A Reddit post asking how NRIs deal with complaints about the strong aromas of Indian cooking has sparked a wave of remarks on social media. Several people residing abroad came up with relatable stories and practical advice. A few also took a dig at the post.
“How do Indians abroad handle cooking odor complaints?” an NRI asked. “Curious how NRIs manage cooking odor issues in Western countries/apartments/office kitchen, particularly in Europe. Have you received complaints about Indian cooking smells? What practical solutions worked: better ventilation or modified cooking methods? How did you maintain good neighbour relations while still enjoying our cuisine?" the individual added.
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Take a look at the post:
How did social media react?
A Reddit user shared a comprehensive list, saying, “There are few remedies. Use a good charcoal filter. It really helps. I spend ~20 EUR for filters that last for 3-4 months. Ventilate before and after cooking. Open opposite side windows completely and keep it like that for 10-15 min at least each time. Use some good room freshener. Change the cooking style a little bit. Avoid frying garlic in very high heat. A little bit of modification goes a long way. If you still receive complaints, ignore. You have to endure the smell of roasted pork too. So should they.”
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{{/usCountry}}A Reddit user shared a comprehensive list, saying, “There are few remedies. Use a good charcoal filter. It really helps. I spend ~20 EUR for filters that last for 3-4 months. Ventilate before and after cooking. Open opposite side windows completely and keep it like that for 10-15 min at least each time. Use some good room freshener. Change the cooking style a little bit. Avoid frying garlic in very high heat. A little bit of modification goes a long way. If you still receive complaints, ignore. You have to endure the smell of roasted pork too. So should they.”
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{{/usCountry}}Another added, “Better ventilation, set aside your cooking clothing and outerwear. Our spices are hard so I try to wash those t-shirts after every couple of wears.”
A third expressed, “Try covering hair while cooking. Hair, too, absorbs the smell from spices.” A fourth wrote, “Just call it racism. It's cheap. Jokes aside, I have candles, I cook in bulk, and I have air freshener pockets from India.”