If you visited your grandmother during winter, you would be treated to special treats like Gond ke laddoo, til pitha, or gajar ka halwa. If you live far away from home and miss these special winter treats, we’ve got some good news. You can order healthy and nutritious winter special foods with Mealawe, Pune’s best homemade food delivery service.

Here are ten classic winter special recipes that you can order from your nearby home kitchens –

1. Sarson ka saag

Sarson ka saag is a traditional Punjabi dish prepared with mustard greens, ginger, and garlic. It is traditionally served with makki ki roti. The green mustard leaves are a good source of iron and dietary fibre. Add a dollop of white butter to this saag and enjoy this winter treat.

2. Bajra khichdi

Bajra khichdi is a traditional Rajasthani dish that is made during the winter season. This nutritious dish has a slightly chewy texture and is easy to prepare. It is rich in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and fibre. Bajra khichdi also contains iron, which helps prevent and control anemia.

3. Moong dal halwa

Mong dal halwa is a delicious dessert eaten during the winter season. It is supposed to keep the body warm and protect it from winter. It is made with yellow moong dal, milk, and ghee. It is packed with protein and zinc. It also contains potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure.

4. Nihari

Nihari is a stew in which the shank meat of goat or lamb is cooked with bone marrow. This famous dish dates back to the Mughal era. It is traditionally eaten during chilly winter mornings for breakfast. You can eat it with a khameeri or tandoori roti. Since Nihari contains a lot of proteins and fats, eating it can keep you warm during winter.

5. Panjiri

Panjiri is a winter delicacy made with wheat flour, ghee, sugar, cardamom, spices, and a generous amount of dry fruits. It contains heat-generating ingredients like sonth(dry ginger powder), goond( edible gum), and kamarkas (gum of the Palash tree). Although roasting all the elements can take some time, Panjiri is easy to make. Besides keeping the body warm in winter, Panjiri is also an excellent postpartum food as it speeds up recovery after delivery.

6. Gond ke laddoo

Gond ke laddoo is a popular winter sweet from North India. It is made from gond, an edible gum extracted from tree bark. Its special nutritional powers are believed to beat the winter chills. Once prepared, you can store it for months. It also helps prevent constipation and keeps your digestive system healthy.

7. Kharode soup

Kharode ka soup, also known as paya ka shorba, is clear bone broth made with goat or lamb trotters. It traces its origin back to the Mughal era. It is slow-cooked on low heat for hours to release the nutrients and minerals from the meat. This broth has a rich flavor, are is highly nourishing during sickness or injury. It is a popular non-vegetarian soup taken during the winter season.

8. Til pitha

Til pitha is a traditional Assamese dish. It is a rice flour pancake stuffed with a filling of ground black sesame seeds and jaggery. These crunchy snacks are made during Bihu, the main harvest festival of Assam. Black sesame seeds are prized in Ayurveda for their ability to generate and heat and energy in the body.

9. Gajar ka halwa

Gajar ka halwa or Gajrela is the perfect winter dessert since carrots are available in plenty during the winter. Made by simmering grated carrots in full-fat milk, it is a popular sweet dish during this season. Carrots contain vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which helps strengthen the immune system.

10. Rasam

Rasam is the best during chilly winters when you are suffering from a cough or cold. This south Indian soup, made with toor dal, gets its unique flavour and goodness from tomatoes, tamarind, and lemon. Some recipes of rasam also include ginger, pepper, and drumsticks.

Final words

These winter dishes are healthy and tasty. They will help you stay warm and provide you with the nutrients that are necessary for winter.

Order these classic homemade winter specials from Mealawe and ensure that you remain fit and energetic during the winter season. Let us know which one you liked the best!

The post 10 Amazing Winter Food in India to Keep You Warm appeared first on mealawe.

If you’ve seen people selling food online and are tempted to do the same, you may have some questions. You may wonder – Do I need any license to sell homemade food? How much does a food license cost?

Read on as we answer these questions about selling homemade food.

Which license do I need to sell homemade food?

Though homemade food businesses encounter fewer compliance issues than a full-fledged setup, an FSSAI food license is essential to run any food business in India. Obtaining this license is critical to an F&B operation making less than Rs 12 Lakh annual turnover.

What other licenses do I need to run a homemade food business?

Other than the FSSAI license, if you are planning to do homemade food business in a bigger scale, then you may also need these licenses –

Shops and Establishment license

If you employ more than ten people for your business, you are required to register under the Shops and Establishment Act of the state where you are running the business.

