Exploring Our Passion for Home-Cooked Meals: Is It Necessity, Tradition, or Personal Choice?

Can you picture an Indian home without a kitchen? Most would probably say no. Home-cooked meals are a staple in India. After all, how long can one live on takeout? Nothing beats the comfort and taste of ghar ka khaana. Plus, when you cook at home, you can ensure everything is clean and healthy. There’s also the special touch that mothers bring to food, filled with love and care.

This love for home-cooked meals was highlighted by Nikhil Kamath, who recently tweeted about dining habits in Singapore. He noticed that many Singaporeans don’t cook at home and often rely on restaurants. This got people in India talking about eating out versus cooking at home.

@nikhilkamathcio: “I was in Singapore this week; most I met said they never cook at home…”

In India, eating out is still a treat. According to a 2024 report by Swiggy, Indians enjoy only five meals outside the home each month. In comparison, people in China eat out 33 times a month! Cultural factors and income levels play a big role in these differences. Many still feel that home-cooked food is safer and undoubtedly more hygienic compared to food from restaurants.

When Kamath spoke about this, many defended traditional home cooking. They pointed out hygiene concerns and the cost of eating out, especially for families in smaller cities. But the push for home-cooked food goes deeper than just health and money. Cultural influences, including traditions and gender roles, heavily shape our attitudes toward cooking.

Historically, many people in India, especially from higher castes, considered eating food made outside the home as taboo. Cultural norms have created a stigma around outside food, as culinary expert Kurush F Dalal explains. The belief that women should be the ones cooking also stems from these deep-rooted traditions. Women often bear the full weight of cooking responsibilities, leading to unspoken pressures.

Yet, times are changing. More couples are sharing household chores today, and many are learning to cook regardless of gender. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recently encouraged everyone to learn to cook, highlighting its importance.

Nevertheless, home-cooked meals can also have their pitfalls. Too much oil or salt can make them unhealthy. Eating out doesn’t automatically mean unhealthy either. Many places offer nutritious options, especially in places like Singapore known for their hawker centers, where food quality is strictly regulated.

In India, however, the outdoor food scene lacks the same level of trust. Many vendors focus more on profits than hygiene, raising concerns about ingredient quality. This is why many recommend sticking to home-cooked meals.

For those away from home, a meal cooked by loved ones evokes strong emotions. It’s not just food but a reminder of care and warmth. As Dalal notes, a mother’s cooking is often cherished and remembered fondly. Young adults living independently may not always have kitchens, relying instead on tiffin services and delivery options. While this offers convenience, it also illustrates the shift in how meals are prepared and enjoyed in modern India.

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indian food, eating out, indian home cooked food