A Journey Through Cooking: Sharing Delicious Experiences Across Cultures

For over three decades, cooking has been a wonderful journey that has brought me closer to various cultures and allowed me to share delicious, meaningful experiences with others. My love for cooking and experimenting with different flavors has not only helped me understand diverse cultures but also enriched my own appreciation for the heartwarming bond we share with food.

Personal Cooking Stories

One unforgettable experience comes from a time when my husband's colleague, Jaspal ji, was admitted to a hospital in Klang, Malaysia, following a serious accident. Since his family was in India, we visited him frequently to provide comfort and support. Recognizing the importance of familiar tastes during a difficult time, I would prepare simple home-cooked meals like Dal, khichadi, sabji, roti, and especially his favorite, halwa. Though it was over 19 years ago, Jaspal ji never fails to mention these comforting dishes when we catch up, highlighting the profound impact of these shared meals.

Another instance that stands out was at an Indian restaurant in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. One of the chefs was a gentleman from Bangladesh, and we often had discussions about the menu items. Inspired by traditional dishes, I suggested preparing a sweet dish called Shahi Tukda, which is typically made from common bread. The chef prepared the dish, and to my pleasant surprise, it was served on our next visit after earning my approval. The dish not only became a regular feature on their menu but also played a significant role in the restaurant's expansion to a new branch in Shal Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. As a special guest, my family was invited to celebrate this milestone, acknowledging the impact of the recipe I had introduced.

Empowering through Cooking

These personal stories have not only enriched my own experience but also encouraged me to share my knowledge and passion for cooking. Recently, my responses on Quora have gained significant attention, with my very first answer attracting over 90,000 views within 30 days. This positive reaction has been incredibly gratifying and fuelled my enthusiasm to continue sharing my culinary adventures through cooking and experimenting with both Indian and international dishes.

Conclusion

My journey through cooking has transcended beyond just creating dishes. It has become a means of connecting with people across cultures, sharing comforting home-cooked meals, and even inspiring others to include new dishes on their menus. Each experience has contributed to a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of food and its ability to bring people closer. I am thoroughly enjoying this enriching journey and am excited to continue exploring new flavors and sharing my passion for cooking with those who share my love for delicious and meaningful meals.