I write about food, travel, fashion, art and culture for many publications. They include Condenast Traveler (US edition), The National, Financial Times, Destinasian, Gourmet, Time, and Silkroad. In the past, I’ve written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Town & Country, British Airways Highlife, Cathay Pacific’s Discovery, Singapore Airlines’ Silverkris, Knowledge@Wharton, Departures, Food & Wine, Saveur, Newsweek, Beliefnet and House Beautiful.
I write a weekly column for Mint Lounge, an Indian business daily which is affiliated with the WSJ. I also write a column for The National, based in Abu Dhabi. I used to write the Hinduism column for Beliefnet, which has my columnist page here and six pages of my articles here.
I am the author of two books, which are below.
I have taught a course to the Executive Post Graduate Program at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. I have also taught philosophy at Neev, a preschool in Bangalore.
A long time ago, I used to be a commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered Weekend.
My essay, The God of Small Feasts, that was published in Gourmet, won the James Beard Foundation’s MFK Fisher Award for Distinguished Writing. Ruth Reichl, who got me into food writing was there at the awards ceremony, which gratified me greatly. My first book, “Monsoon Diary: a memoir with recipes,” was published by Random House (US) in 2003. It was a finalist for a James Beard Award.
I graduated from the Columbia Journalism School with a Master of Science degree. The school awarded me a Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship given to the top three graduating students in the class. I can be reached at shoba@shobanarayan.com
Some people ask for an official bio. I point them to the below and ask that they cut-and-paste it.
Shoba Narayan is an award-winning author and columnist. She writes about food, travel, fashion, art and culture for many publications. They include Condé Nast Traveler, The National, Financial Times, Destinasian, Gourmet, Time, Silk Road, and others. In the past, she has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Newsweek, Knowledge@Wharton, and other publications. She writes a weekly column for Mint Lounge, and Indian business daily which is affiliated with the Wall Street Journal. She also writes a column for The National, based in Abu Dhabi. She is the author of two books, Monsoon Diery and Return to India. She graduated from the Columbia Journalism School; and is an alumnus of Mount Holyoke College and Women’s Christian College.
The bio which I would like to give is below:
Shoba Narayan dreams of being a trapeze artist or a stand-up comedienne, both of which are unrealistically ambitious given that she is galactically un-funny and clumsy to boot. Meanwhile, she writes about food, travel, fashion, art and her native India for many publications such as Condenast Traveler (US edition), The National, Financial Times, Destinasian, and Silkroad, among others. Shoba is a columnist for Mint Lounge and The National. She works on improving her memory and becoming fit without exercising. A long time ago, she won a couple of awards, which allow her to conveniently add the phrase ‘award-winning’ author to her books. She is an alumnus of the Columbia Journalism School, Mount Holyoke College and WCC.
I just finished your book, and have to say that is rather wonderful. I love the way you skip from patently “Indian” experiences to those in NY, and vice-versa. We live in LA (have been here for 12 years now), and are enjoying the (relatively) laid-back Californian lifestyle. However, the yearning to “go back” increases day by day – and yes, its much stronger after we had a baby. The “dryness” of the US, especially when you have a kid (and have to arrange for play-dates as you wrote about) is something that is very difficult to get used to.
Hopefully we will also move back soon!
Dear Dapper: Thanks for your kind words. I hope you move back soon too.
I just read your return-to-india book. I suppose you are not a materlistic person who change color for own comfort. First you deserted your parents and pumped your fist when your plane landed at US. when your spouse found a reason to return India, your adviced that parents are not forever. I don’t think you kids will look after you when you no longer younger. And when your Kids wants values & cultures you brought them here in india and want them to return US for college. It seems like you are using india as an escalator to move floor-by-floor.
