A Simple Kerala Meal Served with Thoughtfulness - To Amma with Care

Rice - Lunch Spread

 Food tastes better when served with thoughtfulness.

My mother-in-law, Amma, always prefers her lunch in small, neat portions — rice in a bowl, vegetables carefully placed in little servings, and just the right balance of flavours.

Today’s spread was simple yet soulful: soft rice, a light egg white fry, ladies’ finger mezhuku sautéed with coconut oil, bitter gourd thoran adding that hint of healthy bitterness, and her favourite — parava fish curry simmered in a coconut-based gravy. Each dish was placed in a small bowl, allowing her to enjoy every flavour without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s a gentle reminder that food is not just about taste, but also about care and presentation. Serving a meal in a way that suits a person’s preference shows love in action. For Amma, these small portions make eating more comfortable and joyful, and for us, it’s a way of expressing gratitude and affection through food.

At the end of the day, it isn’t about how grand the meal is, but how much thought goes into preparing and serving it. Sometimes, the little details make all the difference. 

Small Easy Food Bowls
Food, when thoughtfully served in smaller portions, becomes especially appealing to seniors, making it easier for them to enjoy every flavour without the spread feeling too much.

What do you think? 



P.S - I bought the small ceramic bowls from Ibrahim and Sons at Chalai, Trivandrum.