Polling brings prosperous day for Shopian ‘Masala Tchot Seller’

Shopian, Sept 18: A street food vendor in South Kashmir’s Shopian district, Mohammad Iqbal Baba, experienced an unexpectedly profitable day during polling on Wednesday, thanks to his popular Masala Tchot.
Hailing from Rai Kapran, Baba is a seasoned seller of the Kashmiri delicacy, usually stationed at a different location selling each piece for Rs 20.
With most shops in the major markets closed due to polling, Baba set up his stall near a polling booth in Pinjoora early in the morning.
Determined not to miss a day’s work, he woke up as early as 4:00 a.m. to prepare for the day.
“My hard work paid off,” Baba told Rising Kashmir, sharing how his Masala Tchot was in high demand among voters, onlookers, children, and security personnel.
“Usually, I sell 140 pieces in a day, but by the afternoon, I had sold 150,” he said, expecting to sell out all 200 pieces by evening.
Pinjoora has around 3000 votes and the polling station was abuzz with festival like activity which boosted Baba’s Masala Tchot sales.
The Masala Tchot, a beloved Kashmiri snack made with boiled dried white peas, radish chutney, and wrapped in Lavasa bread, continues to delight locals and tourists alike.
For Baba, selling out all his pieces meant more than just a busy day—it was a sign of success.
“When I finish selling all pieces, it will be my day,” he added.