Page 21 - Seniors Today October 2020

one stroke by way of an ordinance they took
away all our properties and wealth.
So for the second time our family was
forced to flee from Burma. Luckily for us we
had already established branches in Japan,
Singapore etc so it was easier for us to restart
after moving back to Bombay, but without
much capital.
But being very hardworking, disciplined
and determined, the Jatia family was able to
make its mark even on Indian shores even
though we had a very late start in 1963. And
as the family grew and prospered everyone The simple kadhi resulted in a fusion of desi vegetarian
slowly branched out on their own, but the and Burmese noodles
bond of togetherness is still very strong due is basically a concoction of potato samosas
to the saga which the family had to face as a shredded with onion pancakes and served
whole. in a hot coconut based kadhi and garnished
with many condiments.
The origin of Khowsuey Here is the detailed recipe and perhaps the
It is said by many that the Jatia Family most authentic one I dare say of the original
is responsible for bringing back the now Burmese Khowsuey (vegetarian).
An impulsive decision at Delhi station proved to be the bridge to a renewed life in Burma for the family
very popular Burmese dish, Khowsuey, to
Return to Burma younger sister Kiran and I were born in India. I can neither endorse that nor deny it, Ingredients for kadhi
That one decision altered the history of our Rangoon. The joint family business of the but when our ladies started making it and • 3 / 4 kg curd, sieved
family for ever, I guess. He got in touch with Jatias was thriving since due to multiple serving it at social functions and gatherings • 100 gm besan (gram flour)
his old friends and contacts, and preferred working hands we were able to expand it became an instant hit! • 1 / 4 kg potatoes, boiled and pureed
to work for himself rather than be an the emerging opportunities by leaps and The origin is of course due to the very deep • 1 inch piece ginger
employee. He set up a partnership with some bounds. ties our family had with Burma, with the • 10 green chillies
old contacts and soon established a healthy Then suddenly in 1963 fate again played elders having spent most of their lives there. • 2 tsp saunf (fennel)
trading firm dealing in textiles etc. a cruel blow and all of us had to leave once By then we had adopted a lot of the • 1 / 3 bunch fresh pudina
Alas, when my father was merely 18 years again from Burma, only this time it would be Burmese customs such as the wearing of (fresh mint leaves)
old, Ramgopalji fell victim to the dreaded forever! lungi and celebrating the Thingyan Water • 1/3 bunch fresh coriander leaves
disease of cancer and passed away at the In a military coup, General Ne Win and his Festival (similar to our Holi) with great • Milk of 1 coconut with 1.5 glasses of water
age of 40, leaving behind a widow and five band of 16 generals took over the reins of enthusiasm, etc. It was also but natural that a • 1 inch piece dalchini (cinnamon)
children! power and shut out Burma from the rest of lot of the Burmese food was introduced into • 4-5 glasses of water
Although Ramgopalji had separated the world. He nationalised all the businesses our homes. Since we were strict Marwari • Salt to taste
from his four brothers early on, it was and gave foreigners like us Marwaris and vegetarians we had to improvise meatless Method: Grind all the masalas with a
only because of the magnanimous act of the South Indian Chettiar community, options from their dishes and I think that little water and sieve it well. Then mix
his brother Subhkaran ji who declared to which basically controlled all the trade, just is how my mother and aunts perfected the with the sieved curd, besan mixed with a
the rest of the family that the children of 24 hours to leave the country without any most authentic and tasty vegetarian option little water and sieved, coconut milk and
Ramgopalji would be henceforth entitled to compensation. The only choice they gave us of the Khowsuey. There were other dishes pureed potatoes. Mix well, sieve the whole
one-fifth share of the family business. was to become “Managers” of our shops and as well, but the only other one which we still mixture and add the water to the required
In this backdrop my elder brother Suresh, establishments on behalf of the state! With make today is called Khadi-samosa which consistency. Then temper with oil with

20 SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #16 | OCTOBER 2020 21