It probably sounds cliché, but my mom cooks the best food ever. How many times have you heard someone saying the same? Why do most people like mom's cooking? The food has a unique flavor, exotic aroma in addition serene and pleasing effects, just like childhood memories. Cooking is like love, more the passion involved the more it tastes incredible! As the saying goes “If there is any scent for love and care, it's in food prepared by mom.” No place is better than home, and nothing tastes better than mom's food. There is a surprising theory to it that some genetics are involved which makes mom's cooking taste good. There is some sort of chemistry of enzymes especially amylase which is primarily responsible for breaking down of starch, that makes mom's food taste special. Though the theory has not been proven, many still believe their mom is the best cook ever. Saudi Gazette asked around to know what readers think about it. SG: Do you think food tastes best when it is cooked by your mother? Farah Iqbal (Teacher at Cedar International School) - Food cooked by mum is always tastier and special because mum always adds her love to the food. I think it provides simple pleasure of eating at home than from any five star restaurant. Umamma (bride to be) – Yes, because she pours her love for her children in the food. Summaiya (Student) – Only if I eat her cooked food after a long time. Like, if I don't get to eat her cooked food for 3- 4 days then I crave for food cooked by her. Sharmeen (Student of Pharmacy) –I totally agree, as we have been eating that food since we were kids. Our taste buds have probably developed and accepted that taste. Nothing can be compared with our mothers. Umm Ahmed (Mother of three) – A big yes! Nothing tastes better than mother's cooked food. SG: How do you find your mother's cooked food different than others? Farah - There is a difference between mom's cooked food and others. I love the way she feeds us after preparing food. Our acceptance gives her satisfaction. My mom is always eager to learn new recipes and to try them. The smile on her face after our approval makes my day. Umamma - The ratio of salt and pepper added by my mom has probably set a standard. I feel the spices are in right quantity only if it is in accordance to my mother's measurement or else I can taste the difference that someone else has cooked the food. Summaiya - I just feel the difference because I know it's cooked by my mom. Sharmeen - I know one thing for sure, Mother is a mother, and no one can be as special as a mother. Give me the best food in town, but I won't find it better than my mother's cooked food. Umm Ahmed – I am a mother, but I am not satisfied with what I cook. Whenever I go for dinner at my mother's place, I feel so peaceful and all my weariness fades away. This - cannot be felt with any other food. SG: Secret ingredient? Farah – Secret ingredient are her love. She adds love to her recipes. She is patient while trying different things. She is a super mom to ease our life with her magical hands. Umamma - I think, the most important thing is to ask for Allah's help. Start cooking by taking His name, and think positive. If a person cooks with frustration, it's impossible that something good will come out of it. My mom says, behavior, words, mood and love are great factors. Summaiya - I think the secret ingredient is a secret till now. My brother went for higher education, and didn't get to taste her cooked food. After five years during a family reunion, out of six dishes, he knew which one was cooked by mom and only had that for dinner. Even he doesn't know how. Umm Ahmed - A special blend of ginger garlic paste and light spices makes her food distinct.
