Canteen style "chow"

All Martinians would definitely know the importance of #chow a.k.a hakka noodles as a part of our school day diet! This meal and post in a way is dedicated to my childhood partner-in-crime-- Saanu.

There hasn't been a single moment that I've eaten chow and not thought of our countless naughty #canteenmemories.

As soon as the clock struck 11:00 am, we would rush out of our classroom with some brilliantly crafted excuse and head straight to the canteen before the recess bell had a chance to ring. We were always the first two loafing around the canteen and would have our pre-ordered meals ready-- a plate of chow and aloo chat. The chow is something that we never sacrificed, even if we had our senior prefects chasing after us. Although we could buy separate plates, that joy of pouncing on one plate and scrambling for a handful of hot, oily, spicy noodles was just irreplaceable! The "bhaiyas" knew we were going to arrive and were prepared for our routine. That smell still haunts me (even while I write this post) and that sight of the canteen men carrying those large steel containers, getting ready to lay out food for #breaktime will remain etched in my memory forever. I've lost count of the number of times Saanu and I got into trouble for being seen in the canteen eating before the actual recess. Apologies to my teachers who may be reading this post, but I am sure you get the urgency of ensuring we don't miss out on chow in the crowded canteen 😁

I have eaten chow in every possible type of restaurant in every country that I have visited, but I am so proud to say that nothing tops the #lamartiniere school canteen chow and I am sure I have lots of supporters for this statement!!

Homemade chow and chili chicken

Last night I attempted to cook my school canteen chow in my own style and added on some stuff that I personally enjoy, example- egg and bean sprouts. To ensure we had a filling dinner, I made a quick side of chili chicken tossed with lots of green chilies, capsicum and onions. To be honest the dish could be cooked under 60 minutes (including prep time), but I took a little more time since I am extremely slow with cutting veggies. According to my husband this was the best chow and chili chicken he's had (and yes, that definitely has won him loads of brownie points)!!

Over the last few months, I have realized that when you cook a dish and connect stories/ memories to it, no matter how hard it may seem the dish just becomes so much fun to cook. I personally enjoyed cooking last night as it reminded me of my school days and that one partner-in-crime who will forever live on in my fondest memories! 💕