ALL ABOUT MOUSTACHE

 

We Bengalis are introduced to moustaches in very early childhood when our parents teach us poems from Abol-Tabol or Nonsense Rhymes. Shukumar Roy’s ‘Goph Churi’ or Mustache Thievery. It is a hilarious poem of how a head clerk in an office laments how his moustache has been stolen. But growing and grooming a moustache is a very serious business and it indeed has a very long history. It comes in various shapes and sized and many famous personalities have grown and immortalized them. 

Who can forget the inviting smile of Air India’s Maharaja and the inimitable moustache that was given to him by Bobby Kooka, the then-commercial director of Air India, and Umesh Rao, an artist with J. Walter Thompson Limited in 1946? Some people are so obsessed about their moustache that there is even an annual moustache competition in Rajasthan, which adorns their tourist calendar and people from all over the world come to participate and enjoy!

Back in the day, mustaches were a symbol of class and social status. The words and sentiments associated with a moustache are many: virility, honour, pride and military power. A trend started by King Charles I in the early 1600s, you didn't really grow one unless you were a pretty important person. Over four centuries later, and we're all sprouting a bit of lip fuzz just because, well, we can. But the moustache has always commanded a certain level of respect.

In India, in the warrior community, the Rajputs, the moustache was held in high esteem. Moustaches have been particularly robust in their part of the country, often flowing abundantly not only out of the face but also into several feet, demanding care and attention. Sometimes moustaches can indicate caste pride, and in places, not allowed to lower castes. The Muslim rulers had a different style of moustache from the Hindu Rajpoots or Marathas.

Like all the fashion trends that we see come and go, (and sometimes come again), the moustache has had a shifting popularity over time. From ‘Global Chikna Movement to Mooch Nahin to Kuck Nahin’ we have been witness to a wide spectrum of facial hair fashion. The word "moustache" is French, and according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, it is derived from the fourteenth century Italian word “moustacio”, this in turn, can be traced all the way back to the Hellenistic Greek word for lip.

 

History:

Facial hair was big in the 19th century. Look at paintings or photographs from this time, and chances are the men will have beards, moustaches or sideburns – and sometimes elaborate combinations of all three. However, the earliest instance of a clearly defined moustache appeared on the upper lip of an ancient Egyptian prince named Rahotep. He was 4th Dynasty which dates his moustache back to about 2500BC. His statue appears with wife Nofret at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Running second to the prince by about twenty two hundred years is the Pazyryk Horseman. Hailing from high up in Siberia’s Altai Mountains is Pazyryk, a region close to the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The Horseman with his well defined moustache appears on a felt artefact that is dated at 300BC. This was excavated from a tomb and is now in the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

The moustache had become so popular within the world’s military forces that it was commonly used to tell the difference between military men and normal civilians. From 1860 to 1916, it was actually mandatory for British soldiers to grow a moustache as part of their dress regulation. A more clean-shaven look was in fashion from about the 1880s. Moustaches came into their own then. The shaggy ‘walrus’ style had the hair droop luxuriously over the lip, but other styles demanded a lot of care. The beard and the sideburns were gone and only the moustache remained, but not for long though.

It was only a matter of time before the moustache went the same way as beards and sideburns. An entirely smooth face was becoming the norm by the 1910s. The First World War hastened the hairless look. Men who spent weeks in the mud and grime of trenches relished the chance to wash and shave in clean water, and after the war, the shaving trend continued.

The 1920s brought an emphasis on personal hygiene. A sleek hairless face was the ideal look for men. And hairlessness became fashionable for women, too; this is the time when clothing styles showed more of women’s bodies, and shaving underarms and legs began in earnest. Another world war and the discipline of military life kept upper lips smooth.  There were exceptions: sailors could get permission to stop shaving and grow a ‘set’, and the moustached pilot was common in the air force. 

The 1970s and early 1980s were another heyday for the moustache. No longer was a hairy moustache an outward sign of disaffected youth. Every second man seemed to have a moustache. From the sports field to the state service, the trend was towards big and bushy as moustaches seemed to symbolise a rugged manliness. New styles also came in, heavily influenced by American fashion. The droopy, sinister ‘Fu Manchu’ and pencil-thin Italian ‘tash’ both owed some of their popularity to kung fu, gangster and Mafia movies of the time.

