Food & Memory

Food and Memory © Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan

Food and memory. Memory and food. The two are inextricably linked. In these narratives, Afghans living in India recall a specific memory associated with a favourite food, a shared meal, or a forbidden treat.

The writing for this series is a result of a workshop hosted by writer Taran N Khan at the Simurgh Centre. The artwork for the series is by Maryam Kakar. The translation of the original Dari into English was done by Laila Azimi and the editing by Zahra Baqaye.

Memories of Youth

In this episode, Zain-ul-Arab Miri remembers a magical afternoon spent with friends in Kabul, when their dreams seemed within reach.


From Manto to Shor Nakhud to Mushang

A young man – who goes by the pen name NaAshana - recalls sharing manto with a friend in Kabul, and his special connection to the shop they ate from.


Forbidden Treats

Maryam Kakar, a young artist, hides eating street food from her father, but the kurkure momos are worth it!


Okra By Another Name

In this episode, Laila Azimi, a young Afghan writer, shares a liking for okra cooked a particular way (which is a secret!).


Was it Kofta or Kubeda Kabab?

Faryal Azimi misses an elder who used to indulge her picky food habits when she was a child in Afghanistan.


Tabdeer-e-Manzil

Ifat Azimi talks about her home science notebook - her tabdeer-e-manzil - that’s been her constant companion and an exciting school outing to learn a special dish.