Food and friendships

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Nitika Kuthiala

Updated At : 08:59 AM May 29, 2025 IST

Illustration: Sandeep Joshi

Chandigarh holds a special place in my heart. It was where I stepped into adulthood — leaving behind the comforts of home, carrying big dreams and the determination to make my parents proud. Everything about this new life was exciting, filled with friendships and fresh experiences. But when it came to food, the longing for home-cooked meals was hard to ignore.

Every girl in the hostel — whether from Himachal, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, or Rajasthan — craved for the familiar taste of home. The initial struggle was real, but slowly, we adapted. Goodies from home were always a treasure. But when a family member visited, they always came bearing food. A tin of ghee and a pack of Bournvita were sacred, never to be shared.

We all know how Son Papdi is treated these days — forever passed around, rarely eaten. I remember one time my dad sent a generous food package — 2 kg of custom-made Son Papdi, Kangra’s famous roasted channa, a bottle of pickle, and ajwain puris. Five of us girls devoured everything in a day — those were the days when calorie counting was a distant thought, overshadowed by pure indulgence and joy.

Money was always tight, and finding the best, most affordable food joints became second nature. Those shared meals weren’t just about sustenance — they carried an emotional weight, weaving nostalgia into every bite. We uncovered hidden gems across Chandigarh, catering to the diverse tastes of students from all over India.

Among the most cherished was Panjab University’s Student Canteen — fondly called StuC — a sanctuary where great food, budget-friendly prices, and lively surroundings created an unbeatable dining experience. Weekends weren’t spent going home; instead, we visited friends’ families across Punjab, embracing the warmth of their kitchens. From Ferozepur to Ludhiana, Amritsar to Bathinda, Patiala to Jalandhar, Malerkotla to Khanna, I tasted some of the finest homemade Punjabi dishes.

My friend’s mother in Khanna, with her mini tandoor, made Afghani chicken that still lingers in my memory. I swear by baingan ka bharta, kadhi pakoda, parantha with makhan, and paneer bhurji — flavours so deeply intertwined with my student days. If only I could print the food pictures stored in my mind. Those were the days when friendship and food were all that mattered.

Over time, Chandigarh’s food scene transformed. Around 2014-15, the city embraced a culinary revolution, welcoming upscale restaurants and global cuisines. While the nostalgia for home-cooked meals remains, Chandigarh has expanded my palate and shaped my personality, offering a culinary journey that continues to unfold. Because when it comes to food, the conversation never truly ends — it only gets richer with time.

Nitika Kuthiala, Delhi

Food and friendships

Nitika Kuthiala

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