# My Culinary Journey #

Daily writing prompt
What are your favorite types of foods?

Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood. Today’s writing prompt truly excites me: “What are your favorite types of foods?”

At first glance, it may seem like a simple question—just list a few favorite dishes and be done with it. But food is never just about taste. It carries culture, memory, nourishment, and even identity.

When we talk about our favorite foods, we are really sharing stories—about who we are, where we come from, and how we connect with others.

For many people, their favorite foods are tied to childhood. I am no exception. A simple plate of dal, rice, and ghee still comforts me in ways no gourmet dish ever could.

It reminds me of evenings around the family table, where laughter, conversation, and love seasoned the meal just as much as the spices did.

Comfort food proves that flavor doesn’t always have to be elaborate. Sometimes, the familiar aroma of a dish prepared with care can soothe the soul more than the most expensive meal in the world.

Think about it—how often do we crave the foods that take us back to our roots? For some, it might be a grandmother’s soup; for others, a father’s barbecue. For me, it is the warmth of my mother’s cooking.

If comfort foods remind us of home, street foods awaken our adventurous side.

I clearly remember my days posted at the N.S. Road Branch. At lunchtime, a few colleagues and I would step out to a busy street lined with food stalls.

The options were endless—steaming plates of machhli-bhaat (fish and rice), piping hot chole bhature, crisp alu parathas.

The stall owners served with such warmth and care that it felt like dining at a fine restaurant, even though we were standing on a crowded lane.

The entire street was alive with flavors, aromas, and cheerful faces.

That experience taught me something—street food is more than affordability.
it is vibrancy. It carries the pulse of a city, the laughter of its people, and the creativity of cooks who turn humble ingredients into masterpieces.

Whether it’s the tangy crunch of pani puri in India, sizzling kebabs in the Middle East, or soft dumplings in East Asia, street foods are little treasures of joy.

For me, they symbolize spontaneity, fun, and a sense of community.

Beyond the comfort of home and the thrill of the street, I also enjoy exploring international cuisines. Food is, after all, the most delicious way to travel the world.

A slice of Italian pizza with its perfect balance of crust, cheese, and toppings, or a steaming bowl of Japanese ramen carefully layered with broth, noodles, and garnishes—each dish teaches me something new about another culture’s artistry and values.

Every cuisine is like a window into history. Indian curries reflect centuries of spice trade. Mediterranean food highlights the importance of olive oil, herbs, and fresh vegetables.

Mexican cuisine preserves the legacy of corn, beans, and chili that sustained civilizations. By tasting foods from different cultures,

We not only expand our palate but also honor traditions passed down through generations.

Now, in the peaceful stage of retired life, I have come to appreciate the role of healthy foods.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins may not excite the senses like fried snacks, but they quietly protect our health.

Seasonal fruits are my favorite in this category. Juicy mangoes in summer, crisp apples in winter, and refreshing watermelon in the scorching heat—each fruit feels like nature’s gift.

Choosing healthy food doesn’t mean giving up flavor. A colorful salad with vegetables, nuts, and a light dressing can be just as enjoyable as any indulgent dish.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that foods that balance taste and nourishment leave me feeling light, energetic, and mentally clear.

No journey through favorite foods is complete without desserts. Ah, the world of sweets! From the world-famous Rosgulla of Kolkata to the creamy richness of rasmalai or the delicate elegance of French pastries, desserts are symbols of joy and celebration.

Personally, I can never say no to a warm slice of chocolate cake—it lifts my spirits instantly.

A chilled bowl of kulfi, on the other hand, brings back memories of carefree summer evenings. Desserts, to me, represent not just sugar but happiness itself.

They remind us that life must always have a touch of sweetness.

So, why is the question “What are your favorite types of foods?” so fascinating? Because it is not merely about eating—it is about storytelling.

Our answers reveal our journeys, preferences, and even personalities. Someone who enjoys experimenting with exotic dishes may have an adventurous spirit.

Someone who treasures simple meals may value tradition and stability. I recall my years in banking,

when I lived alone in remote parts of Rajasthan. The local foods I tasted there added richness to my life story. Even now, thinking of those experiences brings a smile to my face.