For some in the gay community coming out in the 1980s, moustaches were an iconic symbol of identity. Inspired by singer Freddy Mercury or bearded ‘Bears’, gay men wore their facial hair with pride.

 

Some famous moustaches

Maharana Pratap, Shivaji, Emperror Ashok, Chengis Khan are characters from history who had moustache and beard.

American Civil War general Ambrose Burnside is known as the originator of side whiskers, which were later called “sideburns,” a name inspired by his surname. 

Clark Gable in his 30 years career  starred in some of Hollywood’s most memorable productions, including Mutiny on the Bounty and Gone with the Wind. Gable wore one of the most famous mustaches in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. 

Adolf Hitler - Admit it—you knew he would make this list. Hitler’s principal role in starting World War II and his state-sponsored killing of millions of Jews made him one of the most hated people in world history. The fascist dictator was also known for his instantly recognizable grooming style. So unmistakable was his “toothbrush” mustache, a type characterized by thick whiskers that span the width of the nose, that it is often called the “Hitler mustache.”

Charlie Chaplin – Again a tooth brush moustache but the famous Hollywood actor immortalized it and is only person for salvaging the pride of this moustache after Hitler gave it the notoriety.

U.S. President William Howard Taft wore the classic “handlebar” mustache. 

Mark Twain – His Walrus moustache was unmistakable.

Salvador Dalí - It’s very probable that Salvador Dalí was known as much for his unusual waxed mustache as for his Surrealist paintings. His art often depicts a dream world in which commonplace objects are juxtaposed, deformed, or otherwise metamorphosed in a bizarre and irrational fashion. His trademark waxed mustache, which the American Mustache Institute places in a category called “Dalí,” is narrow, with long pointed ends that train steeply upward.

Groucho Marx - As far as mustaches go, Groucho Marx’s was likely one of the most famous on the planet. His distinctive wide mustache might have fallen into the American Mustache Institute’s “walrus” or “chevron” categories, but, so far, it has defied classification. So we will call it Groucho type.

Veerappan – He was a sandalwood smuggler in Karnatakaand his moustache was immortalized in a film made after his demise. A cosmetic company launched their moustache wax, and called it Veerappan. It was claimed to tame the most notorious of moustaches and soften split ends.

 

Many names:

The moustache is also lovingly called the cookie duster, crumb catcher, tea stainer, face lace, lip shadow, manometer. Men who love their moustaches do love them.

 

Types of Moustaches

Natural / Classic moustache – This is a trim moustache that sits just above the upper lip. There’s a good reason why this classic, original moustache is an iconic, versatile look. It's simple, clean, and easy on the eye. As the name suggests, this is an unpretentious, no-nonsense moustache that is neither a trim Clark Gable number, nor extravagantly bushy. The white line of the upper lip is always visible. The natural moustache is for those who like to express their masculinity in an understated, unfussy way, and it's one of the easiest short moustache styles to achieve.  This looks good on any face.

The pencil thin moustache - It’s a super-thin strip of hair that outlines your upper lip. This style is quite easy, fuss-free and edgy. It requires minimal effort to create and deliver high-class charm. It’s perfect for someone who has a hard time growing facial hair. Few moustache styles exude the vintage sophistication and class of the pencil moustache, which was favoured by such true greats as Errol Flynn and David Niven. Just make sure you have the classy wardrobe to match.

The Chevron moustache - The chevron moustache has a name that says it all: it’s a moustache, shaped like a chevron that covers your whole top lip. the Chevron displays itself loudly and proudly upon the wearer's top lip, representing a hefty style statement. Grow some beard stubble below it, and you’ll have an even more formidable look that will attract knowing nods of appreciation from closet connoisseurs of the finest trimmed moustache styles.

The Horseshoe moustache - This is like a moustache, but includes two long bars of moustache hair pointing downwards, often extending all the way to the chin. It brings to mind a hard-edged cowboy out on the ranch, with both its name and its wild curved look. This style of moustache also had a comeback in popularity in the 1970s and Hulk Hogan of Pro Wrestling made it really popular. Round and square faces looking to add some length do so with this moustache.

