Unusual Food Preferences That Impact My Diet
From aversions to certain prepared foods to a dislike for specific flavors, my food preferences are as unique as they are complex. In this article, we'll explore my specific dislikes and how they influence my diet.
Common Dislikes Amongst Uncommon Preferences
When it comes to breakfast, cooked eggs are my go-to choice. I cannot stand half-boiled or poached eggs, as their texture and taste are not to my liking. However, a well-boiled egg or an omelette is a perfect start to my day, offering a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Certain prepared meals are off-limits as well. While I enjoy Maggi when cooked at home or on the street, the pre-packaged version is a diet no-no. The smell and texture of these instant noodles are off-putting to me, and I find it too unhealthy.
Fast food and instant ramen hold no appeal for me. Top Ramen's odd aroma is particularly distasteful, and I shudder at the thought of cooked onions in sabzi. Additionally, I try to avoid bland or overly sweet foods, as they fail to satisfy my taste buds.
Flavor Dislikes and Myths Debunked
Strange as it may sound, I have a deep-seated aversion to radishes (mooli). My childhood experience of choking on a piece of radish has left a lasting impression, making me completely intolerant to the vegetable. This dislike extends even to the scent of coconut oil in food, which I find nearly impossible to tolerate.
Another oddity is my aversion to near-ripe bananas in any form, though I relish them as a fruit. This includes banana-based dishes or those with plantains or raw bananas, as I find their taste overpowering and unappetizing.
Cardamom (elaichi) in desserts is another no-no. I find its overpowering flavor overwhelming and detracts from the other flavors in the dish. As a result, I tend to avoid most North Indian sweet dishes that contain cardamom.
Water and Other Fishes: My Unique Take
My love for fish is unconventional to say the least. While I relish freshwater fish such as Rohu and Catla, the thought of these simply does not register favorably with me. For a Bengali, this is akin to a dietary crime! However, I do enjoy most seawater fish. The variety of fish from the ocean, such as Surmai (Kingfish), Bangra (Mackerel), Rawas, Indian salmon, and tunas, blend well with my taste buds.
Lastly, my senses are also sensitive to the scent of rose water and attar, though they can be found in small quantities in some Biryani dishes. While these flavors are not a daily occurrence, they are enough to deter me from trying certain dishes.
These unique and sometimes strange preferences shape my diet, ensuring that I enjoy my meals without any discomfort or dislike.