LITTLE INDIA IN WA

There was a time when I participated in the office potlucks and while my coworkers use to enjoy the favorite Indian dish they would always ask me for recipe.  Most of the stores were in Canada then from where we were getting our grocery; not to mention the hassle we would face at the customs.

Times have changed since.  We have a lot of Indian grocery stores, and new ones are opening every few months.  It often reminds me of India. Whenever a special guest would visit us; we had to run to the store and pick up some sweets or Indian samosas from the sweet shop. Things are similar nowadays.  Some evenings I walk to the Indian market. While we stroll along the shops we often sit at  the Pabla Indian Cuisine to enjoy a snack. My son loves Samosa burger more than the regular burger. 

So much has changed, really. The recent report in the Seattle Times: "Kent School District joins trend of minority students outnumbering whites"  reflects this trend. The Kent School District this year became the seventh Seattle-area district in which minority students outnumber white students. It's part of a demographic shift that's happening in districts across Washington and the nation".

And while the Indian community evolves into a major community so are the Indian businesses growing in great numbers.  A fairly decent shop is within the walls of Sikh Gurudwara Sahib in Renton. It is run by Kundan Singh. He sells all the needs of the Sikh community including the Kanga (the wooden comb that is suppose to massage the head as it combs hair), Kara (the Sikh iron bangle), Kirpan (the Sikh sword), Kachera (the military undergarment). These are part of the 5 K's mandated by Guru Gobind Singh for every Sikh. He also sells, various books, music tapes and disks, turbans, etc. Kundan Singh said that although it is within the Gurudwara Sahib  it is not supported by the Gurudwara Management. "We can't adapt the American food; although we have accepted the fast American way of life," said one gentleman. "And above all Indian food is healthy and nutritious. It is a quick American way to eat breakfast which may include bread or cereal, Indians prefer a good Indian food for dinner which has to be  soothing and healthy.  We want our kitchen to smell spicy in the evening."  Turmeric Powder has been known to be a miracle golden powder. It has been used in Indian food for centuries. Yet recently, science has accepted its benefits. Although it sells expensive in health stores it is one of the major spices in Indian stores. Even the price is fairly cheap. 

Sincerely,
Sarab Singh
Editor, Aasra Punjabi English Magazine
PO Box 5716, Kent, WA 98064
Phone: (206) 550-3154