When several Newari dishes symbolizing fortune, health, longevity, and prosperity comes as one colourful platter, it is called Samay Baji. A small hill of baji (beaten rice) and samay (puffed rice) at the centre of a plate is topped with mari (lentil patty); it is then surrounded by portions of Bhatmas (fried soybeans), Aduwa (julienned ginger), Choila (broiled and marinated meat), Machha (dried fish), Anda (boiled egg), Bodi (blackeye peas), Achaar (Nepali salad) and Saag (Greens); and on the side is ailaa – a local Newari liquor.
Samay Baji is always prepared for festivals or family celebrations. The platter is first offered to God for the blessings, it is then served to the mortals to eat. This Newari cuisine can be a lunch set, a dinner set or a starter to Bhoj/Bhoya, a feast.