The Handlebar moustache - In the yesteryears, the handlebar moustache was one of the most worn Indian moustache styles. The charm of this style hasn’t faded yet. Right from ‘A’ list Bollywood celebrities like Ranveer Singh to finest cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan, they’ve pulled off this moustache style with lots of ease.  It resemble gracefully upturned bicycle handlebars. It's the perfect match for a pipe or a horse.  The handlebar moustache style works well for men with triangle or diamond face shapes.  A nicely cowboy-esque square face can help you pull off this most gentlemanly of moustache styles.

Fu Manchu moustache - No moustache type screams 'evil mastermind' quite like the Fu Manchu, its name borrowed from the villain (hero?) of British writer Sax Rohmer’s series of novels. It is an evil version of horseshoe with delicate fronds and coming down on either side of chin till the jawline.

Dallas moustache - With its hint of cowboy, the Dallas has long been one of the most confidently masculine trimmed moustache styles. Just be sure to shampoo and trim it regularly, to make sure you don’t end up smelling like a cowboy, too.  This is best for square faces. Embrace that strong jaw with a strong moustache.

Pyramid moustache - This sophisticated moustache is characterised by a wide base that slightly narrows as it reaches the nose. When it's done right – and rest assured that this isn't one of the more challenging short moustache styles to grow – the pyramid moustache will look good on almost any face shape, its borders easily maintained with a stubble or precision trimmer.

Frank Zappa moustache – This is one-off type as Frank Zappa himself, combining a wide soul patch or mid lower lip hair patch with a full moustache growing slightly past the corners of the mouth. As a rule of thumb, the fuller your Zappa moustache is, the better – although unlike some other moustache styles, it isn't too high-maintenance either. A bit of stubble will complement it nicely. This is for oblong faces, or those seeking more definition.

The Walrus Moustache - In many ways, The Walrus is just a beefed up version of The Classic. It’s a style that favored by Wild West outlaws (and the actors who play them) because it requires very little maintenance compared to some of the other styles in this article. Maybe that's why Hollywood icon Sam Elliott is such a big fan. If you’re brave enough to sport The Walrus, then you need to grow out the hair above your lip for a good two months. Don’t worry too much about being precise, as this is all about looking a bit rough and ready. The growth should hang well over the top lip, and all you need is a brush and scissors to keep it in shape. Just make sure you grow out the sides and wash it daily.

 Military moustache - Also known as the ’cop stache’ in some quarters, the military moustache – with its top curved edges and lower edge that doesn’t grow over the lip – really does command instant attention and respect. It is best for square faces with well-defined jaw lines are well complemented by this strong moustache.

The Toothbrush moustache - A small toothbrush size moustache saddling  the middle third of the upper lip and no more. This was immortalized by Charlie Chaplin and it gained its notoriety under the nose of Adolf Hitler.

Then we have some moustache and beard combo that too are very popular: like Moustache with stubble, Moustache and Goatee, Gunslinger beard,  the royale beard, and the anchor beard.

 

Aren’t these different types of moustache styles game-changers? So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring out your charming and unique personality with these Indian moustache styles. Trimming a moustache can be challenging, but it will be a lot easier if you’ve got the right tools for the job. It is mandatory to keep the moustache clean and well-trimmed. A little research on a variety of products such as wax and oils will go a long way. Grooming is essential. It is often seen that men who sport one are often drawn to touching it frequently. Try to control this habit. Remember, with a great moustache comes great responsibility. Stay groomed, stay stylish.

HAS WORRY EVER SOLVED PROBLEMS?

 

 The mind can often be a breeding ground for anxious thoughts that refuse to fade with the setting sun. As the world quiets down at night, and the day's distractions dissipate, our minds often become consumed with worries and fears that seem to amplify in the darkness. This worry can take many forms, from anxieties about incomplete duties to fears about the future, robbing us of the peace we crave before falling asleep.

