Sadeko WaiWai, A Taste of Childhood
Some recipes aren't really about cooking. They're about the people you made them with, the ingredients you gathered, and the excitement of eating something you prepared yourself. Sadeko WaiWai is one of those recipes for me: simple, quick, and full of childhood memories.
Ingredients
- 1 packet WaiWai instant noodles
- A small amount of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small tomato, thinly sliced or diced
- ¼–½ cup cooked or soaked kala chana (black chickpeas), drained
- A handful of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Lime juice, to taste
- WaiWai seasoning packet, to taste
- Chili powder, to taste
- 1 small serrano pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Sesame seed powder (optional)
- Lapsi powder (optional)
- Sichuan pepper powder (optional)
My version
I keep this version simple and build the flavor with whatever I have available. Onion and tomato add freshness, lime provides tanginess, and cilantro brings everything together. Kala chana makes the snack more filling and adds plant-based protein.
For a more traditional flavor, I like the idea of adding sesame seed powder, lapsi powder, and Sichuan pepper. A little serrano pepper or extra chili powder is perfect when I'm in the mood for something spicy.
I use the WaiWai seasoning packet, but I adjust how much I add because the noodles and seasoning can already be quite salty.
[ Not my photo, have not made this sometime because it is not fun to eat alone!!]
Method
- Prepare the noodles: Open the WaiWai packet and empty the noodles into a large bowl or plate. Break them into smaller pieces if desired.
- Chop the vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Finely chop the cilantro and, if using, slice the serrano pepper.
- Add the chickpeas: Add the drained kala chana to the noodles.
- Season: Sprinkle in the WaiWai seasoning and chili powder. Add sesame seed powder, lapsi powder, and Sichuan pepper if available.
- Add freshness: Squeeze in lime juice and add the chopped cilantro.
- Mix everything: Toss thoroughly until the seasoning, vegetables, and lime are evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust: Add more lime or chili if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture.
What I remember
This takes me straight back to childhood days with my cousins. I remember rushing out to our garden to find cilantro, cleaning the vegetables, gathering the utensils, and then waiting patiently for everything to come together.
It was never just about the noodles. It was the little adventure of preparing them together, the anticipation, and the simple happiness of eating something we'd made ourselves. Even now, making sadeko WaiWai brings a little piece of those days back.