Health trade license

Since the food you make at home directly impacts the consumers’ health, your homemade food business requires a health trade license. This health license is given by the Municipal Corporation or the state’s health department.

Environmental clearance

Homemade food cooking may lead to smoke emissions, and how you dispose of the food waste can also have an environmental impact. So you need an environmental clearance license from the Pollution Board of your state.

Signage license

You need a signage license from your local Municipal body before you put any board or banner to promote your business. If you are thinking of starting a Dabba business, you will need this license before you put any sticker or label of your business on your dabbas.

NOC from your society

Before you start any business from your home, you need a no-objection certificate from your resident’s welfare society. The nearby residents may raise objections if you do not take this NOC.

Note – You only require FSSAI license if your turnover is less than Rs. 12 Lakhs

How can I register for an FSSAI license for a homemade food business?

Open FSSAI’s online portal, FosCos, and create an account with them. Once you have created the account, navigate to the left section of the home page and select ‘New application’ from the drop-down menu.

You need to fill out application form A or form B, depending on the turnover of your business. Form A is for businesses with a turnover of less than 12 Lakhs, and form B is for those food businesses with a turnover of more than 12 Lakhs.

After you have filled up the FSSAI form with the necessary personal and business details, you will have to submit the following documents –

• 2 Passport Size Photograph
• PAN Card of the Food Business Operator
• Proof of ownership of the Premises
• Partnership Deed
• Certificate of Incorporation
• List of food items the unit will process
• Declaration Form
• Authority letter
• Form IX

Once you have completed the filing procedure, the FSSAI officials will proceed with the verification process. An officer may also visit your place of business and verify before you are issued the license.

What is the validity of the FSSAI license?

The FSSAI license is valid for one to five years. As a homemade food seller, you need to apply for the renewal of your license 30 days before the date of expiry of your license. You have to pay a penalty of Rs. 100 per day if you apply after your license has expired.

What happens if I sell homemade food without a license?

According to the State Food Safety Department, any unregistered domestic food-selling business may pay a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and be imprisoned for up to 6 months.

Some other penalties include –

• Any food business selling bad quality items can be fined up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
• Any food business selling misbranded products will be fined up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
• Any food business selling items containing any exotic substance will be fined Rs. 1 lakh.
• If there is a death due to the consumption of a food item, then the food business operator is held responsible. Depending on the severity, the business owner can be fined up to Rs. 5 lakh or even imprisonment.

Final thoughts

While selling homemade food is a lucrative business, you do need to follow specific regulations and obtain the required licenses. Once these procedures are over and you comply with all the regulations, the sky is the limit for your business.

The post Do I Need a License to Sell Homemade Food? appeared first on mealawe.

If you also love to cook for your family and friends, you can take advantage of this trend and start a tiffin service from home. Read on for the complete guidelines on how to start a tiffin service from home.

Step #1 – Research the market

Research the market to see who your competition is. Find out what dishes are the most in-demand and at what cost your competitors sell them.

Think about the people you would be feeding – college students, corporate employees, or people living in PGs in your area.

Step #2 – Make a business plan

After identifying the target audience for your tiffin service, it is time to create a business plan. Decide whether you want to start with a bang or start small and gradually grow your business. Decide if you’re going to do it all on your own or hire employees. Estimate your potential revenue and expenses. Identify bulk suppliers for the groceries that you will need.

Also Read – How to Choose the Best Tiffin Service?

Step #3 – Meet the legal requirement

As per sections 31(1) & 31(2) of the FSS Act, 2006, every food business operator in India is required to be licensed or registered under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It is an easy online process that doesn’t take much time.

Having an FSSAI saves you from penalty. It is a symbol of credibility and is good for your brand image.

An FSSAI registration also makes getting loans for your business much easier.

You will also have to take GST registration and a no objection certificate from the society where you will set up your tiffin business.

Step #4 – Find funds to set up your business

Ensure you have enough funds to set up your business and cater to the customers’ needs. Even if you start small, you will require a basic set-up like gas, stove, mixer, pots, and pans. There is also the recurring expenditure of groceries, electricity, and gas that you need to cater to.

You can start a tiffin service catering to up to 15 people per day with an investment of Rs. 10,000 and scale up later as more orders start coming in.

You can also take a micro-loan to start your home business. Many banks and organizations offer women entrepreneurs such loans at manageable interest rates.

Step #5 – Insure your business

Just like you take medical insurance in case something goes wrong with your health, you need to insure your business against any damage or theft. Meet your local insurance agent to discuss what insurance policy is best suited for you.