This is an unending collage of problems and difficulties, but very unique to every individual. Yes, there are some common patterns of worry – health, money, career, relationships, and so on, but those who are prone to worry effortlessly jump from one problem to another, needless to say, without solving either. In fact, worrying is a passive activity; problem-solving is active. Worrying is repetitively thinking about all the things that could go wrong; problem-solving focuses on what you can do to make things right. Repetitive worry is unproductive; problem-solving is productive (“Let's get started”)

It's important to remember that not all problems are solvable, but worrying about them is never a solution. Instead, we should focus on taking action where we can and finding ways to manage our emotions when we cannot. Worry makes you feel as if the worst is already happening as our brains don't always distinguish between imagination and reality. You may feel safer when you're worrying, but it's just an illusion. Focusing on worst-case scenarios will only keep you from enjoying the good things you have in the present. To stop worrying, you need to learn how to embrace the uncertainty that we all face in life.

So what do we usually worry about?

Worrying does not prevent bad things from happening. Conversely, you can see how you can easily get caught in a self-fulfilling prophecy: what we believe influences how we act, and how we act can reinforce what we believe. Let us analyze a few common worries that we often encounter and what can we do about them:

1. "There's so much I need to do."

 This type of anxious thought often stems from feeling overwhelmed by the tasks and responsibilities awaiting us. The seemingly endless to-do list can loom large in our minds and make it difficult to relax. To combat this, consider using time management tactics like prioritizing those tasks, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps, and setting realistic deadlines. I have a policy of 3Ds – Delete, Delegate and Do. So, most of the stuff people suggest that I should be doing, I analyze them and if I don’t like them, I dump them. Of the remaining things in my ‘To do’ list, quite a few do not need my personal attention, so I delegate them to others. That leaves me with just a handful of important things to do personally. Creating a planned strategy can help you feel less chaotic and more in control of your duties. Furthermore, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness meditation before bed can help calm the mind and promote a more restful sleep.

2. "Do I have enough money?"

Financial issues are perhaps the most common cause of anxiety for many people. According to financial therapists, uncertainty about money is a major factor in daytime anxiety and evening restlessness. Concerns about bills, expenses, or future financial security could trigger anxiety and cause sleep disruptions. To tackle this type of anxious thought, start by gaining a clear understanding of your financial situation. Create a budget to keep track of your income and expenses, find areas where you may cut back or save, and consider ways to increase your income if necessary. Saving for a rainy day with an eye on inflation and another on unexpected emergencies is always wise and desirable.

3. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

During the night, many individuals find themselves lying in bed, replaying the events of the day in their minds. This introspective activity often involves dwelling on past interactions, such as disagreements with a spouse or some unpleasant conversations with loved ones. Instead of becoming consumed by these reflections, it's important to pivot towards proactive thinking about the future. Take the opportunity to glean insights from these experiences and mentally outline strategies for resolving any concerns the next day. Once you've taken these steps, acknowledge that you've done all you can for the day. Inter-personal altercations are best ironed out after the dust has settled.

4. “I should have said that.”

Meanwhile, others might find themselves preoccupied with the words left unsaid in the events of the day. Perhaps you experienced a moment of social hesitation or found yourself tongue-tied during a disagreement, with the words you wished to express now swirling in your mind. However, dwelling on these missed opportunities will only hinder your ability to move forward and find peace in sleep. Instead, consider voicing those unspoken thoughts as you lie in bed. Speaking aloud can serve as a therapeutic exercise, and improve your ability to articulate yourself confidently in future situations. Not uttering something unpleasant, that could add fuel to the fire of disagreement, is a wise decision. Congratulate yourself for showing maturity.

5. "I can't seem to turn off my racing mind."

Many of us experience a condition known as "racing thoughts", where our minds appear to be on overdrive, rehashing conversations, reliving past events, or worrying about the future. This constant mental chatter can make it challenging to quiet the mind and drift off to sleep. To deal with this, try mindfulness meditation or guided imagery exercises to help you shift your focus away from distracting ideas and toward the present moment. Concentrate on your breath as it travels in and out of your body, or imagine yourself in a calm, serene environment. Creating a relaxing sleep routine that signals to your body and mind that it's time to unwind can also help. Whether its sipping herbal tea, dimming the lights, or listening to soothing music, find what works for you and incorporate it into your evening routine.

6. "What if something bad happens to me?"

This anxious thought often revolves around the fear of potential harm or disaster striking while you're vulnerable and alone in the dark. It may stem from anxieties about accidents, health issues, or other unforeseen events that endanger your safety or well-being. To manage this anxiety, start by acknowledging your fear without judgment. Remind yourself that it is natural to be concerned about your safety, but obsessing on worst-case scenarios simply heightens anxiety. Take a moment to consider your strengths. What special traits have helped you overcome hurdles on your journey? Recall instances in your past where you displayed perseverance and problem-solving abilities in the face of uncertainty.

