30 Years of Culinary Grit, A Decade of Blogging, & 892+ Recipes. Welcome to My Lifelong Learning Process, I’m Still Just Getting Started...

They say a "PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS," but in my kitchen, a single aroma tells a whole life story, rekindles moments & memories, take me on a nostalgic trail. After 10 years of blogging and 30 years of marriage, I’ve learned that while many might enjoy the feast, it is the cook alone who takes the toil & masters the fire. 

    Thank you for taking the time to visit. This sweet little corner of the internet is dedicated to showcasing Traditional Indian home cooking and celebrating the vibrant, exotic flavours of Southeast Asia. Founded on the belief that good food is the very Essence of Life.

    I’m SM, a self-taught cook & a food blogger, an Indian based in Malaysia.  While this blog officially celebrates its 10th Anniversary in January 2026, my journey actually began in 1992 with a simple school diary and a handwritten recipe.  What started as a small intuition to document my kitchen digitally has evolved into a deep-seated passion.  Today, that diary has transformed into a digital archive of 892+ meticulously tested recipes, a lifetime’s worth of flavours. If you seek straightforward, foolproof recipes that honour culinary heritage while focusing on taste and health, you’ve come to the right place.

Why “Essence of Life – Food”? 

    For years, I happily sailed along in my own little world, dabbling with my loving family. But the sheer, undeniable urge to share my culinary passion became too strong to ignore! This blog stemmed from a desire to dedicate my precious time to the very thing that nourishes us, body and soul: food.

    But why did I choose the name “Essence of Life - Food?”  I truly believe that food isn't just fuel; it's an essential, life-affirming pleasure. Food is the very Essential of Life. What we eat profoundly impacts our existence, and food prepared with love enriches the soul. Essence of Life – Food is a genuine celebration of everyday cooking, where the simplicity of traditional recipes meets modern taste and health conscious choices.

My Culinary Tapestry: Tradition Meets Global Adventure

    Growing up in a typical South Indian family in Coimbatore with family roots from God's Own Country & married into a Christian household, can give a simple reflection of what you can expect to see in this blog. Yet, living here in Malaysia, a veritable food haven, travelling to a few other countries, reading about Food, their Origin, and Cuisines have certainly influenced my cooking style and have drastically changed my preconception about Food. It has completely expanded my culinary horizons.

    My kitchen is now a lively hub of Authentic Indian recipes alongside a delightful mix of Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Singaporean, inspired dishes. The Southeast Asian Cuisine, with its unique ingredients and cooking methods, has significantly shaped my culinary style.  At times, I’ll also sneak in some splendid Arabian and Western fare, which tantalizes my taste buds. It’s my delicious tribute to the world’s diverse cuisines!

Tried, True, and Taste-Tested

    Most of the recipes you’ll find here have been gathered over the years from family and friends, the true keepers of culinary wisdom! From Magazines to TV shows and later from Internet too. But whether it’s a time-honoured family recipe or a new creation born from countless "Trials and Errors," every single dish on Essence of Life – Food has been meticulously tested in my kitchen.   All the recipes here are from "Tried to True to Taste Tested Perfection". I ensure they are not just easy to make, but tasty & healthy, even for beginners. After all, a foolproof recipe is the greatest gift a blogger can give!

Got a recipe you adore? I’m always open to new flavours! Feel free to email me your favourite recipe and perhaps we can feature it on the blog.

The Hands That Create & The Eyes That Critique

• The Evolution: When I first started this blogging adventure, the beautiful photos were taken by my talented daughter. But as she’s soared into her demanding role as an upcoming doctor, the captivating visuals you see now are entirely the result of my own journey into amateur food photography. I've happily walked the wobbly road of learning by doing, mastering the technical aspects and visual flair of blogging out of sheer grit—and a good dose of trial and error!
• The Critics: My home kitchen, bless its heart, has two permanent, rather opinionated critics: my husband and son. They are my designated guinea pigs when perfecting new recipes, and let’s just say their comments are always direct, sometimes hilariously so, sometimes a little sharp. I've learned, however, that the key to survival (and better recipes) is to simply focus on the flavour outcome and let the critique roll off. After all, a little spice never hurt anyone!
• The Anchor - my Soul Keeper: The true anchor of support for Essence of Life – Food, is my daughter. She frequently comes to the rescue, using these very recipes for her own college meal prepping (a huge compliment, I tell you!). She’s my silent partner in quality control, periodically suggesting enhancements or corrections, always spot-on when highlighting my initial amateur mistakes!

    Ultimately, this blog is a testament to the belief that "Life is a Continuous Learning Process." It’s my passion, my hobby, and I'm quite proud to say I handle the full spectrum, from the flame under the pan to the widgets on the screen!

My Newest Culinary Chapter: The eBook

    In addition to sharing delicious recipes here on Essence of Life – Food, I’ve also embarked on an exciting new adventure: writing an eBook.

    Discover "What I Cook – For Onam"—a culinary journey that encapsulates my passion for food and traditional cooking. It’s a carefully curated collection of my favourite Onam Sadhya recipes, complete with cooking tips and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary exploration into Kerala's festival food, this eBook is designed to inspire and delight your taste buds.

Grab your copy of "What I Cook – For Onam" today and bring the authentic taste of the festival to your table.

    Nothing brings me more satisfaction than cooking and hearing how much people enjoy my food. Your feedback is invaluable; opinions always pave the way for improvement and perfection in any culinary journey!