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a kitchen filled with lots of pots and pans

What foods would you like to make?

This year, I spent six months at my home in Kerala, where I had the chance to hone my culinary skills. Cooking three, sometimes four, meals a day became my routine, with leftovers foods stored in the refrigerator for later. Balancing cooking with office work, housekeeping, and cleaningutensils and clothes (thankfully, the washing machine helped)was a juggling act worthy of its own story. But for now, let’s focus on the foods part. Back in Mumbai, I’ve kept up the habit of cooking breakfast daily. I’d love to take over lunch and dinner too, but my wife guards the kitchen, her slow, traditional cooking style contrasting with my fast, practical approach. My preference leans toward mildly spiced, traditional Indian dishesflavors that have evolved over centuries to suit our climate. These dishes are not just delicious but also practical, designed for balance and moderation. My golden rule? Eat to live, not live… What foods would you like to make?

assorted condiment lot

What is your favorite restaurant?

I don’t have a favorite restaurant, and honestly, I’m okay with that. My kitchen is my go-to spot for meals, and it’s not just because I love cooking. Home-cooked food lets me keep things simple, healthy, and tailored to my needs. Coming from a family with a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood pressure issues, I’ve learned to be mindful about what I eat. Spicy, rich dishes? Not my thing. I prefer flavors that are gentle on my bodythink fresh ingredients, balanced portions, and nothing that leaves me feeling heavy. Cooking at home gives me control to make meals that nourish without risking my health. That said, I’m not a complete hermit. On the rare occasion I need to eat out, I gravitate toward budget-friendly, hygienic hotels in my area. My order? Nothing fancysimple dishes that feel like they could’ve come from my own kitchen. No exotic experiments here.… What is your favorite restaurant?

brown wooden spoon on white ceramic plate

I prefer food that is …

I prefer food that is gentle on the stomach and healthy. While most healthy foods around the world are often bland and not always pleasing to the palate, I’ve come to appreciate their benefits after spending the first couple of decades of my life indulging in unhealthy junk food. Nowadays, I lean towards a more health-conscious menu. I prefer easy-to-cook, mildly spiced Indian dishes. My favorites are khichdi and curd rice, both simple to make and gentle on the system. For special occasions like festivals or anniversaries, I enjoy a traditional spread of rice, chapati, and a couple of vegetarian dishes. At home, we embrace a democratic approach to food choices. I am an ovo-vegetarian, my wife is a strictly vegetarian, and our son enjoys non-vegetarian food.