar Dipping Sauce

Salad

Laphet Thoke (Fermented, Green Tea Leaf Salad)

Main Course

 Mohinga (Fish Base Soup with Rice Noodles)

Dessert   

Falooda (Rose Flavored Milk Drink)

We set bamboo mats on the floor to sit and eat at a low table, as would be customary in Myanmar.  We decorated with a peacock, as it is the national bird.  It is common to eat only with your right hand, taking a piece of rice first making it into a ball and then dipping it in an assorment of dishes.  I did not make rice for our feast, instead Mohinga, the national dish was chosen for the main course, which is filled with rice noodles, which we ate with chopsticks.  We enjoyed a beer with our meal, which is very popular there.

Our first course was spiced, yellow, split pea fritters.  They were easy to make and delicious right out of the fryer, with a little dip into the sweet and sour dipping sauce.  The fritters are spiced up with chili pepper as well as cumin and turmeric.  We loved these little morsels. An interesting little note, when you want more or want to get your servers attention in Myanmar,  you make a smooching/kissing sound.

Typically, in Myanmar, the whole meal would be served at once  but we began with the fritters and next up was the famous, Laphet Thoke.  This is a fermented, green tea leaf, salad that includes all sorts of crunchy bits.  The fermentation takes about four days, so you need to plan ahead to include this in your menu.  I am totally addicted to this salad.  It is everything I love about southeast Asian cuisine,  The star of the salad is fermented green tea leaves, which are slightly bitter but in a good way.  The salad, also includes: cabbage, fried split peas, garlic, toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, plus tomatoes and dried shrimp.  It hits every taste sensation.  It is sweet, sour, salty and with a bit of umami from the fish sauce.  The texture is also amazing.  It was dressed with a simple mixture of lime, sugar, fish sauce, and garlic oil.  This is my new favorite thing.  As far as I can tell, Mynamar is the only country that actually eats tea leaves.  Perhaps it will become the latest food trend.

Mohinga is the national dish and usually eaten for breakfast.  I really wanted to try it, so I made it as part of our Burmese meal.  It has an onion paste, base that is flavored with lemongrass, chilies, ginger, garlic and  shrimp paste and a delicious, catfish broth.  The soup recipe also included a banana stem. which I couldn’t find, so I substituted banana blossoms instead.  The broth was served over rice noodles, topped with chopped hard-boiled eggs, coriander, limes, crispy onions, fish sauce and chili flakes.  It is easy to see why this is the national dish… you can make it into whatever you like.

For dessert we served falooda. This is likely an influence from India but this type of drink/dessert is popular throughout many countries.  It has a bread pudding base and the milk is flavored with sweet rose syrup.  It has sago or pearl tapioca, along with sweet basil seeds  and topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  It was pink and delicious, oh I almost forgot to mention the sweet jello bits in it as well.  It was a perfect treat on a hot, summer like day…….. YUM!

As we say goodbye to this mystical country called Myanmar, we decided to try our hand (actually our feet) at the national sport, called chinlone.  It is somewhat similar to hacky-sack, where you just use your feet to kick a small ball around.  They do it as if it was a dance and the game can be mesmerizing  to watch when played by pros.  We were lucky to keep the ball in the air for only a few kicks, but we had fun trying.

I leave you with a few Burmese proverbs:

When it rains, collect the water.

If you really want honesty, then don’t ask questions you don’t really want the answer to.

and

Wise man’s anger never comes out.

Until next time.

Warmest regards,

Darlene