All essays
Everything I've written so far, newest first.
Library
Libraries are time machines that transport us to different eras. As a reader, books can disappoint you — but a library never does.
Airport
Being in an airport is a big deal for the Indian middle class. We'll get dressed like we're going to a rich friend's wedding.
Waiting Rooms
Life in itself is a big waiting room. We come in without knowing what's in store for us. We wait for our turn.
The Vibe of Middle-Class Bars
Middle-class bars are the hidden havens of every city. Nobody bothers you. A perfect place to escape reality.
Beaches Are Like Old Monks
Beaches have seen a lot. And yet, they're calm and in the present. Maybe their time on this planet turned them into monks.
The World of South Indian Veg Restaurants
Anything with a 'bhavan' or 'vilas' suffix qualifies. These restaurants have seen more pivotal moments in our lives than we realize.
The Silence of Chettinad Mansions
Absolute silence is rare. I've experienced it only twice in my life — the second time was inside a Chettinad mansion.
A Cup of Life: Reflections from a Local Tea Shop
As a kid, tea shops were my window to the world. A raw and beautiful world filled with life, warmth, and kindness.
Delicacies from Local Iyengar Bakeries
The world needs more Iyengar bakeries. They've been feeding hungry school kids and giving working-class people fulfillment.
Legacy Family Restaurants
Seeing the "family room" at the restaurant made me feel nostalgic for a past where eating out felt like going on a vacation.