A Cuisine Worth Sharing by Anvi

A Cuisine Worth Sharing by Anvi - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

The sweet-spicy smell of chicken tikka masala fills my home every Thursday night. Even with Taylor Swift blasting from my AirPods, the garlic and garam masala aroma leads me to the kitchen where I help my mom ladle the warm curry into bowls. As I observed my amused uncles nod their heads while dipping their fingers into the sauce, no sign of their quarrel earlier in the week remained. My grandmother’s voice on the speakerphone from Delhi asking my cousin about the cardamom in the chai was almost as loud as the broadcast of the Denver Broncos touchdown in the living room. Still burning from the tandoori chicken, the sides of my lips curved upwards, as there was a sense of peace and connection through our Indian cuisine.

“Aloo tikki? What is that?” In middle school, I had grown accustomed to classmates asking me about Aloo Tikki, a dish made with fried vegetables and cottage cheese, and other Indian dishes that I packed for lunch. Unbeknownst to my mother who thought I had a voracious appetite, the extra portions we made were to share the savory aromas and complex spices. By my sophomore year, my friends already knew the difference between regional chutneys. Furthermore, last year they volunteered to help me plan our school’s “Mom Prom” dance. As someone who came to the US speaking only Hindi and learning to adapt, I understood the importance of inclusivity and my vision was to organize a memorable experience for all moms by incorporating food from the cultures of our student body. By asking questions, listening, and learning from the viewpoints of my volunteers, together we collaborated to plan the most widely attended “Mom Prom” in the history of our school. As I rinse the yogurt and cumin off the dishes, I think about my future Thursdays. Perhaps starting my own cultural cuisine club in college, I will be sure to make extra korma and biryani for my new community.