We’ve all been there—after a long day of work, the couch calls to us. It’s time to unwind, relax, and, of course, indulge in some mindless television. But here’s the real confession: what are you snacking on? Whatever it is, chances are you aren’t telling anyone about it. It’s that food you turn to when you don’t want to cook, but need something satisfying while binge-watching your favorite show. The unspoken snack, the comfort food, the one dish you *always* eat while watching TV but don’t admit to. For me, it’s a bowl of masala maggi. And I’ll be honest, it’s become a guilty pleasure that I turn to, especially on those lazy nights when I just don’t have the energy to do anything more than open a packet and boil some water.
Growing up in Mumbai, food and television always went hand in hand. Maybe it was the late-night movies or weekend cricket matches, but food wasn’t just about sustenance—it was an experience, a social event. But somehow, over time, that “just eat dinner and get on with life” turned into a more complex relationship with food. And with the convenience of instant noodles, there came the unspoken truth: you don’t always need a full meal to feel complete. Sometimes, all you need is something warm, spicy, and ridiculously comforting to make your evening feel just right.
Masala Maggi: The Ultimate Comfort Food
For those of you unfamiliar with this iconic dish, let me explain. Maggi is a staple in India—cheap, quick, and delicious. It’s been around for decades and is probably the most universally loved snack across the country. But the magic happens when you add your own twist. A sprinkle of masala, a dash of chili powder, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime. Suddenly, Maggi becomes more than just noodles in a packet; it becomes an experience. The hot, spicy broth, the slurp of the noodles, and the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve created something delicious in under 10 minutes. What’s not to love?
But here’s the thing: Maggi is the dish I *don’t* tell people I eat regularly, especially not in front of guests. It’s my little secret. It’s like admitting you have a favorite junk food that you’ve been hiding from your friends, even though they’ve known about it for years. Why? Because it’s just… too easy. It feels like cheating. But that’s the allure of it, right? It’s the perfect food for those moments when you’re too tired to make something elaborate but still need something warm and comforting. Plus, it pairs *perfectly* with a good show, as the spicy, noodly goodness keeps you company while you tune out the world.
Food as an Anchor for Our Daily Rhythms
Food has a way of weaving itself into our routines in a way we don’t often notice. There’s the morning chai, the midday lunch break, and then, for some of us, the evening snack. But it’s not always about the full meal. Sometimes, it’s those smaller, quieter moments of food that mean the most. And for me, those moments often come in the form of a bowl of Maggi. It’s not fancy. It’s not gourmet. But it’s the comfort of knowing exactly what you’re getting—no surprises, no effort, just the same bowl of satisfaction that you’ve enjoyed since childhood.
And it’s not just Maggi. It’s the handful of sev that you munch on between episodes, or the chivda you nibble on as you finish a particularly intense episode. These little snacks, these small comforts, become part of the rhythm of your day. They’re the unsung heroes that anchor you when everything else is moving too fast. The simple, humble food that, for a brief moment, makes the world feel more manageable.
When Food Becomes the Soundtrack to Our Lives
For me, food has always been more than just a necessity. It’s a soundtrack to my life. The sizzle of onions in a hot pan, the bubbling sound of dal simmering, and of course, the sound of boiling water before the Maggi packet hits the pot. Each of these sounds carries with it a certain comfort, a familiarity that ties my daily routine together. Much like the opening notes of a favorite song, these food sounds create a rhythm in my life, grounding me in the everyday.
And the beauty of these foods—Maggi, chips, chivda, and other snacks—is that they’re the perfect soundtrack for moments of relaxation. They don’t demand your full attention. They are, for lack of a better word, the “background” food of life. You don’t need to savor them in the same way you might a home-cooked meal with family. They exist to fill a different need: to give you a pause, to give you a break, and to be there for you when you just need something comforting without the effort.
The Global Appeal of Instant Gratification
Part of why foods like Maggi and instant noodles are so beloved is their simplicity. They represent a global trend toward food that provides instant gratification without the complexity of preparation. In a world where everyone is running on deadlines, where time feels scarce, it’s no surprise that easy-to-make meals have become a staple for many. But in India, Maggi has also become a kind of cultural touchstone—whether it’s a late-night snack after a long study session or a quick fix after a busy day, Maggi has been there. And let’s not forget the endless variations: some add eggs, some add vegetables, some top it with cheese. The possibilities are endless, but the feeling of satisfaction remains the same.
It’s funny how food that’s so simple can become a part of our cultural identity. Maggi, in its own way, tells the story of a generation that came up with quick fixes to match their ever-busy lives. It’s not just about the food itself; it’s about what it represents: convenience, comfort, and that special time we carve out for ourselves after a long day.
The Quiet Joy of the Unadmitted Snack
So, why don’t we admit to it? Why don’t we freely proclaim that we eat Maggi while watching TV? Maybe it’s because, like any guilty pleasure, we feel a need to justify it, to make it sound less indulgent. But the truth is, these quiet snacks—Maggi, chips, and everything in between—are part of the tapestry of our daily lives. They anchor us, provide comfort, and offer us a small moment of indulgence when everything else is moving too fast.
Next time you find yourself sneaking a bowl of Maggi or indulging in some chivda during your favorite TV show, don’t feel guilty. Embrace it. Because in this fast-paced world, the simple act of eating something familiar, something comforting, is more than just a snack. It’s a moment of peace, of slowing down, and of reconnecting with the rhythm of life. And honestly, who doesn’t need more of that?
Born in Mumbai, now stir-frying feelings in Texas. Writes about food, memory, and the messy magic in between — mostly to stay hungry, sometimes just to stay sane.
Born in Mumbai, now stir-frying feelings in Texas. Writes about food, memory, and the messy magic in between — mostly to stay hungry, sometimes just to stay sane.
