Beyond the traditional roles and expectations, there exists a world where men find solace, express themselves, and connect with others through the art of cooking. International Men’s Day, celebrated on 19th November every year, is all about celebrating masculinity, men breaking stereotypes, and making the world a better place.
Stepping into the modern era, men are not only limited to cooking in restaurants as chefs but have also resorted to the kitchen for healing and joy. To celebrate the change, Slurrp interviewed men across India who find cooking therapeutic. Read on the stories of men who are redefining gender roles while inspiring others to embrace the kitchen.
Aanand Arora, Data Analyst
What’s your earliest memory of cooking?
My cooking journey started at 17, sparked by my passion for food and a desire to prepare something of my own. At first, I was mixing whatever and whenever just seeing if something would stick. Eventually, my mom started to take over and taught me the ropes, which became the basis for my world of cooking. The journey began as a little entertainment and transformed into an interest in learning about flavour and techniques.
What aspects of cooking do you find the most calming?
I love peeling; I find it a soothing and satisfying aspect of cooking. There is a meditative quality to peeling that perfectionistically strips away every morsel of peel. A simple yet satisfying exercise that allows me to home in and relish the cadence of prepping ingredients.
Are there particular dishes that give you a sense of satisfaction?
Those who are not very fond of garlic need to stay away! My favourite part always with a roasted dish is the aroma while doing everything. The smell of freshly chopped or sautéed garlic is so lovely and soothing. It provides a bit of warmth and depth to the cooking, which is why it is one of my favourite ingredients to work with.
Do you enjoy cooking for others, or do you prefer to cook just for yourself?
It really depends on the mood that I am in and how lazy I feel after work. Then, there are times when I want to keep it simple and just do it for myself; after all, not every day is a good one in the kitchen, and sometimes we want to share food experiences with friends. It consists of putting effort and chilling or balancing in between.
Can you share a recipe that brings you comfort?
I turn to Rajma Chawal when I want to eat something comforting. And that perfect home-y feel, that melts me instantly and sweeps my anxieties away, even if I’m far from home. The food is one thing, but attached to it are the tastes and moments that never leave you.
In a society where cooking is considered to be a woman’s chore, how would you motivate men who might be hesitant to get into the kitchen?
I would tell them that cooking is not male or female — it is a life skill and an art that everyone should partake in. Eating out has its dangers, and it is liberating to be able to make your own food. Not only that, but cooking is also a creative outlet and an opportunity for social interaction. I would suggest that hesitant men begin with small steps, play without guilt and find pleasure in creating some tasty food for themselves or loved ones. An ability that not only makes your life more enjoyable but also crushes the stereotypes in the most wonderful way.
Soumallya Dev, Software Developer
What’s your earliest memory of cooking?
I first started to cook when I was in class 11. It was just out of curiosity as it sparked my interest when I saw my dad cooking on the weekends.
What aspects of cooking do you find the most calming?
I feel the whole process is therapeutic when you kind of know the outcome but also are open to experiment. So like, if I have a chaotic day and I don’t know what to do, I tend to cook something following a recipe so I don’t use my conscious brain and feel calm and composed and sub-consciously I think experimenting to make something work and something great at the end.
Are there particular dishes that give you a sense of satisfaction?
I like cooking Main Course dishes and sometimes desserts.
Do you enjoy cooking for others, or do you prefer to cook just for yourself?
Always for others. It gives another level of satisfaction.
Can you share a recipe that brings you comfort?
Chilli Chicken/Paneer or Kada Prasad
Manik Monga, IT Professional
What’s your earliest memory of cooking?
I started cooking at around 12-13 years of age out of curiosity. However, the practice was a blessing in disguise because quite often, I used to be alone at home - and I was always able to look after my hunger needs.
What aspects of cooking do you find the most calming?
The most calming part of the entire process would most definitely be chopping, followed by plating. The core process rather brings panic quite often.
Do you enjoy cooking for others, or do you prefer to cook just for yourself?
As an amateur cook, I am quite doubtful before cooking for others. Hence, most of the time, I cook for myself. However, if I am very sure of how the dish is going to turn out, I love cooking for others.
Can you share a recipe that brings you comfort?
The special recipe I turn to when I need a sense of relaxation would be Veg Pulao. The more types of vegetables, the better. And topped with creamy curd. I love my veggies.
In a society where cooking is considered to be a woman’s chore, how would you motivate men who might be hesitant to get into the kitchen?
To be considered a women’s chore has something to do with how society had been functioning long ago. Men used to be the breadwinners at that time. However, we have evolved in a way that women are now not just homemakers. It is not strange anymore to see women earning for themselves and their families. Hence, earning has become a gender-neutral duty. However, we still have not evolved enough to say the same for cooking. I personally cannot resonate with people who would still depend on their female counterparts to look after cooking after working a full-time job. Just like earnings are shared, any household chores should be too
Yash Anand, Corporate Employee
What’s your earliest memory of cooking?
I started to cook during my early teenage, but it was not necessarily out of necessity initially. It was more so by curiosity as my mother first used to work and then was sick too, but it was never a compulsion as there was help from my brother or even my father. But as my mom always says, “sabko sab aana chahiye beta”.. I don't do it as frequently anymore as I should, but I cook when I can.
What aspects of cooking do you find the most calming?
I love chopping onions, just kidding. The time when you add spices, when you saute the vegetables, or when you stir the food so it doesn't burn is the most calming for me.
Do you enjoy cooking for others, or do you prefer to cook just for yourself?
For me, cooking is more a way of showing compassion and love as my mother does. So, I like to cook for others more than I ever do myself. If I had to cook just for myself, I probably wouldn't have. I'd just most probably resort to some fast cook, like instant noodles.
Can you share a recipe that brings you comfort?
I love making atte ke pude, which are the desi version of pancakes.
In a society where cooking is considered to be a woman’s chore, how would you motivate men who might be hesitant to get into the kitchen?
I don't think it's a woman thing for sure. My take is that initially, the work divide was mostly about women being the homemakers and men being the breadwinners. Cooking, being a homemaker’s chore, fell to the woman’s basket. But it can simply be seen when it was more a breadwinner task related to cooking like chefs: you'd again see men there. However, now that in this capitalist world where both men and women are taking on the breadwinner role as it is a necessity, there should be a new work divide at home, too.