Sunday, June 21, 2026

Street Food - Ram Laddoo


Street food has always been one of my greatest passions. Wherever I travel, I make it a point to ask the local people about the best street snacks in town. Their recommendations often lead me to hidden gems that no guidebook can ever reveal.

On a scorching hot afternoon during my recent visit to Delhi, we were passing through the bustling Central Market of Lajpat Nagar on our way back home. Suddenly, the thought of our favorite Ram Laddoo (Moong Dal Fritters)crossed our minds. Memories came flooding back.



Forty to fifty years ago, a humble vendor selling Ram Laddoos from a small handcart was our regular stop. In those days, for just one rupee, he would happily serve four delicious laddoos. The taste was unforgettable, and so were the memories attached to it.

Without hesitation, we parked the car nearby and walked over to the stall. Soon, we were carrying three leaf bowls filled with piping hot, freshly prepared Ram Laddoos. They were topped with grated radish, tangy chutney, fresh mint, and all the traditional accompaniments. The aroma alone was irresistible.



We sat right inside the car and began enjoying them. Every bite was bursting with flavor—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly complemented by the refreshing chutneys and radish. It was a feast for the senses.

With only a day left before our return flight to the United States, we joked that even if we fell sick, it would be worth the risk! Some experiences are simply too precious to miss. Street food, especially when tied to cherished memories, is not just about eating—it is about reliving a lifetime of moments.

That afternoon, amid the heat, the crowds, and the noise of Delhi, those humble Ram Laddoos gave us one of the most satisfying and memorable meals of our entire trip.


​Father’s Day Memories: English up to Tatapur


My Dad S Vasdev Singh in 1957

Today, on Father’s Day, I fondly remember my beloved Papa Ji and the many stories that still bring a smile to my face.

Punjab officially adopted the Punjabi script after the state’s reorganization in November 1966, yet for many years government offices and courts continued to use numerous Urdu and Persian terms. In those days, Papa Ji worked in the Sessions Courts at Karnal. One of his duties as an English Clerk was to translate difficult Urdu legal terminology into simple English for official use.

Biji would often laugh at this. Her father, who had served with the British Army during both World Wars and had worked closely with English officers, was quite fluent in English. With his usual wit, he would tease that all his sons-in-law had learned English only up to Tatapur, the first railway station from Multan! It was his humorous way of saying that their English had not traveled very far.

Looking back today, I realize that Papa Ji’s true greatness was not in his command of English but in his honesty, dedication, humility, and commitment to duty. Those qualities earned him the respect of all who knew him and became the values he quietly passed on to us.

On this Father’s Day, I remember him with love, gratitude, and admiration. His lessons in integrity and hard work continue to guide me even today.

Happy Father’s Day, Papa Ji. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of your children and grandchildren. 🙏❤️