My Love Affair with India: A Journey of Food, Culture, and Discovery
My first solo travel experience took me to southern India, where I met up with friends who shared my passion for food and culture. It was there that my love affair with India truly began. Like a child seeing color for the first time, I was mesmerized by the vibrant streets, the aromas of spices, and the warmth of the people. Every meal was a revelation—fragrant curries, spicy dals, and naan baked in a tandoor oven—flavors I had never encountered before but would crave for years to come.
That first trip ignited something in me, and over the next 12 years, I returned to India three more times, exploring different regions, including Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, and the state of Rajasthan. Each visit deepened my connection to the country, its people, and its incredible food traditions.
My most recent journey was alongside my talented photographer, Valerie Wei Haas. We spent two unforgettable weeks immersing ourselves in India’s endless beauty—wandering through bustling markets, gazing at monuments and temples, and exploring centuries-old palaces.
In Ranthambhore National Park, we spent a day on a safari, spotting monkeys, crocodiles, and tigers. In Mumbai, we took a street food tour, where I discovered one of my all-time favorite snacks, dahi papdi chaat—a flavorful combination of puffed rice, lentils, milk curd, and fresh fruit.
In Jaipur, we stayed in the Raj Palace just outside the city gates. The hotel’s chef invited me into his kitchen to teach me how to make a rich soup with five different lentils. Then, he showed me the art of rolling buttery dough and grilling it for paratha.
But some of the most magical experiences weren’t in grand palaces or on curated tours. In a tiny third-floor workshop of an old building, we watched artisans painstakingly print fabrics using wooden blocks dipped in vibrant dyes—a tradition passed down for generations.
Shopping for Kashmir scarves with my friend, Subhi, was another unforgettable moment. With his keen eye, he examined each piece meticulously, ensuring we found the absolute best quality Kashmir wool.
And then there was the chaos—the exhilarating, pulse-quickening dance of the streets. We rode rickshaws and tuk-tuks, weaving through motorbikes, trucks, cows, and even an elephant.
Every visit to India has left an indelible mark on me. The people, the flavors, the traditions—it’s a place that continues to teach me, inspire me, and fuel my curiosity. And I know, without a doubt, that I’ll be back again.