Step #6 – Safety and hygiene

As a tiffin provider, it is paramount that you maintain safety and hygiene in your kitchen. Make sure the work area is always clean. Get regular pest control done. Always wash the vegetables before chopping them. Always use gloves.

Check the temperature of all those who handle food regularly. Make sure everyone uses hand sanitizer and soap and wears masks.

Step #7 – Delivery strategy

As a tiffin service, you are responsible for cooking the meals and delivering them promptly. You may be able to do this on your own if you are catering to the people in your neighborhood, or you may hire someone to deliver the tiffins for you.

You can also partner with a homemade meal delivery service like Mealawe. This Pune-based company believes in empowering home chefs to earn from their daily cooking.

Partnering with them will make you more discoverable and broaden your outreach. You will be able to grow your consumer base much faster through Mealawe.

Step #8 – Advertising and promotion

Advertising and promotion are vital for the success of any business. Here are some ways in which you can promote your tiffin business-

• Start a Facebook page for your tiffin service.
• Share your menu on the WhatApp group of the neighboring societies
• Create a Local Google Business Listing
• Team up with homemade food delivery apps like Mealawe

Step 9 – Take feedback

The success of every business depends on how connected you are with your customers. So take feedback about your food once a week from your customers.

Mention the ingredients used, so you don’t have any complaints about allergies. Change your menu regularly and ensure that it is tasty, healthy, and nutritious.

Step 10 – Register on Mealawe

Mealawe is one such platform that only focuses on homemade food delivery. You can register here as a home chef and start selling your homemade food right away. This platform will give you daily new users and also provide you delivery services right from your doorstep. The platform is as easy as counting 1,2,3.

Final thoughts

As more people understand the importance of freshly prepared, hygienic, and tasty homecooked meals, the demand for tiffin services is rising. Follow the nine steps mentioned above and give your entrepreneurial dreams the wings to soar. You can also register with Mealawe as a home chef and earn and grow with them.

The post How to Start a Tiffin Service from Home? appeared first on mealawe.

The post 8 Low-Calorie Snacks You can Order Online appeared first on mealawe.

Before I explain the harmful health effects of eating out, let me first show you how eating out affects the health of your wallet. Studies show that eating a meal at a restaurant is three times more expensive than cooking at home. The average cost of preparing a simple plate of rice, vegetables, dal, and chapati meal at home is ₹25. The same thali at a budget restaurant will be around ₹80 at least.

A meal at a fast-food restaurant can put you back by Rs 250, while you may have to shell out ₹500 per head at a good multi-cuisine restaurant around town.

When you eat out regularly, these numbers can add up quickly and make a massive dent in your monthly budget.

Cooking at home is not just cheaper; it is also healthier. When we choose our ingredients, we buy good quality products. We choose quality ingredients like organic dals and vegetables, healthy cooking oils, and fresh spices.

Home-cooked meals are healthier because we can control what goes into them: less salt, sugar, and fat and more nutrition. We can also manage our portion sizes much better as we are not encouraged to size up, which is a regular feature of fast food restaurants.

Here are some of the ways that restaurant food can cost your health –

1. Many fast food meals and drinks are packed with carbohydrates and very little fibre, which can lead to insulin spikes. Over time this can lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.
2. Restaurant and fast food meals have high salt content. High levels of sodium can elevate blood pressure and put a strain on your cardiovascular system.
3. People who eat unhealthy fast food are more likely to have acne breakouts and eczema.
4. Carbohydrates and sugar in fast food can increase acids in your mouth. This acid breaks down tooth enamel and can cause cavities.
5. In restaurants, food comes in contact with packaging, gloves, and other material that contain phthalates. Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are known as endocrine disruptors. They can affect the hormones in the body.

Constant eating out is taking a toll on our health and that of our families. There are more obese kids in our schools now than ever before. And just because your child is thin does not mean he is healthy.

When you commit to healthy home-cooked meals, you commit to good health. Rather than paying for medical expenses later, spend your money on quality food and ingredients.

It is easy to shift to healthier food habits. Take it one step at a time. Here are some ways to change to home-cooked meals –

Keep it simple

Cooking a meal at home does not mean participating in Master Chef. Your goal is to avoid spending too much on restaurant food. So, keep your meals simple and nutritious.

Involve your family

To avoid getting overwhelmed with meal prep, involve your whole family. Get your children to set the table, clean the dishes and dry them. This is also an excellent way for them to learn life skills.

