What Grandma Meant When She Said, “Too Much Jeera Turns Love Bitter”
Growing up in Mumbai, I learned many things from my grandmother. Some were practical, like how to fold a perfect…
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When the Moon Was Fed Kheer: Folklore in Festival Foods
Growing up in Mumbai, the smell of kheer (sweet rice pudding) wafting through the house was never just about dessert—it…
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Halwa in Heaven: What Afterlife Food Looks Like in Indian Stories
As a child, I would often hear stories from my grandmother about the afterlife. These weren’t your usual tales about…
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The Fasting Queens of TV Serials: Love, Sacrifice, and the Perfect Sargi
Growing up in Mumbai, there was one thing you could always count on: the drama unfolding on the TV screen…
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Bollywood’s Biryani: From Mughal-e-Azam to Masala Modernism
Biryani is not just a dish. It’s an experience, a celebration of flavor, a journey across time and culture. Growing…
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What the Witch in the Forest Was Cooking (and Why We Wanted It)
As kids, we’re often told stories of magical lands, mysterious figures, and foods that have the power to change our…
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The Curse of Spilled Rice: Kitchen Superstitions and Their Origins
Growing up in Mumbai, the kitchen wasn’t just where meals were made—it was a place of reverence, rituals, and, believe…
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Why the Gods Always Eat First: Food in Hindu Mythology
As I sit in my Austin kitchen, preparing yet another dinner, I can’t help but think back to the food…
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The Dish You Always Eat While Watching TV (and Don’t Admit To)
We’ve all been there—after a long day of work, the couch calls to us. It’s time to unwind, relax, and,…
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Cleaning the Kitchen After Dinner: Chore or Mini Ritual?
For years, cleaning the kitchen after dinner has been one of those tasks I didn’t think too much about. It…