A dish that can be made as simple or as complicated as you wish. Everyone has their own secret special touch to add to it when they make it. I, for instance, add a dash of butter (Utterly Butterly Delicious Amul!) and some tomato sauce (again Maggi sauce:)). My brother meticulously adds all sorts of vegetables like carrots, onions, peas, tomatoes. And I still tease my husband when he insists on draining the water out of Maggi before having it-I show him the instructions on the pack which specifically mention that the water is not to be drained out.
Many brands entered the noodles market in recent years like Top Ramen or Wai-Wai(!) and Maggi came up with many variations like 'atta' noodles but some people like my bro-in-law still prefer good old Maggi Masala. To confess, though I fight for Top Ramen Oye(!) Tomato when we shop, I still dont really mind Maggi Masala.
Then, there's the Maggi Club. My brother and I have fond childhood memories of playing all the board games that we used to trade for using empty Maggi packets. We used to debate the pros and cons of each game before choosing and ordering for one from a list that used to frequently change so as to not let the excitement die. I would still love to sit down for a game or two when I visit my parents nowadays. In keeping with the times, their website, http://www.maggiclub.com is definitely worth a visit though you cant register if you were born before 1985:(
Exceptions apart, Maggi is a universal favourite for adding a little bit of cheer to a long, dull day. In its simplest form, it is quick and easy to make and that definitely is its USP over the other wholesome and reasonably tasty dishes which would require more time and effort.
So, Hats off to the modest/stylish, tasty/bland, seemingly innocuous/exciting, in short, confusing but memorable dish called Maggi that is part of not only the childhood but also other phases of life of every Indian.