My Desi

Everything your family knew, written down.

A Desi kitchen counter with bowls of turmeric, chilli powder and cumin, fresh coriander, dough and a rolling pin, a steel tiffin box and a glass of chai — The everyday Desi kitchen — where most of this knowledge actually lives. (AI-generated image)

There is a whole body of knowledge that Desi families pass on by doing rather than explaining: which dal goes in which dish, why there are four different words for uncle, what actually happens on the second day of a wedding, and how much to put in the envelope. This site writes it down — for people who grew up half-knowing it, and for anyone who has just been invited in.

The KitchenPantry, spices, dals, chai, sweets — how a Desi kitchen actually works Weddings & CeremoniesEvery ritual explained, plus a guide for guests Your first Desi grocery runWhat to buy, aisle by aisle Invited to a Desi wedding?What to wear, what to gift, what happens when Facing an Indian menu?Every section decoded, and how to order well Music & DanceBhangra, garba, qawwali and the classical forms

Start here

The spice guide — fifteen spices, what each one does, and the four you can start with.
Dals explained — toor, chana, moong, masoor, urad: which is which and what they are for.
The wedding, day by day — what happens, in what order, and roughly when.
Chai, properly — why boiling the tea with the milk is the whole point.

The ten sections

The KitchenPantry, spices, dals, breakfasts, sweets Eating OutReading the menu, ordering well, what to expect WeddingsEvery ceremony, plus a guest guide WardrobeSarees, kurtas, jewellery, what to wear when Family & IdentityKinship, names, raising kids, growing up Desi Home & LivingPuja space, hosting, decor, kitchen garden TraditionsHair oiling, fasting, nazar, the festival year CultureCinema, music, dance, books, comedy Music & DanceBhangra, garba, qawwali, the classical forms Desi TalesStories written to be read aloud tonight

Not sure where to begin? Start here — or try the quick questions and the glossary.

Not a directory

This site explains how things are done. It doesn't list shops, caterers or venues — plenty of places do that already, and doing it badly helps nobody.

Last updated: 2026-08-13