I am convinced now. I had no clue about it earlier, I must admit. But, after having lived in the north of India over the last 2 years (before returning home in Bangalore), I see distinct patterns of food habits in the two regions.As different and distinct these 2 parts of India are - north and south - so are their cuisines.
A recent experience highlighted this difference. My uncle in Delhi made a flying visit to Bangalore and stayed over at our place. And his opening line to me was, " looks like home food suits you!". Clear signs of fattening - as against my dad's claim that I am only 'looking' healthier!! Now, this is the uncle whose house I used to frequent on many a weekend whilst n Delhi. We spent many evenings watching some engaging cricket - be it the flamboyant IPL or test match cricket. Of course, the other commonality was our common passion for chapatis and daal, over rice - despite our being authentic south Indians! Even my aunt held the same beliefs - I guess, they have grown to be more north Indian than I ever did, given that they have lived in Delhi for the last 35 years!
But, coming back to the point of this piece. I think the type of food that I had in Delhi and indeed, all over north India ,never made me put on weight (or, LOOK healthy!). Ok, I was living out of a suitcase and hardly had home food. Of course, I wasn't complaining one bit, except for the work timings! But, all the same, with all that ghee and butter and other exotic toppings in even an average meal there (replete with chapatis, more often than not), I never put on weight. Again, I may have been burning it off, what with some obscene work timings and client pressure. But, still the human body has its own "digestive" capabilities and ability to retain fat. And despite my so many different types of food there, I never put on weight. A sublime dinner of hot phulkas, or chapatis with daal and curry was enough to bring a smile to my face and fill my tummy.
Not that I did not miss home food. Of course, I did! But, I never realised that I was actually eating food that suited my structure and body much better than what I was traditionally accustomed to, in all my growing years in Bangalore. I knew that I loved north Indian food, but I never realised that it suited me more than south Indian food. I have learnt that lesson only after getting back home. And it is showing in the fact that I have actually started feeling heavier every time I eat rice now. The thrill of eating a hot chapati with a tasty curry is a compelling thought! Especially, during this time of the year, when the weather is at its best.
Anyway, north or south, food is food. Yet, rice may not be the dish for me!
A recent experience highlighted this difference. My uncle in Delhi made a flying visit to Bangalore and stayed over at our place. And his opening line to me was, " looks like home food suits you!". Clear signs of fattening - as against my dad's claim that I am only 'looking' healthier!! Now, this is the uncle whose house I used to frequent on many a weekend whilst n Delhi. We spent many evenings watching some engaging cricket - be it the flamboyant IPL or test match cricket. Of course, the other commonality was our common passion for chapatis and daal, over rice - despite our being authentic south Indians! Even my aunt held the same beliefs - I guess, they have grown to be more north Indian than I ever did, given that they have lived in Delhi for the last 35 years!
But, coming back to the point of this piece. I think the type of food that I had in Delhi and indeed, all over north India ,never made me put on weight (or, LOOK healthy!). Ok, I was living out of a suitcase and hardly had home food. Of course, I wasn't complaining one bit, except for the work timings! But, all the same, with all that ghee and butter and other exotic toppings in even an average meal there (replete with chapatis, more often than not), I never put on weight. Again, I may have been burning it off, what with some obscene work timings and client pressure. But, still the human body has its own "digestive" capabilities and ability to retain fat. And despite my so many different types of food there, I never put on weight. A sublime dinner of hot phulkas, or chapatis with daal and curry was enough to bring a smile to my face and fill my tummy.
Not that I did not miss home food. Of course, I did! But, I never realised that I was actually eating food that suited my structure and body much better than what I was traditionally accustomed to, in all my growing years in Bangalore. I knew that I loved north Indian food, but I never realised that it suited me more than south Indian food. I have learnt that lesson only after getting back home. And it is showing in the fact that I have actually started feeling heavier every time I eat rice now. The thrill of eating a hot chapati with a tasty curry is a compelling thought! Especially, during this time of the year, when the weather is at its best.
Anyway, north or south, food is food. Yet, rice may not be the dish for me!
2 comments:
aaa uncle was there..
aaa uncle was there..
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