Paan, with areca nut, slaked lime, and various flavourings, has a rich history and cultural significance in India. Its roots can be traced back thousands of years, with mentions in several ancient texts. The act of chewing paan is not just about the ingredients but also the ritual and social aspects associated with it. It is often offered as a sign of hospitality and respect to guests. In addition to its cultural significance, paan is believed to have digestive and mouth-freshening properties. Now, a stall located in Connaught Place, Delhi, has introduced a Nawab Gold Paan.
This unique paan variant has edible gold. Paan vendor Anita Lalwani Surana skillfully prepared a betel leaf paan by spreading lime water and a katha paste across its surface. To make it truly special, she added lavish ingredients like saffron and jelly infused with gold flakes. Silver edible leaves were meticulously placed on the paan, complemented by dry edible gold flakes. Ms Surana included elements like areca nut, sauf, and other flavorful components. She then used an assortment of jelly-like pastes with various flavours, along with a brown, nutty paste. She then incorporated a multi-sectioned box containing spices such as cardamom, saffron, cloves, aniseed, turmeric, mustard, and sweeteners into the paan.
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Continuing her artistry, the vendor added delicate rose petals to the mixture and elegantly folded the paan. She then retrieved an ornate box, extracting gold leaves to adorn the paan. He secured the paan with a golden seal and pinned it in place, preventing any spillage. The finished paan was presented on a tray with intricate decorations, featuring three distinct types of flower petals. As a final touch, she garnished it with more saffron and served it on a tray filled with dry ice, creating a captivating smoky effect that enhanced the presentation.
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People are cracking jokes about the fancy gold-infused paan. A user wrote, “Looks like we have to take out a loan to buy paan.”
“Does he want to eat or keep him in a bank locker,” another comment read.
“What is the use of such an expensive leaf when you have to spit after eating,” a person wondered.
A few wanted to know the price of the paan.
Echoing a similar sentiment, a person added, “Bhai, cash se ho jayega ya property ke paper lega abe. [Bro, will cash be fine or do we need to bring property papers also].”
Is Paan Ko Kon Kon Khana pasand karega [Who all wants to have this paan?]”