A humorous, nostalgic take on Bengal’s iconic bitter dish, shukto, this piece turns a simple recipe into a dramatic rant. The writer personifies the vegetables, mocks the bittersweet flavours, and reflects on childhood torture turning into adult comfort, celebrating how this quirky dish mirrors the contradictions of Bengali life.
After Delhi’s first showers, a fresh samosa and a tangy chutney fall into their familiar, playful banter at Sharmaji’s tea stall. Though different in texture and temperament, they realise they’re incomplete without each other. Briefly united on every plate, they create magic—an eternal, irresistible pairing savoured in countless memories.
At a bustling wedding feast, Chutney and Papad lament being placed last, doubting their importance. Through banter, reassurance, and a mischievous act of revenge, they rediscover their value. When guests return to them for relief and flavour, the duo proudly embraces their irreplaceable role as the perfect, inseparable pair.
A charming love story unfolds in a café where proud Coffee and tender Croissant share a subtle romance. Their bond falters when flashy Donut wins Coffee’s attention, leaving Croissant heartbroken. But when a customer seeks warmth and comfort, Coffee and Croissant reunite, realizing true connection lies in quiet companionship, not glitter.
A thought-provoking reflection on modern food trends and the subtle ways marketing shapes our idea of healthy living, urging readers to look beyond labels and think more deeply about what truly nourishes them.
Tracing the roots of a forgotten Anglo-Indian classic, this piece uncovers the fascinating story behind the Dak Bungalow Curry – a dish born in colonial rest houses and sustained by creativity and necessity. It explores how this humble curry evolved into a timeless reminder of India’s layered culinary and cultural heritage.
A hilarious ode to the delightful pandemonium of Indian breakfast buffets, this piece captures the chaos, charm, and unspoken social dynamics that unfold between the dosa counter and paratha queue. Equal parts relatable and witty, it celebrates the art of over-serving, over-negotiating, and thoroughly enjoying the most chaotic meal of the day.
In a Kolkata tea shop, Tea Leaves, Water, and Milk simmer in a love triangle of strength, clarity, and frothy indulgence. Their tensions, confrontations, and realizations reveal that true harmony lies not in perfection but in balance. This whimsical chai story celebrates love, acceptance, and the art of blending.
The Goalondo Steamer Fowl Curry, born in late 19th-century Bengal on steamers from Calcutta to Dhaka, reflects history, travel, and rustic ingenuity. Cooked by boatmen with simple ingredients like mustard oil, red chilies, and country chicken, it remains a fiery, soulful dish—preserved in memories, literature, and select kitchens even today.
A childhood friendship introduced the author to Indo-Chinese cuisine, sparking a lifelong romance with food. From chicken soup and chilli chicken to college street food and global flavors, each phase of life was marked by meals and memories. Food became her love language, weaving friendships, romance, family, and evolving tastes together.
