Iloilo Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple
For so long, I have been looking for an authentic Indian food in Metro Manila. Authentic yet affordable. However, it seems that international cooking here in the nation’s capital is equivalent to dollar rates! I have to prepare at least P300 to P400 just to satisfy my craving for international food–and one of them is from the Indian sub-continent.
Good thing though, my dad brought masala chai from India. However, my craving didn’t diminished. One night in Iloilo (on a short weekend vacation) my friend Tara and the rest of her barkada invited me for a short “cultural immersion” in Mandurriao District. Curious, when she said that we’re going to Nanak Darbar Temple–the Indian Sikh temple in Ciudad Iloilo!
“Whoa! Serious? Are you sure?” At first, I casted doubts and was a bit anxious. I am very particular about respecting different cultures. Aren’t we gate-crashing or something? Everything’s assured though, since one of her friends were followers of an Indian belief. So, we went off.
I’ve been passing this place for years, however, I haven’t been inside. It was my first time. My first impression, its a simple house with a lot of Indians–speaking Hiligaynon and probably Punjabi or Hindi. Wow! India is now just a few rides away from home! We were greeted with curiosity by the Indians, at the same time, warmly welcomed us. We sat outside their main worship area as the guru preaches. I didn’t understand anything but love the atmosphere as if I was somewhere in India.
Then the music started–as if its like our psalms. I have been a avid fan of world music eversince–please refer me to NatGeo and Putomaya please! As authentic as it is, I followed whatever the worshipers do. This kind of immersion differs me from being a tourist! Be with the locals and respect their culture! Impressed, as if I’m back with my “cultureal self”–something that I’ve been trying to bury beneath the shades of corporate slavery.
Authentic Indian dinner at the Sikh Temple
Now, for the moment. Their babajie or their preacher came out. Wearing white robes with a black turban and waist belt, with a small dagger on it. He greeted us with a warm smile. Indeed, we are welcome, even as strangers. Then, the dinner was served.
Sitting on the floor, our metal plates were served with chapatti–Indian tortillas made from whole wheat, curry with peas and potatoes, munggo, an Indian chili salsa-like condiment, sweet oatmeal and that very sour yoghurt. We ate…and whoa, the spices are so natural! This is what I call authentic Indian food! Cooked and served by Indians themselves! My personal favourite was the curry vegies and sweet oatmeal with chapatti.
That chappati is one heavy meal. I would like to have more of it, yet I am shy to ask for one. However, I was very satisfied with the dinner. Full indeed with the spice lingering in my body. I felt somehow that I have eaten something that is organic and natural–out from those artificial thingies that we have in our modern Western life.
Me and the company
As we finished, we bade farewell to the people inside the temple. It was one surprising and unexpected trip to India–in one night! Too bad, I was to shy to at least interview their preacher and ask him about their culture and their experiences…una señal del destino, that I’ll be coming back soon here. That warm night was indeed an experience!
Spice–something that the Europeans were dying to have during the Middle Ages and The Rennaisance. Something that we Pinoys sometimes take for granted. In life, spice is something that we look for and seek for. Indeed, it is rewarding! I still affirm that the best trips are unplanned trips! With respect with our Indian brethren, I guess I would like to know more about the world. As what NatGeo says, “Live Curious.”
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For our Indian brethren, Tuhaadee kirpaa hai! Thank you!
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