food and memories: The connect

According to Dutch eating designer Marije Vogelzang’s food philosophy, though the food goes to the stomach, it can also activate the brain and arouse strong memories and emotions. During an event at the historical museum of Rotterdam that she was catering for, the food caused unexpected reactions from the guests, who were the World War II veterans. Towards the end of WWII in 1944, a severe famine had struck Netherlands and ration tickets were issued to the veterans to trade food against. At the event, Vogelzang created the same recipes that were only available using the ration tickets during the war and when the guests tasted the food that they hadn’t for the last 65 years, it brought back strong memories. We ask these women about that one food that evokes certain memories and emotions from the past.  

“For me it is gajar ka halwa. It is seasonal and it takes a lot of hard work and time to prepare . As kids, making the dish used to be a winter ritual where our entire family of five came together to make it. We all had our roles set, with my mom heading the team. It was a family get together and also a time when we caught up on a lot of things. So, every time I smell the carrots being roasted in ghee and milk, I am instantly reminded of that gruelling but sweet winter ritual.”
 shehla, 28, marketing professional
“My mum worked with the packing department of a biscuit company when I was a kid. One of my most vivid remembrances is running over to her every evening when she returned from work, and wrapping my arms around her knees and inhaling the smell of vanilla on her clothes. Vanilla was one of the most popular flavours used in biscuits those days. Even today, when I smell vanilla, even in a perfume, I am instantly reminded of my mother and biscuits.”
Sindhu, 39, artist
“In winter, when we'd be wrapped in layers of woollens and craving for some comfort food, our mum would rustle up her miracle dish. It was a simple chicken stew, cooked with love and served with a smile. Even today, whenever I'm home for a holiday my mother makes it a point to cook the stew. Though I have tried to replicate it several times and never managed to get the flavours right, whenever I have it now, it takes me back to my childhood winters when I and my sister were huddled together, enjoying our bowl of chicken stew.”