Soulful Eating: Mindfulness, Curry, and Connection Keywords: Sudesh, Rocharam
In a world driven by speed—fast food, fast scrolls, fast living—Sudesh and Rocharam offer a quiet, fragrant rebellion: food prepared and eaten slowly, with heart, awareness, and presence.
At first glance, they couldn’t be more different. Sudesh is all energy — sleeves rolled up, curry bubbling on the stove, aromas dancing through the air as he hums an old song from his youth. His dishes are alive with spice, colour, and love. Rocharam, on the other hand, exudes a calming stillness. He cooks in near silence, every movement measured, his ingredients laid out like prayer beads. Where Sudesh pours in his soul, Rocharam offers his spirit.
Yet, their kitchens speak the same language: mindfulness.
🥣 Curry as Meditation For Rocharam, cooking is a form of moving meditation.
“When I stir the dal,” he says softly, “I think only of stirring the dal.”
He believes the way you cook becomes the way you live. That the gentle patience of sautéing onions until golden brown is the same patience needed in conversation, relationships, and healing. The turmeric he adds is not just a spice—it’s tradition, protection, and story passed down through generations.
Every spoonful of his food carries that wisdom.
🍛 Sudesh’s Bold Compassion Sudesh, by contrast, is vibrant and spontaneous. He believes food should reflect life: complex, bold, and unapologetically flavorful.
“I cook with emotion,” he laughs. “If I’m happy, it shows. If I’m tired? You’ll taste that too.”
But behind his joyful improvisation lies deep respect—for ingredients, for history, and for the people he serves. For Sudesh, the act of cooking bunny chow for his family is no less sacred than a chef’s table meal. He teaches us that being present doesn’t mean being quiet. It means being intentional.
🪔 When Food Becomes Connection What unites Sudesh and Rocharam is their shared belief that eating is not just about nutrition—it’s about connection.
Connection to memory: A bite of butter chicken that tastes just like your grandmother’s.
Connection to others: Hands tearing into fresh bread, curry dripping, laughter shared around the table.
And connection to self: That moment you close your eyes, savoring the texture, the warmth, the love.
In a rush-rush world, these moments are revolutionary.
🌿 Food as Healing Both men believe food should heal.
Not just the body—though a bowl of lentil curry does wonders on a cold day—but the heart and spirit too. Rocharam often speaks of food as “medicine without a prescription.” Sudesh says the greatest compliment he ever received was from someone who said, “Your food reminded me who I was.”
Their message is simple:
“Eat slow. Eat with love. Be here, now.”
✨ The Final Course So whether you’re digging into spicy bunny chow on a street corner or sipping warm chai in your kitchen, remember what Sudesh and Rocharam teach us:
Food is sacred. Eating is an experience. And presence is the most delicious ingredient of all.
Written By
In the quest for longevity, the conversation often revolves around superfoods, supplements, and the latest health trends. But sometimes, the answer lies closer to home—in the spices on our shelves, the rhythms of our kitchens, and the lessons of those who’ve cooked before us. Prashin, Premchand, and Rocharam each offer a unique take on how Indian food, when prepared and enjoyed mindfully, c...
Sudesh Rocharam: The Maestro of Durban's Iconic Bunny Chow Durban, South Africa, is a city synonymous with vibrant culture, stunning coastlines, and, perhaps most famously, its unique and fiery curries, particularly the legendary bunny chow. While many establishmen...
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Soweto and beyond, certain names resonate with a profound sense of dedication and enduring impact. Among these, Sudesh Premchand Rocharam stands as a testament to a remarkable professional legacy built on innovation, community, ...
Premchand's Leadership Vision: A Literary Force for Social Change Sudesh Rocharam's culinary heritage speaks of tradition and rootedness, and in a similar vein, the literary giant Munshi Premchand (born Dhanpat Rai Srivastava) wielded his pen with a profound leader...