7. “I’ll have a horrible day tomorrow”

But, why can’t it be a wonderful day? You have a choice of either being a victim of circumstances or a creator of circumstances, and only you can make that choice. Often, just thinking about our inability to fall asleep can be enough to keep us awake at night. Thoughts about the potential consequences of sleep deprivation the following day, in the morning lecture or operating room can heighten this sense of anxiety. Fortunately, there are several techniques for breaking this cycle of stress. Listening to guided meditations, soothing sleep tales, or calming ambient sounds such as ocean waves, can help. Music is a great mood soother. These strategies provide the mind with new focal points, steering it away from anxious thoughts and toward relaxation.

8. "Am I doing the right things in my life?"

When daily responsibilities and tasks consume your attention, nighttime can become a breeding ground for deeper existential ponderings. These contemplations typically revolve around the larger issue of life's direction. Take time throughout your day to investigate these ideas calmly and systematically to keep your sleep free from the intrusions of such anxieties. I could have been a radio news reader or a television news anchor if I did not choose to become a plastic surgeon. Is there any reason to go back in my thoughts and ponder how peaceful my life would have been or how famous I would have been if I dad jumped into the other available boat?

 
Is worrying ever helpful?

I will never say that worry never helps. Although worry has its benefits, it needs to be kept in check. If people worry about skin cancer, they will use sunscreen and sun protection. If your child is out and it's after their curfew, it might be useful to worry about them a bit! It could prompt you to call your child, be sure they are safe, and ask them to come home. Worry lowers expectations about future outcomes, leading to better emotional states when things go better than expected.

Short-term worry can be productive if it helps you plan and solve problems. Worry can also be helpful if it leads to new perspectives on the problem. Planning is the middle name of a plastic surgeon. He/she does the surgery ten times in his/her mind, before executing it on the patient, and he/she already has a clear picture of the final result in mind. This is constructive rumination. Helpful worries tend to be goal-oriented, solution focused, and often start with “How”

 

STREET FOODS AROUND THE WORLD

 

 

Some months back I wrote about Comfort food the world loves. If you have missed it then you can read it now bu clicking this hyperlink:

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2023/12/comfort-food-for-hungry-travellers.html

Almost a decade ago I wrote a blog on street foods – From a Street Food Junkie. Please click the hyperlink to refresh your memory:

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2015/10/from-street-food-junkie.html

One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying out all the local foods. I look forward to sampling the local cuisine and local restaurants while trying all the flavorsome street food. Although many dishes are brought to other countries, there’s nothing better than getting a genuine dish in its home territory. Here is a list of the best street food delicacies to try when you go traveling. 

Dürüm in Istanbul

This Turkish dish features a wrap made from flatbread, grilled crispy and filled with meat cooked on a vertical spit. Sometimes you will find vendors who offer chicken, beef or veal, but lamb is the typical filling. The wrap is topped with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lettuce, herb yogurt, and hot sauce. This dish is also highly popular in Germany, but Istanbul is the ideal city to experience this tasty treat.  

Taco al Pastor in Mexico City

This is a true marriage of two food cultures: Lebanese immigrants introduced the tradition of split roasting meats and the tender meat began being served on the local Mexican tortilla. Typically the meat, usually pork, is marinated in dried chilies, spices, and pineapple. The tortillas are served with onions and cilantro and topped with salsa or lime juice.  

Egg Waffle in Hong Kong

Called gai daan jai in Cantonese, this popular Hong Kong invented dish first appeared on the streets in the 1950s. An eggy batter is cooked between two metal plates of semi-spherical cells over a flame, giving the snack its unique form. Egg waffle is best enjoyed hot off the griddle and plain, although some vendors do add chocolate or fruit and mix the batter with green tea or ginger flavoring.  

Supplì in Rome

This finger food is native to Rome and is named after the Italian word for 'surprise', because of the unexpected mozzarella filled center. This Italian deep-fried rice ball is combined with ragù, ground beef, and tomatoes. Older recipes used to use chicken giblets. This popular city croquette can also be found in pizza parlors and grocery stores, where it is served as an antipasto.  