Pack healthy lunches for work and school

You are less likely to order takeout for lunch when you pack your lunch or a snack to take to work. Over time, it will save a substantial amount.

Make meals interesting

Instead of cooking the same dal, sabzi, and roti for every meal, shake up the menu every few days. Add some variety to your meals, like whole wheat pasta or homemade pizza, to get everyone excited about eating at home.

Order from Mealawe

Mealawe, Pune’s own homemade food delivery service, provides healthy meals at your doorstep. Their talented home chefs serve you the same food they serve their families. Their food is affordable and comes with an added dose of nutrition and love.

Eat healthily – It is cheaper

Eating healthy homecooked meals is healthy and cheaper, both in the short-term and long run. All it takes is a little planning and some cooperation from your family. Make Mealawe a part of your family, order homemade food, and enjoy good health.

The post The True Cost of Eating Out !! appeared first on mealawe.

In this article, you will learn about the nutritional values of different types of dals. Take advantage of this information, order your next dal dish from Mealawe and enjoy a nutritious meal with your family.

Split chana dal (Bengal gram dal)

This dal has a slightly nutty flavor and is packed with nutrients. It is used to make dals, soup, curries, snacks, soup, and flour.

It has high fiber and protein content. Since it has a low glycemic index, it is excellent for those at risk of diabetes. Besides B complex vitamins like B1, B2, B3, and B9, it also contains zinc and calcium.

It strengthens bones and helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

One serving (100 grams) of cooked chana dal contains 90.45 calories.

Also Read: The Science Behind Indian Thali

Toor dal (Pigeon peas)

Toor dal is known by different names all over India. It is also called Arhar dal, Rahri Dal, Tuvar dal, Kandulu, and Thuvara Parippa. In addition to being used to prepare dal for the main meal, it is also used to make dal halwa and paruppa vada.

Besides proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber, this dal also contains vitamins B, C, E, and K and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

It helps maintain healthy metabolism and stabilizes blood pressure. It is also good for heart and bone health.

One serving (100 grams) of cooked Toor dal contains 151 calories.

Split yellow moong dal

Moong dal is one of the most commonly used dal in Indian households. It is used to make khichdi, salads, and stuffed paranthas.

It is rich in folate, which helps to produce and maintain cells. Flavonoids present in moong dal help to lower inflammation. It also contains magnesium which helps to build immunity. It also is a good source of phosphorus.

This dal is low in calories and fat and rich in protein and fiber. It is also a rich source of B vitamins, which are essential for metabolism.

One serving (100 grams) of yellow moong dal contains 116 calories.

Masoor dal

While the split variant of this dal comes in shades of orange, yellow, or pink, the unsplit Masoor dal is brown.

Masoor dal is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for healthy eyesight. Its high calcium and phosphorus content makes regular consumption of this dal good for bones and teeth. Masoor dal is excellent for anemic and pregnant women as it is iron-rich.

One serving (100 grams) of split masoor dal contains 147 calories.

Whole black urad dal

This dal is popular all over the country. It is used to make dal makhani, a popular north Indian dish, while in the south, the split version of this dal is used to make dosa, vada, and papad.

Urad dal is rich in dietary fiber, isoflavones, and vitamin B complex. It improves digestion, boosts energy, improves skin health, and promotes heart health. The antioxidants in this dal also help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

One serving (100 grams) of whole black urad dal contains 191 calories.

Rajma (red kidney beans)

Rajma originally came to India from Central America but is now a popular dish all over India. The varieties of rajma grown in India include red rajma, black rajma, Kashmiri rajma, whate rajma, and chitra rajma.

Rajma has a low glycemic index and contains lean proteins, some carbs, and very little fat. It is rich in amino acids like arginine and leucine, which help to control insulin levels. Consuming rajma regularly can also help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

One serving (100 grams) of boiled rajma contains 140 calories.

Kabuli chana (Chick peas)

Kabuli chana is an all-time favorite of the young and the old. It’s called chhole in Punjab, Kondaikadali in Tamil, Kadale in Kannada, Sanagalu in Telugu, and Kadala in Malayalam.

These chana are an excellent source of fiber, folate, manganese, and tryptophan and provide nutrients like iron, phosphorus, copper, and protein.

The high fiber content helps in reducing cholesterol and improving digestion. Kabuli chana also contains phytochemicals like saponins that have antioxidant effects.

One serving (100 grams) of Kabuli chana contains 164 calories.

Final thoughts

A single serving of dal can provide a variety of nutrients like protein, iron, potassium, zinc, and several vitamins. A bowl of dal with your meal can give you proper nutrition and the energy that you need. With all the health benefits and goodness that dals provide, aren’t you tempted to choose from the dal options available at Mealawe?

