Baras Tasting

The bara is a Surinamese-Hindustani snack that originated in India, consisting of spiced dough that is deep-fried.

The dough is made from urdi flour (made from mung beans) and tayer leaves or, sometimes, fresh spinach, seasoned with cumin, garlic, turmeric, and chili pepper (or Madame Jeanette peppers), among other ingredients.

The original Indian version is called vada and is often made from potato flour or ground chickpeas.

This dish is served in Surinamese eateries and rotis shops in the Netherlands. The dough mix needed to make it is also sold in Asian grocery stores.