Popular foodie group Bahrain Masala Dosa Meetup recently celebrated the eighth anniversary, honouring their enduring loyalty to the savoury crepe and, more importantly, their unwavering commitment to friendship.
More than 25 dosa lovers gathered at Madras Café in Umm Al Hassam for a hearty South Indian breakfast, catching up on golden memories and new life updates. A cake-cutting ceremony marked the group’s dedication to nourishing both soul and stomach.
or the last eight years, they have gathered at a different location on the last Saturday of each month – except during the Covid pandemic and the recent conflict – to savour the flavourful fermented rice and lentil crepe.
Masala dosa is a crispy crepe stuffed with spiced potatoes and typically served with coconut chutney and sambar – a lentil and vegetable stew. It emerged from the South Indian state of Karnataka in the 20th century and, over time, gained admiration from foodies around the world. Exciting variations like spring dosa, stuffed with Chinese stir-fried noodles, and spinach dosa, prepared with spinach and rice flour, among others have since come onto the scene.
Off late, the Internet is abuzz with content creators inspiring the masses to try out benne or butter dosa. Originating from Davangere, Karnataka, this version is fried in a generous amount of white butter until crispy, and typically served with just coconut chutney.
“Food has an unparalleled power to unite people and reaching our eighth year and seeing this concept branch out internationally to the US and India is a testament to the incredible warmth of our members,” founder and laughter ambassador Keyem Thomez told the GDN.
“Whether you have been with us since 2018 or are joining for the first time, everyone is welcome to pull up a chair, share some laughs and celebrate this beautiful journey with us,” he added.
Mr Thomez founded the group alongside co-founders Sushma Anil and Neil Desai who returned to his hometown in Mumbai in 2019. Driven by the slogan, ‘Meet, Greet and Eat’, what began as a small gathering of food enthusiasts has since evolved and sparked an international ‘movement’, inspiring the launch of two new chapters: one in Richmond, Virginia (the US) and another in Muvattupuzha, Kerala (India).
Bahrain Masala Dosa Meetup has welcomed gourmands from various countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Currently, it comprises around 45 dedicated members, with 20 to 25 people joining every single session.
“It was so nice to meet everyone at the anniversary breakfast. My Egyptian friend Dr Sahar Helmi visited from Kuwait and I took her along as well. She enjoyed the dosa and the company,” added radiologist and food enthusiast Dr Asha Pradeep from Juffair.
For more details or to join the next gathering, follow @masaladosameetup on Instagram or call Sushma on 33052258.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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