Writing to you from the city of your chicken curry. And many food stories I have read but none where the food was consumed on a horse drawn carriage. Your father is quite a champion. I am a vegetarian but I know how nostalgic and obsessive Calcuttans/Bengalis are about their food here so I well understand your emotion over this. And your essay is a BRILLIANT example of "show don't tell". I could hear the sizzle of the chicken and spices when you cooked it finally. Eat an extra piece and lick your fingers clean Samira- your words will slide off your pen more easily for sure.
Thank you Charulatha! This essay is, in a way, a love letter to Calcutta and to all the memories I hold close to my heart. No points for guessing that they all revolve around food!
I well remember this memory of yours. Relished every line - and the recipe at the end was a bonus! Calcutta's streets must be some of the yummiest in the world. Love how the memory of the tanga ride becomes wrapped up in the memory of the food. This essay is way up there in the nostalgia factor - makes me long for the good old days!!
Thank you Alaknanda! Calcutta was the best city to grow up in and it spoils you thoroughly when it comes to food - especially street food. I often find myself grumbling about the lack lustre variety I find in Delhi :D
Wow. What a delicious read. U took me to all the different dishes that have stuck in my memory. You have set me on my own journey now. I want your favourite chicken curry too!!!!
Writing to you from the city of your chicken curry. And many food stories I have read but none where the food was consumed on a horse drawn carriage. Your father is quite a champion. I am a vegetarian but I know how nostalgic and obsessive Calcuttans/Bengalis are about their food here so I well understand your emotion over this. And your essay is a BRILLIANT example of "show don't tell". I could hear the sizzle of the chicken and spices when you cooked it finally. Eat an extra piece and lick your fingers clean Samira- your words will slide off your pen more easily for sure.
Thank you Charulatha! This essay is, in a way, a love letter to Calcutta and to all the memories I hold close to my heart. No points for guessing that they all revolve around food!
Loved the descriptions!! I’m sooo hungry now
Thank you Heidi! :)
Thank god you added the recipe at the end. The fomo would have killed me otherwise.
Tasty essay Samira.
“My favourite chicken is now my daughter’s favourite chicken.” - Inheritance like this!
Thank you Sanket! The recipe was a last minute addition - Im glad I shared it :)
kudos to both the memory and the writing for being so vivid and crisp! have to try this recipe asap!! :D
Thank you Mahi! Please give the recipe a try and don't hold back on the dalda. I promise you its delicious :)
I well remember this memory of yours. Relished every line - and the recipe at the end was a bonus! Calcutta's streets must be some of the yummiest in the world. Love how the memory of the tanga ride becomes wrapped up in the memory of the food. This essay is way up there in the nostalgia factor - makes me long for the good old days!!
Thank you Alaknanda! Calcutta was the best city to grow up in and it spoils you thoroughly when it comes to food - especially street food. I often find myself grumbling about the lack lustre variety I find in Delhi :D
Wow. What a delicious read. U took me to all the different dishes that have stuck in my memory. You have set me on my own journey now. I want your favourite chicken curry too!!!!
Thank you Savvy! So glad this essay has stirred up your childhood memories. I hope you write about them :)
OMG, what a sensory essay Samira! I could taste 'favourite chicken' through your words 😍
sad to have not even known of this delight in my hometown too, but thank you for bringing it back. Tempted to try the recipe 😊❤️
Thank you Doel! If you try the recipe, let me know how it tasted!