Home-style food

No matter where we go, we all miss home-cooked food. And this isn’t something I’ve just felt recently; I’ve been observing it for a long time. I want to share with you all that whenever I travel, I notice that under hotel names, there’s almost always a mention of ‘home-style food’. And even if it’s not written, in our minds, we still hope to find something that feels like home-cooked food. If we do, it feels wonderful; if not, it’s still okay.

A Taste of Home on the Road

Road trips have their own rhythm, the endless stretch of highways, the hum of the engine, and the fatigue that slowly settles in. Yet, along the way, I kept noticing something that always caught my eye: small and big roadside hotels proudly displaying a sign that read “Home-style food”.

These areas were never vacant. Cars were parked outside, and families and visitors alike came in, finding comfort in a supper that reminded them of home. We also stopped at one of these places because the promise of familiar tastes drew us in. And sure enough, the food was simple and delicious: roti, rice, dal, vegetables, and salad. It wasn’t fancy, but at that moment, it felt like it was worth a lot. That meal gave me more than just energy after hours on the road; it also gave me peace. The food seemed to be beneficial for both my body and my heart, taking away the tiredness of the trip.

Sometimes, it’s not the destination but these little pauses, the taste of home in an unfamiliar place, that make the journey unforgettable.

Village Charm on the Road

I came across many places where the entire exterior and interior were designed to resemble a village. Their exteriors and interiors were crafted with such care, walls painted in earthy tones, wooden beams, and clay pots placed thoughtfully to recreate the charm of rural life. The surroundings were spotless, with trees and plants lining the edges, their green leaves swaying gently in the breeze. In front of some large trees, raised platforms had been built to invite tired travellers to sit in the shade and rest.

And the dining space was simple yet inviting: mats spread neatly on the floor, with everyone sitting in a row to enjoy their meal.

All of these details reminded me of my grandmother’s village. The sight of the crowd at these places, with people happily enjoying such simple food and atmosphere, made it clear that no matter where we travel, we deeply miss our villages and our homes. We are constantly searching for that familiar comfort. And when, during a journey, we discover something that resembles home, even in the smallest way, it brings immense joy to the heart.

The Joy of Train Journeys with Home-Cooked Food

There’s a special charm in train journeys, especially when accompanied by food from home. Just recently, after many years, our whole family travelled by train again. Train journeys have always been unforgettable; in childhood, we took them often, and every trip, whether long or short, was filled with joy and memories.

I remember the excitement when reservations weren’t confirmed. We would wait eagerly, and my father would say, “It’s RAC; we’ll know by tomorrow.” Nevertheless, despite the uncertainty, the entire household would prepare as if the journey were certain to happen. Bags were packed, and my mother would carefully prepare food for everyone’s meals that wouldn’t spoil during travel. And once the tickets were confirmed, it felt as if happiness had spread everywhere.

In our home, it was almost a tradition: sattu (roasted gram flour) parathas or litti (stuffed with sattu), our region’s famous dish, were always packed, along with some pickle. It wasn’t a ritual but a practical choice, since these foods don’t spoil easily and are full of nutrition. Alongside, for snacks, she would make nimki, kneaded wheat flour with salt, rolled out, cut into different shapes, and fried until crisp. Nimki was our go-to snack for train journeys.

This time, I carried the same home-cooked food just as my mother used to prepare. With the taste of home packed neatly in our bags, we set off on our journey. The rhythmic chhuk-chhuk of the train, the beautiful scenery outside the window, and the excitement of guessing which station was coming next.

Essence.

Carrying all these little joys along with the taste of home-cooked food, or home-style food, made the journey feel magical. And truly, when you have the flavour of home with you, the journey itself feels more delightful than the destination. Do you feel the same way, too?

Dear readers,

Thank you for reading.

~Preeti😊