Here’s a fun fact about me: I have a genuine passion for food, and my greatest joy comes from exploring new dishes and cuisines. When I travel, I’m the type of person who opts for local cuisine rather than sticking to familiar dishes like dal chawal, as I believe that trying unique flavors is an essential part of the travel experience.
Despite my adventurous palate, I do have a go-to comfort food, as we all do. Comfort food varies from person to person, with some finding solace in khichdi, others in rajma chawal, and so on. For me, comfort food means anything in the realm of desi Chinese, and I’m absolutely resolute in my love for it.
The concept of comfort food is to provide a sense of solace and warmth when you’re feeling under the weather, sad, or stressed. For me, desi Chinese fulfills this role and more. I can vividly recall instances when I was down with a viral fever and a nasty cold. A steaming bowl of hot and sour chicken soup worked like magic, instantly making everything feel less bothersome. Similarly, when I was feeling low, a serving of burnt garlic chicken Hakka noodles had the power to restore my faith in the world.
Before anyone rushes to criticize, let me clarify that I understand that desi Chinese is not authentic Chinese cuisine. Authentic Chinese food tends to be milder, whereas desi Chinese is bursting with bold flavors, spices, and sauces. This is precisely what appeals to me, as I have a penchant for spicy flavors. I’m not particularly fond of overly sweet dishes, as they tend to give me a headache. Desi Chinese, with its robust flavors, provides comfort, fulfills my cravings, and keeps me feeling satisfied for an extended period. Plus, it’s affordable and readily available.
Consider this: desi Chinese has the remarkable ability to transform even the most mundane ingredients. Take a simple cauliflower, fry its florets, toss them in an array of sauces, and you’ve got gobhi Manchurian – an incredibly tasty dish. Desi Chinese has the power to elevate the most ordinary foods due to its vibrant and flavorful nature. When people dine at a new restaurant, they often opt for desi Chinese because it’s a safe choice – you can rarely go wrong with it. Despite its deliciousness, it’s relatively simple to prepare.
This reminds me of the countless times I’ve craved something delicious, and my solution has always been desi Chinese. In a desi household, you’ll always find ketchup, soya sauce, and chili sauce in the pantry, and these three sauces are the building blocks of this fusion cuisine. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve turned leftover fried chicken into a delectable new chicken dish by adding these sauces. Or by combining leftover rice with veggies and sauces to whip up a delightful plate of fried rice.
I acknowledge that it can be quite spicy for some individuals, and at times, it might upset your stomach. However, the essence of comfort food is that you enjoy it occasionally and revel in its comforting embrace. Desi Chinese is both versatile and comforting, much like that lifelong friend you’ve known since school. You don’t need to catch up every day, but when you do, it feels like a warm and enduring embrace.
I might indulge in sushi one day, continental cuisine the next, and South Indian fare later on, but I’ll always come back to desi Chinese. Nonetheless, witnessing people smother it with cheese and mayonnaise feels like sacrilege, and that’s where I firmly draw the line.
