Paan is a preparation consisting of areca nut, slaked lime, and a betel leaf, often with other ingredients, consumed for its stimulant and narcotic effects across South and Southeast Asia. The word "paan" itself comes from Indo-Aryan languages and refers to this mixture wrapped in a betel leaf. Its consumption is a cultural practice in many parts of Asia, though its farming and trade face challenges due to shifting consumer preferences and agricultural volatility.
Generally had after a heavy meal as a dessert too, to aid digestion and as a mouth freshener.
The photos below are from a Paan vendor outside a restaurant in Bandra. More often
not you will find them outside eating places.
Ingredients that go into the Paan
Making of the paan
View of the contents in the Paan.
The Paan ready to eat!
The last 2 photos are Gemini AI generated.
...do you eat the green leaf wrapper?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is the betel leaf.
DeleteGreat pics, AI generated pics good.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rupam.
DeleteWow, very interesting! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteA pleasure to share!
DeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteNot something I ever go the taste for... but why the AI rather than show off the artisan's skills? YAM xx
...because the paan was popped into the mouth as soon as it was handed over!
DeleteI've heard of it, but that's it
ReplyDeleteIt's a beginning!
DeleteLooks good :-D
ReplyDeleteNo lo he probado nunca, no he tenido oportunidad de pasar por un lugar en donde lo vendan.
ReplyDeleteSaludos
How interesting. It's new to me.
ReplyDeletePaan is a ritual in many parts of India.
ReplyDeleteI have read about it, but I am yet to try it, not something you encounter in my area.
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy. I love spicy food as do my family, we have Chinese ancestry so we add chilli to must food. I've heard about betel leaves, I had a friend who came from Papua New Guinea and she told me she use to enjoy betel nuts.
ReplyDelete