India is a very vast country. It has very rich culinary traditions.

Let me make this confession that cooking is not something I am very much fond of.

But I am fond of food. Something you may find strange in what I am going to say now.

When I was in Chennai, which is part of South India, I was missing North Indian food. I was missing Chole bhatura —yes the oily stuff that is very very tasty. 

For the uninitiated, the Chole  bhatura  is a combination of chana masala (spicy chickpeas) and fried bread called bhatura (made of maida flour) from North India.

Then when I am back in Japan, I miss all the South Indian food I used to have.

The dosa, idili, sambar et al. I am a non-vegetarian. But when I am in India I am a vegetarian.

I often felt that vegetables have got such power in India.

Well, I miss my drumsticks, which is so commonplace in South India. I am from Osaka and we don’t have a proper Indian restaurant here.

The “Indian” restaurant here is run by people from Nepal” and as far as food there goes, it’s mostly about momos (dumplings) and chowmein (noodles). 

But I must say I was so lucky to have spent such quality time in India and met with some of the best people ever. There is something very noticeable about people there; people who I have interacted with such as my classmates. They are so humble. I am so happy to have known Indian culture from close quarters. My journey is continuing forever! And I’m proud of the fact that real Indian culture is coming to Japan!