IT FEELS GREAT TO CARRY FORWARD THE LEGACY OF CHILDHOOD FLAVOURS INTO MODERN DISHES!

As chefs, every dish we cook denotes a story. Some of them emanate from cookbooks, others from foreign cultures, but the most powerful ones often come from memory. Childhood flavours usually stay with us — such as the aroma of the curry prepared by our grandmothers, the sweetness of jam on freshly-baked bread or the crunchy taste of festival snacks. These flavours are more than just food; they remind us about who we are and our origin.

The Nostalgia Associated With Food
Have you ever tasted something and instantly been transported back in time? For example, the fragrance of ghee on parathas reminding you of your lunch at school, or the tang of tamarind taking you back to summer vacations. Nostalgia in food works like a secret spice — invisible, but deeply felt. For us chefs, these memories become our inspiration, helping us connect the past with the present.

Childhood Classics, Reimagined
Modern cooking is not about replacing childhood memories but interpreting them all over again. That humble dal you ate growing up could be easily transformed today into a velvety lentil soup with a drizzle of herb oil. The simple bread and butter from your mornings could inspire an artisanal sourdough topped with whipped butter. In other words, by the unification of traditional flavours with modern techniques, we tend to honour our roots while catering to today’s palates.

Striking the Balance Between Authenticity and Innovation
When working with dishes that appealed to us when we were young, the challenge is striking the right balance. Change too much, and you risk losing the soul of the dish. Keep it untouched, and it may not appeal to today’s generation. The secret lies in capturing the essence of the memory — the comfort, the aroma, the emotion — while dressing it in something fresh, exciting and of course, palatable!

Examples of Childhood Reinventions
Festival Favorites – We can give a makeover to our traditional ladoos by converting them into bite-sized truffles with unexpected fillings.
Love for Street Food – If street food appeals to your senses, you can elevate the pani puri experience with gourmet flavoured waters.
Comfort Meals – Why not transform the classic rajma-chawal into a fine-dining-style plate, without losing its traditional warmth?
Snacks for School and College – We can reinvent Maggi noodles as a fusion dish — say, stir-fried with Asian sauces and freshly-chopped veggies.

Looking Forward To Hearing From You

WHAT IS THE FAVOURITE DISH YOU HAD IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY GIVEN A MODERN MAKEOVER TODAY? DO WRITE TO ME WITH THE RECIPE!