The post Health Benefits of the 7 Main Dals of Indian Household appeared first on mealawe.

If you want to enjoy these healthy meals without the bother of having to cook them, Mealawe is the right choice for you. This homemade food delivery service offers you a range of thalis, including North Indian thali, Tamil Iyer thali, Gujarati thali, and non-vegetarian thali.

But before you do that, let us learn some more about the science behind the Indian thali.

According to Ayurveda, the presence of all six tastes in a meal are essential for a nutritious diet.

Having each of these tastes in a particular order also helps the digestive process. These six tastes are –

1. Madhura – sweet
2. Amla – salt
3. Lavana – sour
4. Katu – pugent
5. Tikta – bitter
6. Kashaya – astringent

Combining one grain, one lentil, some vegetables, sour chutney or pickle, curd, tempering, ghee, and spices makes the thali wholesome. Let us break these down further to analyze what makes thali the perfect nutritionally balanced meal.

Rotis/rice/dosa

Dishes like chapati, dosa, thepla, pulao, and khichdi are a must in every thali. These dishes contain carbohydrates from whole grains like wheat, makki, jowar, bajra, and rice. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron, selenium, magnesium, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin. They help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and stroke.

Dal

Every thali contains dal cooked in some form. Some whole dals like green moong, horse gram, and chana are soaked and sprouted to make salads. Moong, masoor, urad rajma, lobia, and toor dal are some common dals used to prepare the thali. Dals contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Vegetables

No Indian thali is complete without a few vegetable dishes. You will find sarson ka saag in a Punjabi thali, a Bengali thali may contain Potol bhaja, a Gujarati thali will have shaak, and a Maharashtrian thali will contain batatyachi bhaji. The variety of vegetables in the thali provides phytonutrients and fiber. They help prevent micronutrient malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, cataract, and cancer.

Pickles

Pickle is an essential component of Indian meals. Some of India’s most commonly used pickles include mango pickles, gooseberry pickles, lemon pickles, carrot pickles, ginger pickles, garlic pickles, and onion pickles. Pickles are usually made by fermentation and are rich in nutrients and antioxidants required by the body.

Papad

The humble papad has a vital place in every Indian thali. Generally made from dried lentils, it can either be fried or roasted. It is a good appetizer. Roasted papads help absorb the fatty materials from the mouth. They are gluten-free and rich in protein and fiber.

Chutney

Chutney is integral to every Indian thali, be it Punjabi, Gujarati, or South Indian. Made from fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, and spices, a chutney can add a zing to every meal. Tomato chutney, coconut chutney, mint chutney, or date tamarind chutney are popular accompaniments to meals and snacks. The sterol and flavonoids in chutney help in improving insulin sensitivity. They also provide probiotics, which increase good bacteria in the gut.

Curd/raita/ buttermilk

These milk-based foods are a part of the Indian thali. They cool the body and help meet the calcium requirement of the body. Curd has good bacteria that enable good digestion.

Non-vegetarian dishes

If you opt for a non-vegetarian thali, you will be treated to a wide variety of non-vegetarian dishes like butter chicken, fish gravy, prawn cadline curry, pork vindaloo, machher jhol, rogan josh, and yakhni. These dishes are rich in proteins.

Sweets

The Indian thali will satiate your sweet tooth as well. Since a limited amount is served in the thali, you need not worry about the calorie content too.

The average calorie content in a vegetarian thali

1.  Rice (1 cup)– 206 calories
2. Chapati (1 unit)– 80 calories
3. Dry vegetable dish ( 1 cup) – 150 calories
4. Dal (1 cup) – 106 calories
5. Raita (1 cup) – 46 calories
6. Sweet (1 unit) – 150 calories

Total –  736 Calories

The average calorie content in a non-vegetarian thali

1. Rice (1 cup)– 206 calories
2. Chapati (1 unit)– 80 calories
3. Chicken curry ( 200 gms) – 270 calories
4. Dal (1 cup) – 106 calories
5. Raita (1 cup) – 46 calories
6. Sweet (1 unit) – 150 calories

Total – 858 calories

The bottom line

Indian cuisine varies from region to region as it uses local spices and herbs. However, the one unifying factor here is the use of thali to serve the food. Using a combination of locally sourced foods in the correct quantity and with the right spices yields maximum health benefits. So, go ahead and try this wholesome meal from Mealawe.

