Fathers, Food And Fond Memories: Stories From Both Sides Of The Table

There’s something timeless about the kitchen—a space where roles blur, generations connect, and memories simmer gently over shared meals. I'll admit, I haven’t cooked much with my dad, but our bond has always been rooted in a shared love for food and travel—something I’ve clearly inherited from him. 

Some of our fondest memories aren't about recipes but are shared over a plate (and sometimes in a glass). He was the first person to introduce me to beer—and he’s the reason I grew to love it. Now, it’s become our thing: a chilled glass, some chakhna on the side, and conversations that run deeper than usual. Then there's that one monsoon we enjoyed piping hot masala chai and vada pav on the foggy streets of Mahabaleshwar. Or that time when we relished a hot plate of Maggi on a mountain cliff in Dalhousie after trekking to a hilltop temple in zero degrees. And then there’s a small but unforgettable gesture: the afternoon he packed a chicken sandwich for me instead of my usual cheese one, simply because I had mentioned I was tired of it.

It’s these small, thoughtful acts—the spontaneous stops, the shared snacks, the quiet understanding—that slowly turn into memories you hold onto.

So this Father's Day, we spoke to chefs, content creators, and storytellers to uncover their fondest foodmemories with their fathers or their own children. Some found joy in flour-covered chaos, others in quiet traditions, but all agreed: food has a beautiful way of deepening bonds.

Manish Mehrotra, Chef 

The legendary chef lights up when he talks about cooking with his daughter. "Cooking with my daughter is an absolute delight — she’s both the best and the scariest kitchen partner! Best, because it’s always fun when we cook together. And scariest, because she’s my toughest food critic. She never holds back — if something doesn’t taste good, she’ll say it straight, unlike my colleagues who might hesitate. But that’s what makes her my favourite cooking buddy. Our go-to dishes? Butter pepper garlic prawns, cheesy pasta, and yakhani pulao — we love making those together."

Harun Robert aka ROB, Artist  

We’ve seen him bring colour and creativity to countless childhoods through his DIY show M.A.D., but it turns out Rob’s most cherished creations are the ones he bakes with his daughters. "It’s become a little tradition—we bake chocolate cupcakes together for special occasions. Sure, things get a bit chaotic, with flour everywhere, but the real fun begins once the cupcakes are in the oven. That’s when we dive in with our fingers and lick every last bit of batter from the mixing bowl. Baking with my girls is the sweetest kind of chaos—and a mess I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world."

Varun Duggirala, Entrepreneur & Podcaster

For Varun, food memories are tied to travel and growth. "We went on a trip to Japan with our eight-year-old daughter last year. And on that trip, we had an amazing evening in a traditional izakaya. It was the first time she sat up and said, 'I want to learn how to eat with a pair of chopsticks' and proceeded to ace it immediately. It’s moments like these when we see our children take these independent steps to not just embrace something new but also to soak in everything else around it that you have moments to remember as a parent. Plus it ensures we have many more trips to Japan together in the years to come."

Shivesh Bhatia, Self-Taught Baker & Author

For Shivesh, food has always been about expression, but Father’s Day shifts the flavour. "My father and I have always been total opposites when it comes to food. While I adore chocolate and cheese, both of which are central to many of my desserts and meals, he dislikes both. It’s funny and special at the same time, because in a way, it has shaped how I celebrate him. Every Father’s Day, I step away from my usual chocolate-loaded desserts and bake him the one thing he truly loves—a simple, classic fruit cake. It's my way of showing him that, while our tastes differ, everything I do for him comes from an abundance of love. And seeing him appreciate the cake makes it the most meaningful bake for me for the year."

Sneha Singhi Upadhaya, Chef And F&B Consultant 

In Sneha’s home, dessert has always been a love language—thanks to her father’s insatiable sweet tooth. "My dad and I both have a major sweet tooth. More than cooking—which he’s surprisingly good at—he’s always loved ending his meals with dessert. Every day, he’d ask my mom, grandmom, or our staff to make something sweet—dal ka halwa, badam halwa, fruit custard—simple yet delicious. And he’d insist I eat it with him. Now that he’s become more health-conscious, he still makes sure I don’t miss out—sending me fresh Nolengur rasgullas daily in season. One of my fondest memories is his kesar milk, made with dry fruits and saffron—a winter staple passed down from my grandfather, who used to make it for us when we were kids."

Aparna Rathore, Chef And Content Creator

Aparna's love for cooking began early — as a child, she could spend hours glued to food channels and cooking shows. “I still remember Papa teasing me, saying, ‘Beta, remote humein de do thoda!’ and I’d reply, ‘Bas thodi der mein!’” she recalls with a smile. The kitchen quickly became their shared space, and a quiet bond formed over flavours and curiosity.

She loved experimenting with recipes she saw on TV, often catching her father peeking into the kitchen multiple times, as if the dish might magically change with every glance. “I’d tell him, ‘Papa, just wait… I’ll give it to you once it’s done.’”

When it was finally ready, she’d call out — “Papaaaaa!” — and he’d come rushing in, eyes lit up, asking, “Haanji aa gaya, kya banaya hai?” It’s this childlike excitement on his face, that unwavering encouragement, that she cherishes most. “He appreciated it every single time,” she says. “Just like my mom still does. So this Father’s Day, I’m holding on to those little kitchen moments — full of food, love, and a bond that only grew stronger with every meal we shared."