Day 18 of the Cut

Day 18 was a rest day. My mother and I travelled to Pune my birthplace and my mother’s birthplace. An interesting fact- when my mother was born she was the first baby the doctor delivered at the hospital. That doctor had newly become an OB-GYN at the time. I was the last child she ever delivered because at that time she was promoted from the position to become the Dean at the hospital 27 years later. We were both delivered at the same hospital by the same doctor and my mother was the first child and I was the last child to be delivered by the same doctor. What are the odds of that? I never actually met the doctor because she passed away when we moved to Nigeria.

Aerial view of a city skyline at sunset, with vibrant orange and purple hues in the sky, and illuminated buildings and streets. — Pune City Bird’s Eye View

Coming back to the day in Pune-my mom wanted to visit her friend Devi aunty whose mother and coincidentally also her mother-in-law passed away within a week. It wasn’t an emotional visit but rather a pleasant meet and greet because they have known each other since kindergarten and have always been in touch, even after my mother moved away from Pune after marriage. We also met up with another friend of hers, Vibha aunty, who has also known the both of them since kindergarten. The three of them were chatting and I was happy to eat breakfast. Although Devi aunty could not join us due to prior engagements, we went for lunch with the Vibha aunty who took us to this place in the Deccan area of Pune called Siddhivinayak Dining Hall.

Exterior view of 'Nikhil Pride' building with a signboard, showing a woman in a green saree walking down the steps. — *Siddhivinayak Dining Hall Entrance*

A narrow market corridor with people sitting and socializing. A woman in a bright traditional outfit walks through the middle, while others are seated on both sides. The setting is bustling with activity and culture. — There was a line when we reached so we purchased coupons and waited.

A busy restaurant interior filled with diners sitting at tables, with plates and utensils visible. — The place is quite simple and seemingly ordinary.

A collection of metal bowls containing various condiments: one with salt, one with red chutney, one with a spicy mix, and a cup with water. — *Condiments at the table- Salt, Raw Mango Pickle and Garlic Chutney*

When the food arrived I was told its unlimited and they bring you whatever you like from the food served on your plate. You can have as much as you like and they don’t stop serving until you say stop. The first items to arrive on the plate were (Left to Right)- Garlic Chutney (Red Powder), Koshimbir (Sweet Cucumber and Peanut Raita), Paneer Bhaji, Allu Bhaji (Taro leaves aka Colocasia Curry), Aam Ras (Mango Pulp (popular seasonal item)), Gulab Jamun , Dahi Vada, Papad, Chapati(Underneath the Papad) and Spicy Potato Bhaji.

A stainless steel plate filled with various Indian dishes, including lentils, potato curry, halwa, yogurt, a piece of flatbread, and a dessert. — L-R: Garlic Chutney (Red Powder), Koshimbir (Sweet Cucumber and Peanut Raita), Paneer Bhaji, Allu Bhaji(Taro leaves aka Colocasia Curry), Aam Ras (Mango Pulp (popular seasonal item)), Gulab Jamun , Dahi Vada, Papad, Chapati(Underneath the Papad) and Spicy Potato Bhaji

The next items to arrive was Varan Bhat meaning Dal and Rice with Ghee. Varan is plain Dal with just Salt and Hing (Asafetida). Bhat is Rice.

A plate of rice topped with yellow dal, accompanied by a side of cucumber salad, a papad, and small metal bowls containing additional dishes. — *Varan Bhat (Dal and Rice with Ghee)*

The next item to arrive was the Masala Bhat with ghee on top, meaning Masala Rice. It is a variation of the vegetarian Pulao (Pilaf) and is found in the state of Maharashtra. This had various spices, vegetables, peas, legumes, chickpeas and cashews in it. Other states have their own versions of this.

A plate of spicy rice with vegetables, served alongside crispy papad, lentil soup, and condiments. — *Masala Bhat*

By the time the meal was over I had downed three bowls of Aam Ras (Mango Pulp), two bowls of Gulab Jamun and two bowls of Dahi Vada because those three items were phenomenal. The other items were good but these items stood out the most.

The entire meal was vegetarian and it was high in calories because it was all carbs and fat. But the interesting part is that unlike most Indian cuisine this food was Satvik meaning there was no use of Onions and Garlic in this meal. Fact is you won’t even know those two ingredients are missing from some of these recipes.

Before going to Pune I went for a swim this morning. I did around 1200 meters at the pool. We also walked around quite a bit so we could balance the calories. Day 18 was a success!