The post The Science Behind the Indian Thali appeared first on mealawe.

There are several messes, cloud kitchens, eateries, home kitchens, etc. around you that offer tiffin services. But selecting the best tiffin service which caters to your need, such as good taste, healthy, cost, etc., is not easy. To start with, you may have to rule out places which are commercialized setups such as restaurants, cloud kitchens, messes, etc. There are other criteria as well.

Let’s delve further into this article as we will enable you to take an informed decision and choose the best tiffin service where you stay.

Choosing between healthy & unhealthy

When you are going ahead with daily meal service, such as tiffin service, you cannot compromise on the quality of food. People often get carried away with cheap meal options and offers. Messes, restaurants or any other commercialized kitchens can never serve you quality food which is healthy for your stomach.

You may get the taste but in the longer run, the food will affect your stomach big time. Commercialized kitchens hardly care for hygiene, quality of raw materials, etc. Usually, to meet the cost of food (after deducting offers), they cut down on –

Food preparation time

When you talk about commercial kitchens, everything is money in the chain of food preparation. Sometimes, they may even skip raw material washing or may prepare different curries and refrigerate them for days.

They use high flame cooking to prepare food fast for a larger customer base. High flame cooking takes away all kinds of nutrients from the prepared food.

Raw material quality

Restaurants and messes merely take care of food raw material quality. Everything is purchased in bulk and sometimes they even use cold storage to keep perishable items fresh for months. You cannot expect healthiness in tiffin or meals if they are made up of such kind of raw materials.

Another important factor in food preparation is the use of cooking oil. Small restaurants and messes use 10-20 times fried cooking oil which comes at a price point of Rs. 20-30/- per litre. Food prepared in such oil would be unhealthy.

Packaging quality

Sometimes you may end up getting tiffin in plastic bags, silver foil bags, thermocol containers, etc. Are they good when it comes to food containers? Absolutely NOT! Non-recyclable plastic containers, bags, etc. react with hot and cold food they alter the chemical composition of food. Even healthy food contained in plastic bags turns into unhealthy food for consumption.

On the other side, if you choose and order homemade tiffin from any home kitchen, then you can rest assured that you will get authentic homemade food. These home kitchens are nothing but families like yours and mine. There are several home kitchens around you in every city.

All these home kitchens mostly consume what they serve to people. They are not a typical commercial setup where they can compromise on quality. However, they might charge you Rs. 10/- to Rs. 20/- more than what messes or any restaurant or Dhaba may charge. But at the end of the day, you will get authentic, tasty, and healthy homemade food.

Regional taste and menu

There is no point in ordering tiffin from a Gujarati home kitchen if you belong to Maharashtra. Eating once from a cross-cultural region is fine, but eating daily such food would bore you.

Check home kitchen’s regional roots and style of cooking. If possible, you can also ask for a variety of menus that you would get on a day-to-day basis. Most of the good home kitchens can also provide you with all kinds of menu items that you will get in tiffin on a weekly basis.

You can go for a tiffin subscription once you are convinced with the style and region of cooking of that particular home kitchen.

Tiffin cost

In today’s world, everything boils down to money. But you have to remember that quality and tasty food won’t come at a cheap price. After all, it is about health! I do recommend you to spend a few rupees more on health.

Also, there are a variety of tiffin options available with home kitchens. If you are light on a budget then I would recommend you to stick to budget tiffins such as Roti/Chapati and Sabzi. It is wise to consume healthy combo as Roti and Sabzi (Vegetable) or Dal, Chawal, and Sabzi.

People get carried away with a variety of items offered in tiffins such as Roti, Dal, Chawal, Sabzi, Salad, and Sweet. This option is good but it will come at an additional cost. The typical price of tiffin would look as follow –

• Budget Veg Tiffin (3 Roti, Sabzi, Salad) – Rs. 70/- to Rs. 80/-
• Budget Non-Veg Tiffin (3 Roti, Non-Veg Curry, Salad) – Rs. 90/- to Rs. 110/-
• Deluxe Veg Tiffin (2 Roti, Rice, Dal, Sabzi, Salad) – Rs. 90/- to Rs. 120/-
• Deluxe Non-Veg Tiffin (2 Roti, Rice, Dal, Non-Veg Curry, Salad) – Rs. 120/- to Rs. 140/-

The above price point may again vary based on the type and quantity of food items. Please make a note that this is not a benchmark.

Delivery service

Gone are the days when you have to physically go to restaurants for takeaway orders. Once or twice is fine but when it comes to daily tiffin service, you have to look for options where home delivery of tiffin is possible.

