Living and Loving in Lisbon: Three Muslims and a Jew

I have been researching for a short trip to Lisbon today mostly looking for locations of Mosques,Halal restaurants and good places to visit when i came acrross the well written blog about a tandoori restaurant '
taste of punjab'.
very well written cant wait to visit and try out the food.

Finally Mohammad came in and started cooking. Over the course of an hour he slowly sauteed onions and carrots with many wonderful seasonings that serve as a base to all Pakistani dishes. The aromas were almost sensuous...the smell of curry and cardamom permeated throughout the kitchen. He explained how these vegetables would be added to the main dishes he would cook and serve later in the day. Many times that morning he held the spoon out for me to take my finger and taste the incredible flavors. All good chefs taste their cooking before serving, we agreed. The smells and tastes equaled perfection!




I was amazed at how tender and delicious the meat and chicken tasted. That's when I learned about Halal, a way of slaughtering meat very similar to Kosher preparation.



We decided then to take a break and drink some Chai Spice Milk Tea which Pakistanis drink every morning to calm their body and mind. It was delicious and although I am not a tea drinker, this has become a favorite of mine. I noticed that before Mohammad drank he said "Bismillah." He told me that before any endeavor, such as eating or starting on a journey, this word is said. When Mohammad explained the word, his definition was quite beautiful. He told me that saying "bismillah" allows god...or goodness... to flow through your soul. I liked that thought..and I like Mohammad. He is a kind and patient man. I try to remember to say that now before I eat and each time I see Mohammad he reminds me of the word with a smile on his face.





Living and Loving in Lisbon: Three Muslims and a Jew

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