From The Peopling of New York City

When you eat Indian food, do you get nostalgic?

Sometimes, when I eat dosas it reminds me of the dosas they make in this restaurant in India and I miss my family at home and the food there.

How do you feel when you eat food that your mother makes?

My mom is a really good cook and I'm really glad to have her. I don't know how i feel when i eat her food? I mean, how do you feel when you eat a hamburger?

When you eat the food that your mom prepares for you, do you mentally compare the food from home and the food from school? If you do, why do you think you like one more than the other?

I generally don't compare my mom's food with anyone's food because my mom's food is the best. She makes all different types of food and I just can't compare it because she has her own ingredients of love.

Do you cook your own food in the dorms or do you eat food from the cafeteria? Why?

I eat the food from the cafeteria because it is easier for me to just grab food while I'm running to class rather than sit and make food.

Which food tastes better to you? Cafeteria food or home food? Please elaborate.

Home food tastes better because it is not the same food everyday. Cafeteria food is appealing at first but I gained a lot more weight eating cafeteria food everyday since it isn't very healthy.

Why do you remain a vegetarian when there are such delectable dishes that contain meat?

I have never considered eating meat as an option. Being a vegetarian is something I strongly believe in. By hurting and killing animals, you are destroying a soul. There may be delicious dishes that contain meat but I would probably not find them delicious since I have been a vegetarian my entire life.

How do you eat your food? Do you eat with your hands or with utensils?

It depends on what kind of food I'm eating. If i have rice and lentils, I will use a spoon. If it is roti and sabzi, I will use my hands.

Do you feel like it is important for you to know how to cook, or at the least learn the art?

Yes. I think it is important for me to learn how to cook so that I can show my children the delights of Indian cooking.

Is the art of making food a careful process for you, one that you use all your efforts on? Or is making food just another chore?

I don't cook food. However, when my mother cooks, she enjoys it and she pours her heart into her cooking. That is probably why we love it so much.

What is the role of women in an Indian household? What is the role of your mother and yourself?

The role of women in an Indian household is a lot more than anyone can imagine. My mom cooks, cleans, makes sure my homework and my brother's homework is complete, takes care of bills and taxes and reminds my dad to fill them out. Some Indian women also hold jobs. However, my mom believes that she needs to educate my brother and me more about our culture, which is why she does not work.

When you go home, do you cook with your mom and relatives? Or are you doing something else?

I help my mom cook sometimes. But most of the times I help her do dishes or set the table.

If you do not join in on the making of the food at home, would a potential dispute arise?

No. I doubt my brother and dad want to eat my cooking.

Does your mother host social gatherings, in which the women cook together?

Yes, we have religious and social gatherings. Other women cook food and bring it to our house and everyone just eats together. Although I don't really enjoy those as much because I love my mom's cooking so much I hardly eat the food that other women make.

How difficult is it for you to find supplies that are the ingredients to any Indian dish?

It is not difficult at all to find ingredients for Indian dishes. There are many Indian stores that sell Indian spices and vegetables.

Please give details about the ingredients to the main, at least 10, Indian dishes and differentiate which region it is from.

Indian spices are found all over India. I don't know how to differentiate which region. Some such spices include: Turmeric, Cumin, Parsley, Coriander powder, Cardamom, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Green chilli, Fenugreek, and Sesame Seeds