Bhel Puri in Mumbai

In India, a street snack is known as as chaat and while Bhel Puri is found all over the vast country, this dish is best tasted in Mumbai. The recipe includes a mix of puffed rice, vegetable, spices, chutneys, and semi-fried, vermicelli-like noodles. This flavorsome dish tastes sweet, salty, tangy and spicy all at the same time.  

Currywurst in Berlin

It's hard to believe that this iconic German dish was only invented in 1949. 800 million currywursts are consumed annually across Germany and the dish is particularly popular in Hamburg and Berlin. This hearty street food features a steamed-then-fried pork sausage with ketchup and curry, served with bread or french fries.  

Arepas in Bogotá

This popular flatbread is made from maize or flour and can be grilled, baked or fried. In neighboring Venezuela, the bread is used for sandwiches, while in Colombia arepas are topped with butter, cheese, eggs, condensed milk, chorizo, or hogao, an onion sauce. If you want to feel like a local Bogotano, eat a plain arepa with a cup of hot chocolate for breakfast.  

Ceviche in Lima

This fresh seafood appetizer is Peru's national dish. Peruvian's even hold a holiday in its honor. The recipe consists of chunks of raw sea bass, or sole, marinated in lemon juice and topped with onions and chili peppers. This dish is best served as soon as it’s prepared. It is commonly served with sweet potato, lettuce, corn or avocado. 

 

Hokkien Mee in Singapore

Among Singapore's vibrant street food culture, Hokkien Mee stands out as a winner. This dish was created by Chinese sailors from Fujian Province after the Second World War. The rice and egg noodle dish is stir-fried with pork, egg, shrimp, squid, garlic, bean sprouts and soy sauce and is often garnished with lime and chili sauce. In the past pieces of lard were drizzled on the top, but this tradition was abandoned for health reasons.  

Falafel in Tel Aviv

This delicious street food is Israel's unofficial national dish. The origins of this food remain unknown and many neighboring nations claim it as theirs too, this dish is best enjoyed in Israel. The locals enjoy the deep-fried chickpea balls served in a pita, topped with salad, pickled vegetables, tahini, hummus, and hot sauce. 

   

Crêpes in Paris

This much-loved street dish is an iconic Parisian scene. Head to Montparnasse, an area overflowing with crêpe stands. During dinner and lunch, you can enjoy a savory crêpe, typically made with buckwheat flour and filled with ham and cheese. Other savory versions include vegetables, eggs, and other meats. For dessert or breakfast, sweet crêpes are served, made with wheat flour and sugar. The sweeter crêpes are filled with fruit preserves, custards or even Nutella.  

Tagine in Marrakesh

This Berber stew is named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in. The dish is slowly cooked over hot coals for hours and enjoys many variations. It usually features lamb, beef or chicken, vegetables and plenty of spices and herbs. Many locals add fruit and nuts and it is served with couscous or bread. You can find this dish offered in fine Moroccan restaurants, but it's best enjoyed served in a simple setting.  

Espetinho in Rio de Janeiro

These "little skewers", cooked over small charcoal grills, are found all over Brazil. Popular meats are spiced beef and chicken, but anything can be put on the skewer such as sausages, shrimp, cubes of fish or queijo coalho, a non-melting cheese. Vendors often serve the skewers with hot sauce and farinha, a crunchy flour that can be sprinkled on the meat.  

Jerk Chicken in Jamaica

Well known outside of the Caribbean, jerk chicken is best on its home island. While the marinating jerk sauce is easy to replicate, the real secret is in its grilling. The Jamaicans grill the chicken over charcoal, for a unique smoky flavor. The meat is also cooked directly on top of fresh green wood logs, so that it absorbs the woody oils and fragrances, adding to the aromatic flavor.  

Halo-Halo in the Philippines

This dessert sounds wacky when you look at the ingredients, but locals are mad for this sundae. Shaved ice and evaporated milk are the base of this dessert, but you also might find a mix of kidney beans, chickpeas, sugar palm fruit, coconut, caramelized plantains, jackfruit, tapioca, sweet potato, crushed rice, flan and ice cream in this surprising dish.