Foreigner Rates Indian Paan 7/10, Gets Schooled By Desis: ‘You Don't Bite It'

News18

6 hours ago

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A model tried the popular Indian mouth freshener, Paan, for the first time and was instantly surprised by its strong flavour and large size.
People from Western countries often find Indian food fascinating and flavorful, and their first-time reactions often go viral online. Recently, American model Rachel Pizzolato tried a popular Indian mouth freshener, paan, for the first time, and shared her experience in a now-viral video.
Rachel was visibly surprised by the strong flavour and large size of the paan. 'It tastes like a cherry drink," she remarked, as those around her nodded in agreement. However, she admitted she couldn't finish the whole thing on her own. 'I'm not eating the whole thing, can't do it," she said, rating it a 7 out of 10.
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, 'It's our mouth freshener and also very good for digestion."
Another shared, 'Mistake most people trying pan first time do like this lady is taking a small bite. It has to be eaten as a whole. Different parts of it have different flavours."
'You are not alone. I am Indian, and I still can't eat Paan. Not for me," a comment read.
An individual stated, 'You don't bite it. You have to put the whole of the paan in one go in your mouth and chew it. Then only you will get the full flavour."
One more added, '7 out of 10, huh, it's because it was in foil, which I'm guessing pre-made. You need to have the real deal made fresh in front of you, and with all the mixing, then you'll understand."
Paan is a traditional Indian snack made with betel leaves, typically served after meals for its refreshing and digestive qualities. The leaf is filled with a variety of ingredients such as candied fruits, raisins, cardamom, saffron, roasted coconut, and sometimes even a delicate layer of edible silver. Once folded into a neat parcel, it's chewed slowly to release a burst of sweet, aromatic flavours. While paan can vary by region, it remains a beloved treat across India for its rich taste and cultural significance.