ATP is always searching for tips on good Pakistani food (see here), and as I have a long history with food experiments myself (see here). So here is my new discovery.
On our last trip to buy oriental grocery we were surprised beyond words to find ‘Tsingtao Curry Samosa‘ and ‘Paratha - which taste like authentic Indian’ in a refrigerator.
Both of these items were made in China. We immediately bought both items and I must confess they both tasted very good. Samosa filling was made of Chinese curry and Parathas were puff Parathas. You gotta taste them to believe me.
Today I couldn’t resist and took these photos of ‘made in China’ samosa box to share with all of you.
For those who are really interested in knowing the recipe’ of this Chinese samosa, here are the ingredients which I am faithfully copying from the box:
Cabbage, Wheat Flour, Water, Potato, Mushroom, Onion, Carrot, Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Salt, Soy Sauce and Curry powder.
I believe there is a big food export business going on between China and South Asia. On a trip to China in 2001, I met a businessman from Mumbai who was manufacturing ‘Chinese dumplings’ in India and exporting them to China.
Now after writing all this I must also state that - with all due respect to China or India - no one can beat the taste of Samosas sold in United Bakery, Karimabad Chowrangi Karachi.
As the poet says:
jo maza chajjoo de chobaaray
O na Balkh na Bukhaaray
The enjoyment that one gets on a native street corner
cannot be found in either Balkh or Bukhara
is it just me, or does anyone else knows about BabaPak Kay Samosay in Karachi (in Saddar, near the Kachehri I think).
They have been the best samomas in the world, and we have been their customers for the last 30+ years.
Besides, I do like United Kings Chicken samosas as well (with Pakwaan covering).
Hamid Sb, “bun samosa” aah. purani yaaden taaza kar deeN aap ne. except I used to have it in Karachi. But, I belive you that Sir Syed Coll Rawalpindi’s Bun Samosa was as good as anywhere else’s or even better.
1) Best Samosas: Shiney’s in Annandale, Virginia
2) Best Bun Samosas: Canteen @ FG Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi
RJH, Most of the Chinese grocery stores now carry Indian/Pakistani food items too especially ‘parathas’ which are also marketed as Chinese pancakes. We found made-in-China ’samosa’s in the same section.
I too love to “experiment” new food.
Pray tell us where did you purchase these Chinese made items?
Have u tried one khokha behind Faisal bakery at Sharah e Faisal, those r urban legend too…:)
The best Samosas that I have had living in the US are from this place called Kabab & Curry in Edison, NJ. They taste similar to the delectable ones available at Bombay Sweet in Main Commercial Area PECHS, Karachi.
Speaking of Chinese making Samosas and Parathas….a common site here in the US is Mexican and Latin American workers employed by Desi restaurants. Nothing unusual aroud here seeing a Mexican helping making Tandoor ki Roti :) or Halwa Puri at a Pakistani or Indian restaurant.
I remember this from when it was first posted.
This is really a story about a lost business opportunity. With globalization of food, sellling South Asian packed food in Europe and Americas is a BIG business. Go to a desi store in the US and you will find how Pakistanis and Pakistani companies are nearly absent in this market.
Another missed opportunity.