'Namkeen' (num keen) is the name for spicy, salty Indian snacks. Every evening
it is customory for the family to get together and have 'chai' (tea) or coffee
along with sweets and savories. There are many kinds of namkeen and they are
differentiated mostly by the ingredients in them. This is a photo of Navrathan
namkeen (navrathan = nine ingredients). If you visit an Indian home you will be
offered different namkeens in little dishes and trays and this is usually passed
around so you taste them all. You are expected to take a little in the spoon, pour
it into your napkin and pass the dish around.