Vada Pav in a Roman Forum

The ultimate American dream is to have Italian gelato at a Roman forum. The quintessential Indian from mumbai would most certainly salivate and drool at the thought of a Vada pav [fried potato balls in a bun] in one!

I am at Zadar, Croatia. The 'Old Town' is dominated by a Roman Forum dating back to the 1st century BC. 'Forum' is the name given to all the main squares in the cities of the ancient roman empire. This is where the public life of the city unfolded. 45 meters by 90 meters in size, the forum at Zadar is one of the most important among the Adriatic ancient cities.

Lining the inside walls and cobbled pavements of the 'Kalarlega' are rows of shops selling touristy mementos and some big brand stores. And of course – food. Ice Creams, Gelatos, sliced fruits, fresh juices, cakes and pastries, Pizzas, Croatian and Greek fare and ...nothing catering to the Indian pallette?

Exploring the town, trying to grasp the extensive history its has lived through with huge amounts of facts and figures, and trying to comprehend and visualise the world as it was 'then' was fun and exhilarating! It meant walking in the scorching summer heat for 4 to 5 hours at a stretch and continuing again after short breaks, climbing up and down steep spiral staircases of the many bell towers and walking the city, we were HUNGRY so often! Lip smacking, melt in the mouth Ice creams and refreshing fruit juices were a necessity and available in plenty. Hot, spicy, tongue tingling Indian fare to satiate the hunger pangs and provide an energy boost would have been perfect!

Indians are known to be enterprising and have quite established themselves almost everywhere in the world. Most often hijacking streets and even small towns, to re-create 'mini India' abroad, much to the chagrin and maybe even unhappiness of the local people. I dare say Croatia will be no exception, as soon as the Indian tourist discovers this young and stunningly beautiful country! Croatia hasn't yet made it to the dream 'Phoren' list – America, new York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Swizzeland, Dubai. [Dountries and cities mixed up, I know – but thats how it is!]

And once that happens, 'Vada pav from a cart in a Roman forum' will be a reality!

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Originally published in 2015