Mealawe is a homemade food delivery service where you get a dedicated rider for delivering every tiffin to your doorstep. Again, delivery comes at a price, so do not negotiate with the home kitchen for adjusting delivery cost in tiffin cost.

Remember, they will compromise on food quality to serve you a cheap meal. 

Number of tiffins in subscription

Once you narrow down to your favourite home kitchen, it is vital to try their meal or tiffin. The kitchen shall provide you with an option to order one tiffin for tasting purposes. Mealawe is a platform where there are a number of home kitchens that serve homemade tiffin subscriptions.

Once you like any home kitchen, you shall have an option to select a certain number of tiffins. It is not always for users to go for 30 tiffins on a monthly basis. Mealawe offers you options to go for 10, 20, and 30 meal subscriptions. We also have a provision to reschedule any day to some other day if you miss a tiffin in between.

Final words

It is not so difficult to choose the best tiffin service anywhere in the city. But it is important to keep restaurants, messes, restaurant delivery apps, cloud kitchens, etc. at bay as they cannot serve you healthy food in tiffin or meal subscription.

Go for home kitchens as they are family and mostly they serve what they eat. You cannot get more quality assurance other than this. Mealawe has a beautiful tagline which says “isme hai, maa kaa pyar”. Also, be ready to spend a few more bucks; after all it is your health. People eat outside unhealthy food for days and become ill in the longer run. So, be wise and choose home kitchens.

The post How to Choose the Best Tiffin Service? appeared first on mealawe.

Mealawe is a homemade food delivery mobile application and at Mealawe, we believe in promoting cuisines from various parts of our county. Let us learn more about traditional Indian dishes, the science behind them, how they are prepared, and their benefits.

Tadka (tempering)

Many people believe tempering is done to enhance the flavour of the dish. However, tempering also extracts the nutrition and medicinal benefits of the spices used. Traditionally, ghee or vegetable oil is used for tempering.

Spices like cumin, bay leaf, fenugreek, mustard seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves are added to the ghee. Besides adding flavour to the food, they also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make the food suitable for the heart and digestion.

Roti

Roti or chapati is prepared in every Indian home regularly. Since they are made with whole grain wheat, rotis are rich in fibre, carbohydrates, and proteins. They provide energy to the body and increase blood circulation. They are also easy to digest. According to Ayurveda, roti helps to balance the vata and pitta dosha.

Rice and Dal

Rice and dal(lentils) are probably the most popular combination of homecooked Indian food. Dal and rice contain different types of proteins, so eating them together gives complete protein nutrition. Rice is rich in sulfur-based amino acids, while dal is rich in lysine amino acids.

Both dal and rice are rich in fibre, which helps improve digestion and keep diseases like diabetes in check.

Idli

Idli is prepared from the fermented batter of rice and black gram. The fermentation process makes idli more digestible. Fermentation also improves the nutritional and protein efficiency of idlis.

Idli batter also contains probiotic microorganisms like Lactobacillus Plantarum and Lactobacillus Lactis, which produce vitamin B12 and B-galactosidase enzyme, which enhance the probiotic activity.

Roasted Ragi

Ragi is a finger millet that is rich in dietary fibre and nutrients. Due to gelatinization, roasting ragi improves its taste, digestibility, and solubility or starch. It is rich in vitamin C, B-complex, E, and calcium.

It also contains proteins, unsaturated fats, and fibre. Germinating ragi improves the bioavailability of iron and zinc. This superfood is often included in the diet of babies. It can also help handle irritable bowel syndrome.

Dhokla

Dhokla is prepared from the fermentation of besan (Bengal gram) and rice. Fermentation of the batter improves the flavour of the dhokla. The yeast used for culture produces folic acid and helps make the dhokla spongy. The antioxidant properties of dhokla also help in keeping stress-induced degenerative diseases at bay.

Saag

Saag is a popular leaf-based dish from north India. It is made from mustard leaves, spinach, basella, or collard greens. It also includes maize powder, which makes the saag smooth and adds to the flavour. Since it is prepared from green leaves, it is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Besides iron, it contains vitamins A, C, E, and K. Steamed mustard leaves can bind bile acids, which helps lower cholesterol.

Dahi (Yogurt)

Dahi is a naturally fermented cow or buffalo milk product. It is a part of the daily diet of most Indians, and it contains B vitamins, folic acid, and riboflavin. Dahi contains lactic acid bacteria, which has a probiotic effect. It helps improve intestinal health and controls diarrhoea.

