Foods that takes us down the sweet memory lane..

 

Foods that takes us down the sweet memory lane..

Some foods have the power to transport us back in time, evoking cherished memories and comforting nostalgia.

For me, that food is Litti Chokha. Having grown up in Dhanbad—the coal capital of India—Litti has always held a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a slice of my childhood.

This week, I had the joy of relishing my favorite dish after nearly a year. The last time was when my mom visited me. Like all moms, she’s an incredible cook, and her Litti Chokha is simply unmatched.

Every time I eat it, I’m instantly taken back to the winter evenings of my childhood, when our colony would host Litti Chokha parties. The preparation was a community affair—uncles and aunts would gather to roast the wheat balls stuffed with spicy Sattu over coal fires or dried cow dung cakes, infusing them with a smoky aroma that’s impossible to replicate. The crispy crust and flavorful filling were paired with Chokha—a rustic mash of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes mixed with mustard oil, garlic, green chilies, and fresh coriander—and sometimes even chicken curry.

We children would sit around the fire, watching the process unfold with wide-eyed excitement, eagerly waiting for the feast to begin. Those moments, filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of tradition, are etched in my memory forever.

Back then, picnics and parties were more than just events—they were experiences woven with togetherness.

Community cooking was at the heart of these gatherings, a beautiful way to celebrate, bond, and spend quality time with neighbours and friends. The joy of preparing food together, sharing stories around the fire, and watching recipes come to life was unmatched.

Over the years, this tradition has gradually shifted. Today, celebrations often find their home in restaurants and banquet halls—convenient, yes, but missing that rustic charm and warmth of shared preparation. While the settings may have changed, the memories of those simpler times continue to hold a special place in our hearts.

Recently I came across this thoughtful article on “When the Kitchen falls silent. Effects on family bonding. It beautifully describes the fact that cooking & eating together is an invisible thread that binds families together.

I make it a point to ensure my children—Gen Alpha—experience the warmth and joy of community eating whenever the opportunity arises. It’s heartening to see how much they enjoy it and eagerly look forward to these moments. Watching them embrace the spirit of togetherness and shared meals reminds me of my own childhood, and it gives me hope that these beautiful traditions will continue to thrive through them.

In the end, food is far more than nourishment—it’s memory, emotion, and connection.

Whether it’s the smoky aroma of Litti Chokha or the quiet comfort of a shared kitchen, these moments remind us of the deeper bonds we form through cooking and eating together. As traditions evolve and lifestyles change, it’s important to hold on to these simple joys that bring us closer—not just to our roots, but to each other.

Let’s keep the kitchen alive—not just with flavors, but with laughter, stories, and love.