Thursday, September 12, 2013

Eating "nachos" in Bangalore

Wikipedia defines Nachos as "a popular food based on nixtamalized corn, of Mexican origin". I've had nachos before, in India as well as outside it. The one thing common to all my experiences was corn. No matter where I ate, nachos always meant corn (chips). Then came California Burrito (specifically the one in Koramangala, Bangalore). I had lunch there today and made the mistake of ordering nachos. They served "nachos" made of maida! For those not in the know, maida is "is a finely milled and refined and bleached wheat flour". If you have ever had samosas, you probably have tasted maida. Samosa shells are most commonly made of maida.

The "nachos" were unappetizing to say the least. Imagine eating samosa shells with guacamole and sour cream! Someone (not me) asked about the maida and was told that everything they served had been "adapted for India". What rubbish! If you must "Indianize" (it still makes no sense to me), then at least show the courtesy of announcing it on your menu.

I am told that the story is the same for their burritos and tacos. Everything tastes like Indian rotis/chapatis because of the wheat. Now I'm fine with people customizing their food but I expect to be told upfront if the food being served has been customized. I took 'California Burrito' and 'nachos' at face value and did not get what I paid for. I won't be visiting them again. Taco Bell is not far away and looks like a much better choice.