Curd is often mixed with cucumber to make cucumber raita, a staple dish during summer. Cucumber gives a cooling effect and improves bowel movements. Cucumbers are also known to detoxify and cleanse your body.

Vegetable curry

The curry is the base of many Indian dishes. Made by blending onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric, red pepper, black pepper, cumin, cardamom, and coriander, the Indian curry has many health benefits.

You can add lentils and vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and potato to this dish. Spices like turmeric and black pepper improve immunity. Curry has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Final words

There is so much diversity in the traditional regional cuisines of India. Regardless of the region, the traditional Indian cuisine is rich in nutrition. Even today, the meals prepared in households are made from what fresh produce is available in the markets.

We can say the same for the home cooks at Mealawe, who provide you with daily healthy meals from their home kitchens. Order from Mealawe at your convenience and enjoy their healthy and nourishing meals.

The post The Science Behind Traditional Homemade Food appeared first on mealawe.

For those who don’t have the time to cook or have never learned how to cook, homemade food delivery services like Mealawe are the way to go. These services provide high-quality meals with fresh and nutritious ingredients for their consumers.

Here are some more facts that you should know about the benefits of homemade food –

1.    Homemade food is hygienic

A meal prepared at home is way more hygienic than a restaurant meal. Homemade food is prepared in clean surroundings with utmost care. We cannot be sure about the hygiene levels in the restaurant kitchens. Eating more homemade food can reduce your risk of contracting foodborne illnesses.

2.    Homemade food is healthier

When we prepare food at home, we ensure that the ingredients are fresh and natural. The nutritional value of these foods is much higher than that of restaurant foods. Fast food restaurants add a lot of salt, sugar, and unhealthy oil to their food. Eating healthy homecooked meals boosts your immune system and reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.

3.    Homemade food is low in calories

Eating out or ordering food is a definite no-no if you plan to lose weight. To maintain your calorie intake and keep your weight in check, you must carefully prepare your meals and reduce the amount of salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Traditional Indian dishes are much healthier and lower in calories than fast foods.

4.    Homemade food provides a balanced diet

We are all well aware of the importance of eating balanced meals. We can stay fit and healthy only if we consume the correct quantities of all macro and micronutrients. A traditional Indian meal contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients for our health. Restaurants are more focused on their food’s taste, so they compromise on the nutritional content.

5.    Homemade food is economical

Eating out every day can make a significant dent in your household budget. Buy your groceries in bulk and cook meals at home. You can pre-prepare food for the week and store them in your refrigerator.

6.    Portion control is more manageable with homemade food

When you order food, the portion sizes are pretty large. You tend to overeat in such cases. If the portion is too small, you may not fill your stomach well and feel cranky. When you cook at home, portion control is much easier. Even if you have cooked more than you can eat, you can store the leftovers in the fridge and eat them later.

7.    Easier to avoid allergic reactions

If you are allergic to certain foods, cooking meals at home is better than ordering in. You can control what you put in the food you make. You might not know all the ingredients in a restaurant meal.

8.    Good for children

All parents are concerned about the health of their children. We strive to provide them with the best of everything, so why not food? Research has shown that children that eat more homemade meals are less prone to infections and weight gain. Home-cooked food contains more fruits and vegetables and less trans fats and sugar.

9.    Homemade food improves family bonding

Eating meals at home with your loved ones is an excellent way to bond. You can try out new dishes and experiment with new flavours. You can try different cuisines and make mealtime an adventure for your family.

10. Saves time

We often order food when we do not have the time to cook food at home. Cooking at home can be a huge time saver. Many dishes can be prepared in just 30 minutes – which is usually the time it takes for a pizza to arrive at your doorstep. Driving to a restaurant, ordering your meal, and waiting for it to arrive at your table can take much longer. It will be more satisfying for you to cook a meal than wait for the food to arrive at your doorstep.

11. Eating homemade foods is educational

Eating homemade meals can be an educational experience. You can learn and teach others about the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used. Browse the menu of Mealawe, and you will find many cuisines to choose from. You can learn more about different cultures and traditions when you eat foods from different cuisines.

Final bites

Adopting a diet of healthy homemade meals can boost your mood and improve your resilience to stress. Eating together at the dining table every day also helps make the family bonds stronger. Eating wholesome meals can give you more energy and help you sleep better at night.

Mealawe offers homemade food straight to your door. Download their app and discover local home-based cooks in your neighborhood; check out their menus and let them handle the cooking for you. After all, when you feel healthier, you feel happier.

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