Food is universal yet deeply personal. It unites families, builds friendships, and adds meaning to our everyday routines. While our favorite foods may change over time, the joy they bring is eternal.

If I were to summarize, my favorite foods fall into five broad categories:

  1. Comfort foods that remind me of home.
  2. Street foods that bring adventure and community.
  3. International cuisines that expand my horizons.
  4. Healthy foods that nourish body and mind.
  5. Desserts that add sweetness to life.

Each category connects me with a different part of myself and the world. When I say I love food, I mean I love the memories it evokes, the stories it tells, and the experiences it offers.

And now, dear friends, I would love to hear from you:

  • What comfort food reminds you of home?
  • Which street food takes you back to your younger days?
  • Have you ever tasted a dish from another country that changed your perspective?
  • Which fruit or healthy food makes you feel your best?
  • And finally—what dessert instantly brings a smile to your face?

Food connects us all, but the flavors of our memories make each journey unique. So tell me—what are your favorite types of foods, and what stories do they tell about you?

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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12 replies

  1. very nice .

    Liked by 1 person

  2. What a beautiful reflection. You’ve captured the very soul of why we eat—not just to live, but to remember, to connect, and to experience joy. Your journey through comfort, street food, international cuisines, health, and desserts is a story in itself, reminding us that our favorite foods are indeed the chapters of our lives. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt perspective.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏.
      I’m truly touched that you felt the essence behind my reflections. Food,
      after all, is much more than taste—it carries emotions, memories, and connections that shape our lives.
      I’m glad my journey resonated with you, and your thoughtful response adds even more warmth to the conversation. 🌸✨

      Like

  3. Absolutely agree. Food is more than nourishment.

    Food is outstanding for memory recall due to the profound connection between aroma and memory.

    Banana bread baking in the oven brings back powerful thoughts about my Granddaughter. Eggs cooking on a stove reminds me of my favorite dog.

    It’s not necessarily the taste, but the smell!

    Liked by 1 person

    • You’ve expressed it so beautifully 🌸.

      Indeed, the aroma of food has a magical way of unlocking memories that words sometimes cannot. How wonderful that the smell of banana bread brings your granddaughter close to heart, and even the simple scent of eggs connects you with your beloved dog.

      It shows us that food engages not only our taste but all our senses, weaving emotions into every bite and every breath.
      Truly, the fragrance of food is often the most powerful storyteller of all. 🌺✨

      Like

  4. I love your post and dynamic way of expressing your love for your desired cuisine. Such a story and imagery captured! Comfort food that reminds me of home is taco shop street tacos and burritos. Food that takes me back to my younger days is when I would wake up from my after school/playing outside nap to my mom making hamburger helper and some sort of vegetables. Sloppy joe nights were my favorite too. International cuisine that speaks volumes is Thai food is love its robust flavors and textures and unique spices in each dish. I would love to travel to Thailand just to eat their cuisine there. Healthy fruit that makes me feel my best is pineapple, grape and a melon mixed. The different textures and citrus and sweetness balance brings a brightness to my day, it’s my Daily Luxury. A baked good worth every warm smiles are fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. With a glass of cold milk. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and vivid food journey! 🌸
      The way you’ve connected tacos, burritos, and even Sloppy Joe nights with your childhood paints such a warm picture of home and family.
      I love how you’ve described Thai cuisine—it truly is a symphony of bold flavors and spices, and traveling to Thailand just to experience it firsthand sounds like a delicious adventure! 🍜✨
      Your choice of fruits as a “Daily Luxury” is so refreshing, and I couldn’t agree more—pineapple, grapes, and melon together create the perfect mix of sweetness and brightness. And yes, nothing beats the comfort of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk—that’s pure happiness in its simplest form. 🍪🥛
      Thank you again for bringing such joy and flavor into this conversation! 🌺

      Liked by 1 person

  5. So true! 🍽️ Food isn’t just about flavor—it’s memories, culture, and love served on a plate. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • Absolutely! 🌟
      You’ve summed it up perfectly—every meal carries a story, whether it’s tied to family traditions, cultural roots,
      or simple moments of joy. Food is indeed love made visible and shared,
      and that’s what makes it so much more meaningful than just flavor. ❤️

      Like

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