World Photography Day: Readers share their favourite food pictures and memories

1. Kathija Lathif hails from the southern Indian state of Kerala. Having lived in the UAE for over 20 years, she makes dishes that remind her of home. Pictured is a snack food called Kilikoodu, which resembles a bird’s nest. The dish comprises a spiced chicken cutlet topped with quail eggs

2. Lathif also shared a picture of chocolate brownies she made, especially for her children. “Brownies are my kids’ favourite dessert, and I took this picture last year when I was very proud of myself for making a very moist and perfect-looking batch,” she said.

3. The Dubai resident shared a picture of a breakfast favourite from South India, Kuzhi Paniyaram. The dish is made by steaming rice and lentil batter using a mould to give the dumplings their iconic shape.

4. Filipino expat Khaye Chua Cabais is a food photographer based in Sharjah and he took this picture in April, 2022. Speaking about the photography techniques he used for this picture, he said: “It’s a picture of banana pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and finished with toffee syrup. The challenge of this photo was to shoot it right away before the ice cream melts and get the perfect timing while the syrup was being poured.”

5. Dr Ambreen Bano is a physician based in Sharjah who loves to cook. The Pakistan national shared a picture of a plate of Haleem she made. Haleem is a stew made of lentils, meat and spices, usually garnished with ginger and coriander, and it is a popular dish in South Asia and the Middle East.

6. She also shared a picture of Chicken Shashlik, an Indo-Chinese recipe that is made with boneless chicken, bell peppers, and onion. “I try to cook for my family and friends whenever I find time in my busy schedule. It gives me a sense of pleasure and satisfaction eating homemade food,” she said.

7. Another Pakistani expat, Amna Muhammad, shared a picture of Chicken Karahi, a spicy curry. Speaking about the dish, which is one of her favourites to make and share with others, she said: “I love this dish as it’s so tasty and very easy to make. I can make it in 30 minutes and it’s a family recipe I learned at the age of 14.”

8. Veena Santhosh Kumar hails from India’s Kerala and enjoys cooking for her family. She shared this picture of Beef Momos and remembered the times she has made the dish. The Ras Al Khaimah resident said: “My son is studying back home [In India] and I used to make this dish for him, and it is his favourite. It is also quite healthy because it’s steamed.”

9. An Indian expat living in Dubai, Nisha Susan Monsy, has developed an interest in cooking and food photography recently. Monsy shared a picture of Brownie Muffins she made and said: “I have a sweet tooth and post quitting my job, I developed an interest in cooking and baking different recipes. My family further motivates me to keep trying out new dishes. I love adding a new twist to an existing recipe.”

10. She also shared a picture of Beef Roast, a dish from her home state - Kerala. “Food and cooking is great, but food that has a story behind it is always close to the heart. In many ways it’s therapy for my soul,” she said.