Domestic Food Rituals in Indian Women's Writing: A Comparative Study of Anita Desai and Jhumpa Lahiri

Food has always held an important place in human culture, functioning not only as a
basic necessity but also as a symbol of identity, tradition, and social relationships. In literary
studies, particularly in women’s writing, domestic food rituals often represent more than routine
household activities and reveal deeper meanings related to gender roles, emotional experiences,
and cultural continuity. Kitchens, dining spaces, and the preparation and sharing of meals
frequently become significant narrative settings where women express care, negotiate family
expectations, and maintain cultural traditions. This study explores the role of domestic food
rituals in women’s writing through a comparative analysis of the works of Anita Desai and
Jhumpa Lahiri. Both writers portray domestic life in distinctive ways, using food practices to
reflect women’s experiences and cultural identities. Desai’s narratives often focus on the
complexities of middle-class Indian domestic life and the emotional and psychological
dimensions of women’s roles within the household, Lahiri’s writings frequently depict diasporic
contexts where food becomes a powerful marker of memory, nostalgia, and cultural continuity in
foreign environments. Using a qualitative and comparative literary approach, the study analyzes
the symbolic meanings, themes, and narrative functions associated with food rituals in selected
works of the two authors. The findings reveals that domestic food rituals operate as important
literary devices through which women characters express emotions, sustain cultural values, and
negotiate their positions within family and society. The paper highlights that food rituals in
women’s writing extend beyond everyday practices and serve as meaningful representations of
gender, identity, memory, and cultural belonging.