Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Paan khaye saiyya hamaro

While grocery shopping in India store, a chinese/japanese/phillipino - American lady asked me - "Excuse me! I am looking for the white thing you put on a pan. You know where it is?"

To myself: White thing to put on a pan? meaning tava?... hmmm...butter? ghee? what does she want?
I did not say a word, maintained the confused expression.

She tried to clarify "The thing thats put on a leaf?"

Still no answer from the confused me.
Leaf? what leaf? The leaf plates we make in India? What white thing is put on them?

She went on "You know the calcium white thing you put on a leaf and eat it. The thing that turns the mouth red?"

Tubelight on. "Ah yes, thats called chuna."

"Chuna? Oh Ok. Where can i find it?"

"I have no idea, please ask the guy at the counter."

Off she went, saying, "Excuse me!! Where can I find 'Chuna?'"

I wonder what she wanted chuna for?

2 comments:

Ashberry said...

kisi ko "chuna lagana" hoga ;)

Vanessa said...

I know, this came to my mind :)