Yesterday, I had the privilege of photographing the inaugural of Stockholm’s much awaited Saravanaa Bhavan with SearchIndie Sweden! I was super excited and a little emotional about it since I have been enjoying their food for over 15 years! How I missed those flavours even in Hyderabad. Have been missing it all the more here in Sweden!
There was so much cheer and excitement in the air. Honorable Ambassador of India for Sweden/Latvia, Ms. Monika Kapil Mohta, graced the occasion. A couple of hundred people queued up with happy smiles and cheerful chatter. For a moment, it felt like T-nagar Chennai!
By the time I got to eat, the buffet was almost over. That didn’t dampen my spirit. I sat in a corner and savoured the Uthapams with unlimited sambar and fresh coconut chutney! Boy! It was heaven!
All of a sudden, a person in full suit walked to and apologised for the buffet that was over. He said, “I would like to give you any other dish of your choice!” I thought for a moment and requested for a ‘Dosai’. He replied, “How about a masala dosai?”
Why not? It has been ages since I had one especially with all those variety of chutneys!
Within moments he brought me a plate of crispy masala dosa! Trust me, the sight of that plate was dreamlike!
The man in the suit who served me was none other than Mr. Shiva Kumaar, son of the founder P. Rajagopal (if time permits, do read How P. Rajagopal went from sleeping on the kitchen floor to becoming the idly king of India), Managing Director and CEO of the Saravanaa Bhavan International chain!
When a masala dosai is served by the man himself, it cannot be just another masala dosai! This man who was super busy in the kitchen, tasting the food personally, checking out each order, instructing the chefs and the waiters, actually took the time to cater to me! I sat there grinning to myself ear to ear! Something about it made me feel special!
It could have been a small act of kindness from the man who owns this empire. For me, it was a very special moment! I went about the rest of my day with a big smile!
The following quote has been my mantra for years now,
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein
Friend, celebrate your everyday miracles! Not just the big ones… the seemingly small and insignificant ones too! Even better, why don’t you be a miracle for someone out there!
As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person. – Paul Shane Spear
As we start a new day, a new month, let us be generous with our smiles and acts of kindness! Let’s make a difference one person at a time!
All idly-dosa-sambar lovers in Stockholm, the tables have been set! Go treat yourself with authentic South Indian goodness!
My best wishes to Arun Mohan and Darsana Arun on this dream venture! May you open many more Saravanaa Bhavans across the city and Sweden!
Mr. Siva Kumaar, thank you for making my day!
Kronicles of K80 & Krissy 
Michelle, your ear to ear smile has transcended to My face now once i read ur article and i can so relate with the emotions part here ..i have not been at SB yet but looking fwd too ..
Being Indian, our Home food actually is a matter of emotions ..
Very Well penned !
Thanks
Ha ha! How nice! Thank you for taking the time to read and respond! You are right, food really is a matter of emotions! Enjoy the good food at HSB 🙂