Bhakti Chai

As I never ever buy bottled iced teas or the like, I would have never known that Bhakti Chai existed (or that it was vegan), until my friend, Flo, picked one up at a Whole Foods in New Orleans. Bhakti Chai is deeeelicious! It's made with soy milk and just the right amount of ginger-y spice. They also make a less sweet version, which I love, and a decaf version, which I really really love. Bhakti Chai also is also socially-conscious company, donating 10% of their profits to "nonprofits that invest in women, girls, and the environment" - all awesome things to invest in! I love that the company mission is also based on actual Bhakti (not just co-opting the word for faux authenticity), or devotion through action, as practiced for thousands of years in India. The chai comes in a glass bottle, not plastic, which is something I've become more conscious of lately. This photo of delicious Decaf Bhakti Chai was taken in a rental car outside of Santa Monica's Co-Opportunity Natural Foods.

Spicy Ketchup

I discovered Maya Kaimal Spicy Ketchup when their booth was located across from ours at a Portland, OR trade show a few months ago. I was immediately taken with this Indian-spiced ketchup. It is super flavorful and adds just the right kick to nearly anything that you're already putting ketchup on. Last night we even used it in place of BBQ sauce on some baked tofu for a delicious change of pace. You've gotta taste this stuff!

Masala Dosa

Ah, Masala Dosa. Cheap, delicious, filled with potatoes and spices, and topped with dal. You are a beautiful thing.

This particular Masala Dosa is from Annapurna on Devon Ave in Chicago. I think it runs between $3-4 and is filling and tasty. You can go down the street before or afterwards and get an equally inexpensive fresh juice or a macheted-on-the-spot coconut at Fresh Farms International Market.

Perfection.