surges Food
Food, in the scientific sense, is any substance, usually of plant or animal origin, consumed to provide nutrients for the body—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals essential for energy, growth, repair, and maintaining life. This definition is precise and widely used in textbooks and academic records. Yet, to define food merely as a collection of nutrients feels incomplete—at least for me. Food is not just sustenance; it is a bridge connecting people, a healer of the inner child, a vessel of memories and time, and sometimes the perfect way to find comfort during difficult moments.
Food connects us in ways science cannot measure. I still remember when hunger struck us unexpectedly, my grandmother would go to the kitchen and create something magical, yet simple. She made paranthas—plain, unspiced fried rotis—but even in their simplicity, they brought immense comfort. The warm aroma of the dough sizzling on the pan filled the kitchen with a warmth that felt oddly familiar, connecting me to my parents and my grandfather, who had eaten the same paranthas every morning, made with the same dedication. In that moment, my father and I felt a shared warmth, a comfort that bridged two different timelines.
When my mother opens her jar of mango pickle, I am instantly transported back to summer afternoons in our backyard garden, plucking ripe mangoes from the tree at her request. The tangy-sweet aroma of the pickle evokes her love and care. Recipes for achaar, passed down through generations, carry more than flavor—they carry history, emotion, and stories from the past. Preparing these dishes connects me to my roots, preserving traditions that might otherwise be forgotten. In this sense, food is a time machine, letting us relive cherished moments—honoring the past while nourishing the present.
In our family, we have a special tradition during the spring season in Himachal Pradesh. We make a special dish by mixing wheat flour with water to form a batter and frying it using a specially designed tool. It’s a delicate process that takes patience and care, and eating it brings a sense of celebration and togetherness. Alongside this, we prepare another dish using leaves filled with a Besan paste, which is equally important during this season. These foods are more than sustenance—they are rituals, a way to connect with our heritage, and a reminder of the love and effort passed down through generations.
Food also creates instant familiarity. Do you know the fastest way to connect with a stranger in a new place? The answer is food. In India, a simple cup of chai can turn strangers into friends. I’ve often seen local tea stalls bustling with people from all walks of life—strangers, tourists, neighbors—coming together over steaming cups. Even those new to the city feel at home there, chatting, sharing stories, and laughing as if they’ve known each other for years. Sharing tea becomes its own language, breaking barriers and creating small, meaningful connections. Similarly, at school, sharing lunch boxes works the same way. Offering a bite of a homemade snack can spark conversation, laughter, and sometimes even the start of a lasting friendship. Food has this simple, magical way of connecting people, whether across a city or across a classroom.
Among all foods, my personal comfort food is rajma chawal—kidney beans cooked in spices and served with basmati rice, often topped with a dollop of ghee that melts like a soft sunset. Though it’s common in many Indian homes, it carries a warmth and satisfaction that nothing else can. It feels like a hug on a plate, a taste that reminds me of home, family, and care. Comfort food doesn’t always have to be extravagant; sometimes, its magic lies in simplicity and familiarity.
India’s food diversity has taught me a lot. In North India, we often eat spicy dals loaded with masalas, while in South India, the flavors are lighter, and fermented foods like idli and dosa are more common. Each regional cuisine not only tastes different but also has a unique effect on the body, showing the deep connection between food, culture, and health. Understanding these differences helped me appreciate the richness of culinary traditions and the thought behind every meal.
Of course, food sustains the body. Nutrients provide energy, support growth, and aid mental function. Yet, its value extends far beyond biology. When I made chai for the first time for my grandparents, I realized that cooking itself was nourishing. It strengthened my confidence and creativity. Science ensures physical well-being, while tradition and culture enrich the soul—together creating a balance between body and mind.
Food inspires imagination and creativity. During a summer break, I experimented with Irani chai. I caramelized sugar until it turned a warm, golden brown, filling the kitchen with a cozy, sweet aroma. Then I added tea powder, and as I poured condensed milk mixed with a little water and milk over it, something magical happened. The mixture swirled together, releasing a fragrance and a feeling I couldn’t describe—a spark of excitement, wonder, and pride all at once. After several attempts, I finally perfected the chai. It showed me that even something as simple as tea could be elevated into an art, turning ordinary steps into something special.
That moment also made me realize how food can shape the way we see the world. Take something as simple as noodles: in China, they are called Chow Mein; in Japan, Ramen; in India, Maggi or Hakka noodles; and in Italy, Pasta. Even though the names, flavors, and textures are different, at their core, they are all noodles—simple, comforting, and full of meaning. Each version tells a story about the people who made it, their culture, and their traditions. It amazed me that the same basic idea could carry so many different emotions, histories, and memories, connecting people across continents through a single, universal food.
Food is also a window to the world. Tasting dishes from different countries—or even different states within India—tells stories of history, culture, and human experience. A single meal can reveal the struggles, joys, and comforts of people I may never meet. It reminds me that food connects us all across time, space, and emotion.
As I grow older, I realize that food will continue to shape who I am—not just in what I eat, but in how I connect with people, explore cultures, and express creativity. Each meal I share, each dish I cook, and each flavor I taste becomes part of my story, linking past, present, and future. Food teaches patience, generosity, and mindfulness. It reminds me that even the simplest acts—stirring a pot, sharing a bite, savoring a flavor—carry meaning far beyond themselves. In this way, food is not just a necessity; it is a lifelong companion, a teacher, and a celebration of life.
While textbooks define food as a substance, in reality it is far beyond understanding. Food is connection, memory, culture, love, and imagination. Every meal I savor reminds me that life’s simplest acts—cooking, sharing, tasting—carry profound meaning.
By: Arnavi rathore
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