Mumbai is famous for its street food; Vada Pav, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, and of course, ‘Thelewala Chinese’. Thela means a hand-cart and the Mumbai street corners are dotted with thelas which make and serve fresh Chinese food.
Well, this thelewala Chinese food is uniquely Bambaiyya (Bambaiyya in Hindi for ‘of Mumbai’). Very few Chinese would recognize the food if it is served to them and would be bemused by the names they read on the menu; Manchurian, Triple Schezwan, Schezwan Fried Rice, Chopsuey,….
So popular is this food that it has made its way to many a mid-level restaurant menu. But Mumbaikars swear by Chinese and sometimes, at it.
In fact, one of the first things that many of my friends who have migrated to other countries want when they land on Mumbai’s shores is “Indian Chinese” food. It’s probably just next on the list after “Maa ke Haath ka Khana” or Mom’s food. 🙂
Vegetable Fried Rice (and its non-vegetarian equivalent Chicken Fried Rice) is a popular accompaniment for many Chinese dishes, especially the ubiquitous Manchurian.
Ingredients
- Cabbage – 150 gms
- Carrot – 1
- French Beans – 100 gms
- Capsicum – 1 small
- Spring Onions with Green Stem – 4
- Rice – 1.5 Cups
- Dark Soy Sauce – 2 tsp
- Oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt to Taste
Method
- Soak the rice in 3 cups water for about 30 mins.
- Drain and set aside.
- Boil about 1.5 litres water with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp oil.
- Add the rice and cook till the rice is almost done.
- Drain immediately and set aside to cool.
- Finely shred the cabbage.
- Julienne the beans, carrot and capsicum.
- Chop the spring onion into quarters.
- Chop the spring onion greens into 1/4″ pieces.
- Shred the cabbage.
- Heat a wok to smoking point.
- Add 2 tbsp oil.
- Add the cabbage, french beans, carrot, spring onions, and capsicum.
- Sir-fry on high heat for about 3 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low.
- Add soy sauce and spring onion greens.
- Toss the vegetables till they are coated with the sauce.
- Turn the heat to high.
- Add the rice and salt.
- Saute with a light-hand till the rice is well mixed.
- Serve hot with Vegetable Manchurian or Cantonese Vegetables.
This is interesting and very doable!
Very doable and Mumbai street food at its “bestest”!!!
Looks super yummy!
I can’t wait to give this a try! I just love trying traditional dishes from all over the world – I’m getting hungry just thinking about cooking it! Thank you
Oh how I miss the street foods of India!!! Love fried rice, and I love to put Indian spices in mind. Woot!
Yup…. India has some of great street food!
do you use a special type of rice for this?
Hi Syl,
Any short-grained rice will do. I used surti kolam, which is readily available at home. 🙂
Don’t you put Garlic or ginger or do you use only soy and why?
Hi…. I don’t use ginger in this recipe because this version of the vegetable fried rice can be an accompaniment for any side dish. If I add ginger or garlic to this, it gets overpowering when eaten with the side dish.
I posted this recipe as a specific accompaniment to the Vegetable Manchurian that was blogged today… 🙂
There are other versions of the fried rice that I make with burnt ginger or garlic which taste great with mild side dishes.
Reminds me of home………..looks very delicious
I am glad to hear that. Just discovered your blog and having fun browsing the recipes. 🙂
thank you so much. I loved your blog and recipes too.
🙂