Welcome to MyFoodCulture

Namaste! I'm so glad you're here. This little corner of the internet was born from a deep love for Jain cuisine and a desire to share these beautiful, compassionate recipes with the world.

My journey with Jain food began many years ago, not out of strict religious practice, but from a simple curiosity about a cuisine that celebrates the purity of ingredients and the principle of ahimsa—non-violence towards all living beings. What started as an exploration quickly became a passion.

Why Jain Recipes?

Jain cuisine is unique in its approach to food. It's not just about what we eat, but how we eat and why we eat. The principles are simple yet profound:

• No root vegetables - Respecting the life force in plants
• No onions or garlic - Keeping the mind clear and calm
• Fresh, seasonal ingredients - Celebrating what nature provides
• Simple preparations - Letting flavors shine naturally

What I discovered was that these "restrictions" aren't limitations at all. They're invitations to be more creative, more mindful, and more appreciative of the incredible variety of vegetables, grains, and spices available to us.

The Beauty of Simplicity

In a world of complex recipes and elaborate cooking techniques, Jain cuisine offers something refreshing: simplicity. A perfectly spiced dal, a fragrant vegetable curry, a crispy dosa—these dishes prove that you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated methods to create something truly delicious.

Over the years, I've collected recipes from family gatherings, temple kitchens, and my own experiments in the kitchen. Some are traditional preparations passed down through generations, while others are my modern takes on classic dishes. What unites them all is their adherence to Jain principles and their ability to nourish both body and soul.

My Mission

Through MyFoodCulture, I want to:

• Make Jain cooking accessible - You don't need to be Jain to appreciate and enjoy these recipes
• Preserve traditional recipes - Many of these dishes have been passed down orally for generations
• Inspire creativity - Show how beautiful constraints can lead to culinary innovation
• Build community - Connect people who share an interest in mindful, compassionate eating

What You'll Find Here

This website is a growing collection of Jain recipes spanning all meal types—from energizing breakfasts to satisfying dinners, from quick snacks to festive desserts. Each recipe is tested in my own kitchen and comes with clear instructions, ingredient lists, and often, personal notes about the dish's significance or my favorite ways to enjoy it.

The recipes draw from various cuisines—Indian, Asian, Mexican, Italian—all adapted to follow Jain dietary principles. Because ultimately, mindful eating knows no borders.

Join Me on This Journey

Whether you're a practicing Jain looking for new recipe ideas, someone curious about plant-based eating, or simply a food lover interested in exploring new flavors, I hope you'll find inspiration here.

Cooking is an act of love—for ourselves, for those we feed, and for the world around us. Every meal prepared with mindfulness and compassion is a small step towards a more peaceful world.

Thank you for being here. Happy cooking!

— With love and gratitude,
Your Host at MyFoodCulture