My “2 minute Sav(i)our”

After a tiring day full with interviews, crying over favorite TV shows, placement tests, family drama, assignments, etc. I was famished. It was not dinner time yet so filling up on something heavy is not what I was looking forward to.

Certain potential snack ideas came to mind : Oranges? Cookies and milk? Starve till dinnertime? A quick egg delicacy? Bread and Butter? There was a hidden craving for a savoury and spicy palate so I ended up asking my mother if there were any instant noodles of the sort in the pantry. Turns out I had quite the selection to choose from - Korean Ramen, Soupy noodles (which had made a comeback much needed), Top Ramen and the infamous “2- minute” Maggi. Guess which one caught my attention?

Figure 1: You can just hear the boiling and smell that masala.

There is just something simple yet wholesome about Maggi noodles. They have been a significant part of the Indian kid’s life, especially during childhood when we would be scolded often for indulging in it too religiously. I think we all can agree unanimously that it was a dark moment in all our lives when Maggi was temporarily off the shelves for a good amount of time. Thank the heavens that it is back and hopefully healthier (!?).

During the initial stages of the lockdown, I recall, Maggi used to be almost off the shelves all the time- guess the bachelors stuck in town with no parental guidance stopping them really did enjoy their time! Regardless, whether it is being a hunger saviour at 2 am or just a lunch time buddy for those “broke” times, Maggi is just fulfilling in the most plain and effortless way. Make it just how the instructions direct or add a slice of cheese, pair it with a fried or boiled egg, add vegetables or meats, heck even stir fry it with onions and tomatoes, it is just lovely in all the combinations!

That two minute preparation filled my heart with such warmth and a strange sense of relaxation. So, here’s to our hunger saviour and childhood friend!

Figure 2: My take on the classic instant noodle!