When I first moved to Austin from Mumbai, I was determined to embrace all things Texan—barbecue, tacos, and a steady stream of margaritas. But there was one thing I couldn’t quite shake: the weird, almost embarrassing food combinations I grew up with. You know the ones. The ones that, in hindsight, make no sense at all, but as kids, we just accepted as part of our culinary world. I’m talking about those guilty pleasures—food sins, if you will—that we devoured without hesitation and still secretly love, even if we never speak about them in public.
Now, living in Texas, I’ve come to realize that what I thought were strange food habits might not be so strange after all. The more I think about it, the more I realize that we all have those culinary quirks—the ones that bring comfort, nostalgia, and a bit of shame. But hey, life’s too short to feel guilty about it, right? So let’s dive into some of those quirky, offbeat combos that are secretly treasured in the Indian culinary world, starting with my personal favorite: ketchup on dosa.
Ketchup on Dosa: A Crime Against Tradition? Or Pure Genius?
For many, the dosa is sacred—crispy, golden, and typically served with a side of coconut chutney or sambar. But as a child, I remember the rebellious thrill of dipping a dosa into ketchup. Yes, ketchup. The tangy, sweet, red sauce that, in most households, was reserved for French fries and the occasional sandwich. But somehow, it just worked. The crispy, buttery dosa combined with the sharpness of ketchup felt like a love affair between two worlds—the world of Indian street food and the world of Western fast food.
In retrospect, I know it was probably a food crime. But back then, it was a guilty pleasure I shared with my cousins, each of us trying to act casual as we dipped the dosa into the ketchup when no one was looking. I don’t know if it was the sweetness, the acidity, or just the thrill of breaking the rules, but there’s something about that combination that’s stuck with me. And let’s be honest: when no one’s around to judge, ketchup on dosa is an unspoken comfort. Still, I have yet to mention it to anyone back in India—some things are better left unsaid.
Maggi with Curd: A Taste of Childhood Guilt
Now, Maggi noodles need no introduction. The instant noodle that has sustained generations of college students, young professionals, and parents trying to get dinner on the table in under 10 minutes. But here’s the weird part: have you ever tried Maggi with curd (yogurt)? Yes, you read that right—yogurt. And I’m not talking about a delicate drizzle of yogurt as a garnish; I mean mixing it in, blending that tangy creaminess with the savory noodles. This isn’t just a quirky food habit; it’s a full-on guilty pleasure.
As a kid, I could never quite explain why this combination worked. It was something that happened in the kitchen after school, when I was tired, hungry, and craving something familiar. Maggi was the base, but curd was the secret weapon—adding that cooling element to balance out the spice and salt of the noodles. I didn’t tell anyone about it, of course. It was one of those things you only made when no one was around to comment on your culinary “choices.” Even now, in my grown-up years, I’ll still sneak in a bowl of Maggi with curd when I need a taste of home. It’s one of those comfort foods that, despite its odd pairing, makes perfect sense in the context of childhood nostalgia.
Roti with Sugar: The Sweet Indulgence No One Talks About
If there’s one thing that unites all Indian homes, it’s the humble roti. It’s the flatbread that accompanies every meal, from dal to sabzi. But, for me, the roti that comes fresh off the tawa, warm and soft, is the perfect vehicle for a little indulgence. Now, I’m not talking about dipping it in ghee or enjoying it with pickle. I’m talking about taking that freshly made roti and sprinkling a little sugar on top. Yes, sugar.
As a child, I thought it was the best snack in the world—simple, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of food that’s so basic, yet so comforting. The sweetness of the sugar melts into the softness of the roti, creating this warm, sugary treat that I would sneak into the kitchen for, usually after a long day at school. Even now, the thought of roti with sugar takes me back to those quiet moments in my childhood kitchen. Is it odd? Yes. Is it delicious? Absolutely. And do I secretly still love it? Without a doubt.
The Comfort of Food Sins
As much as we all try to embrace the traditional, authentic aspects of Indian cuisine, there’s something beautifully rebellious about the way food evolves in every household. These food sins—the unexpected combos, the guilty pleasures—are often born out of necessity, boredom, or simply the curiosity of trying something new. And while we might never admit to them in public, they are the comfort foods we turn to when we need a little indulgence, a taste of childhood, or a dose of nostalgia.
For me, these food experiments were part of the joy of growing up in a house where cooking wasn’t always about perfection. It was about enjoyment, discovery, and embracing the joy of food without judgment. And as much as I love the traditional dishes—sambar, biryani, or a hearty paneer butter masala—there’s always a special place in my heart for those moments of indulgence, where the weird stuff we ate growing up is exactly what makes me feel most at home.
Embrace the Weirdness
So, here’s my confession: I still love ketchup on dosa, Maggi with curd, and roti with sugar. These quirky, offbeat combinations might never win awards for culinary excellence, but they represent something deeper: the freedom to experiment, to be creative, and to find comfort in the unexpected. So, the next time you find yourself craving something strange, don’t be afraid to indulge. Because sometimes, it’s those weird food habits—the ones we grew up with—that truly nourish us. And if anyone asks, just tell them: “I’m embracing my food sins. One bite at a time.”
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.
