Cooking Started as Curiosity and Became One of My Favorite Hobbies
If someone had asked me during my school days whether cooking would become one of my favorite hobbies, I probably would have laughed.
Like many students, my cooking journey began with something incredibly simple—instant noodles.
Back then, I wasn't trying to become a chef. I was just curious about whether I could make something on my own without asking someone else to cook for me.
Looking back now, that simple bowl of noodles became the first step toward a hobby that I genuinely enjoy today.
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From Noodles to Biryani
As time went on, I became more confident in the kitchen.
Instead of cooking only noodles, I started challenging myself with more complicated dishes.
Over the years, I learned to cook dishes such as:
- Chicken Biryani
- Mutton Biryani
- Egg Gravy
- Chicken Gravy
- Chicken Stew
- Mutton Gravy
- Fried Eggs
- Omelets
- Rice dishes
- A few other simple homemade recipes
Every new dish taught me something different.
Some recipes took several attempts before I got them right.
Others turned out surprisingly well on the very first try.
I Don't Know Hundreds of Recipes—and That's Okay
One thing I often tell people is this:
I'm not an expert cook.
I don't know dozens of different cuisines or hundreds of recipes.
Instead, I cook the same dishes again and again.
But there's one thing I enjoy doing.
Every time I cook, I change something slightly.
Maybe I'll:
- Add a little more black pepper.
- Use different spices.
- Cook the onions longer.
- Try a different marination.
- Adjust the amount of chilli powder.
These small experiments help me understand how ingredients affect taste.
Sometimes the food becomes even better than before.
Sometimes... it becomes a lesson for next time.
And honestly, that's part of the fun.
I've Made Plenty of Mistakes
Social media often shows only perfect food.
Real cooking isn't like that.
I've overcooked chicken.
I've added too much salt.
I've burned onions.
I've forgotten ingredients.
I've completely ruined dishes and wasted food during the learning process.
At first, those mistakes felt frustrating.
But I eventually realized something important.
Every mistake taught me more than a successful recipe ever could.
Cooking is a skill.
Like any skill, improvement comes from practice—not perfection.
The Best Part About Learning to Cook
Today, one of my favorite feelings is this:
Whenever I crave chicken biryani or egg gravy, I don't have to wait for a restaurant or ask someone else to cook.
I can simply go into my kitchen and make it myself.
There's something incredibly satisfying about preparing a meal with your own hands.
Even if it's not restaurant quality, it tastes special because you made it.
Why I Believe Everyone Should Learn Cooking
I'm not saying everyone needs to become a professional chef.
I'm simply saying everyone should know how to cook for themselves.
Cooking gives you:
- Independence
- Confidence
- A useful life skill
- Better control over what you eat
- The ability to save money
- The joy of creating something from scratch
Whether you're a student living away from home, a working professional, or someone who simply enjoys food, knowing how to cook is one of the most practical skills you can learn.
Even learning five or six basic dishes is enough to make a huge difference.
Kitchen Essentials I Personally Recommend
If you're just starting your cooking journey, these simple kitchen tools can make cooking much easier.
Knife Set for Kitchen
A good knife set makes chopping vegetables, meat, and herbs safer and more efficient.
Cooking Oil Dispenser
Helps pour the right amount of oil while keeping your kitchen clean and organized.
Chopping Board
A sturdy chopping board protects your kitchen counter and provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients.
Kitchen Dishwasher Liquid Holder
Keep your sink area neat and organized with a convenient holder for dishwashing liquid and cleaning tools.
Final Thoughts
When I look back at my journey, it's funny to think that everything started with a simple packet of instant noodles.
Today, I can cook dishes that once seemed difficult, and every meal reminds me how much I've learned through trial and error.
I still have a lot to learn.
There are countless recipes I've never tried and techniques I haven't mastered.
But that's what makes cooking exciting.
It's a journey where every mistake teaches something new and every successful meal builds confidence.
If you've never cooked before, start small.
Cook noodles.
Then eggs.
Then a simple curry.
Don't worry about making mistakes—they're part of learning.
You don't have to become a great cook.
Just learn enough to cook for yourself.
One day, you'll be thankful that you did.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating content for The Thiru Archives.
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