The Flavor of Jaisalmer

Special flavor reminds me of distance places.

It was early morning when I arrived in Jaisalmer. So early that the Thar desert hid his hot and dry face. Jaisalmer, came to me as a maid just out of bath. Breeze swept from the lake. A new moon emerged from silver cloud and shone upon this old and mysterious city. The Jaisalmer Fort stood like a mirage in the dark blue sky.

The guest house sent Rick to pick us up. He smiled, a bit shy, revealing a row of clean, white teeth. When I got up to his jeep, he asked, "would you like to try some Chai?" "Thanks but I've tried it on the train". I said. "Oh! " he continued, "that's totally different! We've got the most authentic here!" "OK then," I said, beginning to be fascinated with the idea.

Rick stopped by a Chai store. It surprised me though 5am in the morning, natives were coming by twos and threes. I again belive, early morning must be the best time during a day in Thar. People cherish this cool and fresh moment. They come for a cup of Chai to begin a usual day.

5 Rupee for 1 little cup. Were it not for its boiling hottness, one deep sip can finish it. I fingered my hot glass between sips, committing the complex and intimate flavour of this encounter to memory. It was hard to describe the exact feeling when my tounge met this delicacy. Yum! I couldn't help to ask for more! Rick looked at my face as if saying, see? I told you that!

I drank slowly for the secong cup, savouring every drop, trying to make out each ingredient within this magic Chai. Darjeeling tea, milk and brown sugar of course, but there must be something else. I rushed to the cook, watching him adding a little of this and that into the metal pot on fire. I watched as if he was not making Chai but a wizard enjoyed brewing new potion. He told me other elements like cardamom pods, cinnamon, ginger root and black pepper. No more no less, each ingredient adds subtle flavor changes, which blending together perfectly.

I got to know Jaisalmer for that flavor.