What are your favorite types of foods?

Introduction: My Love-Hate Relationship with Food

As a child, I was the kid who despised food in every form. My mom would often get frustrated with my refusal to eat, and some even thought I was being neglected. The reality, though, was quite the opposite—my mom tried her best. It wasn’t until much later that we discovered I had slight health issues that affected my appetite. With the help of Liv 52, my appetite improved, but my relationship with food was far from normal. I remained a picky eater, carefully choosing veggies and meats, while avoiding carbs. Food felt like a burden that required too much time and effort, yet there were always a few dishes my mom and aunt made that I couldn’t resist.

The Turning Point: Food as Medicine

My teenage years only worsened my pickiness. I started skipping meals to show my frustration, which eventually led to severe health issues. It was only when I hit rock bottom—bedridden with just 2 points of hemoglobin and weighing 32 kg—that I realized food could actually save me. My diet for a year consisted of mutton soup, fish fry, boiled eggs, figs, and dates, all home-cooked. No restaurant food, just pure, nourishing meals that helped me recover and regain my strength.

That year was a revelation. It showed me how magical food could be—a true elixir for the body. It wasn’t just sustenance; it was life itself.

Food as Culture: A New Perspective

Despite this newfound appreciation for food, I still hated certain things, like idly—the best my mom makes. But over time, I started to appreciate every flavor and the effort that goes into preparing a meal. Things really changed when I did an internship in 2020 at the World Food Travel Association, led by Erik Wolf. I learned to see food as more than comfort—it’s a critical part of culture and history. Moreover it’s also opens a door to bond with someone. That is why Gastrodiplomacy is a huge thing.

One of my colleagues once shared a piece of wisdom from her grandmother: “When you travel and are fed by the generosity of locals, you should never say no. You should experience it.” That simple phrase became my motto and changed the way I view food forever.

My Favorite Foods

While I now appreciate all kinds of food, there are still some dishes that hold a special place in my heart.

Tamil Cuisine:

• Idiyappam and Vadagari  
• Sambar and Rice (especially my mom’s)  
• Ayira Meen Kuzhambu (Madurai-style fish curry)  
• Mutton Chops Soup  
• Vanjaram Fry (Nagercoil-style kingfish fry)  
• Payasam (any variety!)  
• Podi Dosa  
• Prawn Fry (a cherished recipe from my late aunt)  
• Sweet Pongal (my mom’s specialty)  
• Kalaki  
• Urud Dhal Kali (muddle)
• Chukku Kapi

North Indian Cuisine:

• Aloo Paratha with Boondi Raita
• Butter Chicken with Roti (which I had in Punjab)
• Dhokla
• Punjabi and Rajasthani Thali
• Mutton Rogan Josh
• Darjeeling Dumplings
• Sweet Lassi

Asian Cuisine:

• Dimsums  
• Suimai 
• Ramen 
• Sambal Fried Rice 
• Lung Fung Soup 
• Tom Yum Soup
• Miso Soup

Western Food:

• Ravioli Pasta
• Quesadilla
• Spanish Omelette
• Scotch egg
• Tuna filled sandwich
• Lasagna
• Crepe
• Chicken Pizza with Burrata Cheese
• Hot Chocolate
• Latte
• Frappe
• Peach Ice Tea

And of course, Desserts! Anyone who truly knows me knows how much desserts excite me. Whether it’s pastries or traditional Tamil sweets like paniyaram and inippu kolukattai, I love them all. Tuticorin Macarons And Bengali sweets like Malai Cham Cham? They’re divine! Oh the Gelatos,  Croissants and Tender coconut puddings. Mascaropone cake and blueberry cheese cake… Baklavas and Kunafas… Everything entices me to make my life worth living.

From the Picky Eater to Food Lover

I grew up hating food, and now I find myself on a journey of exploration, savoring every flavor and cultural story behind each dish. From battling severe health issues to embracing food as medicine, nourishment, and joy—I’ve come a long way.