YOu have wrong perception about todays INdia. It is a country which is for its own citizens(not for immigrants). Take for instance, the onion that indian consume. The government makes sures that it is sold to its people rather exporting it and making sure its imported when prices soar here. Thus assuaging both Farmers and its citizens. You take Indian Tax structure. Unlike States(30% fixed tax), It has a Tax slabs so that people you earn less are not affected with high tax. I earn 10 Lakhs and pay 10% tax as prescribed by government. What else you want from this country. You are screaming about Indian Infrastructure and its system. India’s own dis-advantage is its advantage. It has a system where foreigners/immigrants cannot easily put up themselves here as easy as in western countries; thus helping the citizens to take advantage of the growth seeing now. Offcourse, we are in snail pace for changing the system but we are solid steady. it is a democratic country where everybody’s voices are heard and have to be heard. It is citizens who has to bring the change by their doing rightfull duty. If shit flowing in your house then you go to roof or you clean your house?
As long as congress is here, agriculture will be here, As long as agriculture is here, Farmers will be here and As long as Farmers is here, god & its cuture could be seen & prevailed. I dont think this is applicable to US where technology and machines are prayed. When everything dries up, the so called immigrants, who docked at US, will think about moving to another country where they still be mutants without an identity.
This is Wrote not in the intention of hurting you. But your narrow-minded book is hurting me; comparing India with US. US started its developement from 19th Century but India started at 1990. Being poor and extreme diversed culture; for any government, it takes few decades to change the system by overcoming the poverty, giving education and building world-class infrastructure. Am happy that I could now see the green-shots of those here.
I have high respect for your guts, breaking the barrier and chased the cheese on late 1980′s
Hey Shobha,
Just finished reading your book – Return to India, really liked it, most importantly good to know that there are many who think same about India as I do, I also spent many hours on return2india forums to keep assuring me that it is right thing to do – I still do it, It’s been little bit more than 1 year in India now and I now treat India as different country –just like what UK, US, Australia was for me when I was studying.
I see lot of Europeans n Americans on dusty/polluted roads of Gurgaon, and I also see them driving so rashly – just like we do in India…
I have also realized India is changing, may be its different in South of India then in North, Family relations are slowly limited to parents and brother/sisters only + everybody is so busy, basically India is moving towards western culture…but I think Indians will still have that thing.
I used to speak to my parents every weekend on skype and used to imagine that in 1-2 years’ time my own daughter will not be able to communicate with my own parents because they won’t be able to speak English that well and she will not understand hindi properly.
How will you describe your experience in India so far … may be in couple of lines
Dear Vikas:
Thank you for your kind words.
Re: experience in India. For me the challenging part is that I work at home and am therefore constantly interrupted. In India, I find there is so much traffic and phone calls that I am not as productive as I used to be.
The good part: For all my love of NYC; for all the glorious food and wine there; for all my lovely friends who I am still in touch with; it did get lonesome, particularly on winter afternoon. In India, I don’t know what lonely means.
thanks for sharing your experience.
What a coincidence, I also work from home and guess what – I had/have exactly same problems, So I had to get sound proof glasses on my window, moved intercom from my room to another room, have got a wireless door bell so that I can let my family know if I have important meeting
…It was fun but I think it will not last for long that way, Its better I start working from somewhere outside home…
Indeed, Vikas! Your arrangement sounds cool though.
Enjoyed your story, thank you. It’s a south indian story for sure.
I just read your book Return to India. As an Indian who lived in the Europe for 12 years I identify with several parts of it….like spirit of adventure etc but in a very limited way with raising kids….wearing a sari, talking about india to my kids with a reverence for it’s heritage. My parents generation is more like that not mine. Also, india has changed…on return I don’t find ability to drop kids with relatives…..big cities around the world the more similar than dissimilar.
Mine is a more north indian army upbringing story….therefore was largely unable to identify with your predicaments of moving. It was a window for me into your world….
Thanks, Sonia. The combination of your current Europe and past North India is intriguing. I love Europe!!
It was wonderful to get your answer.
Is it possible to get your email?
Thnks,
Ana
shoba@shobanarayan.com
Hi Shoba,
I’ve been reading your articles for years and I just love them.
Besides having a lot of fun with them I also use them for teaching.
Thank you very much!
I hope to hear from you if possible.
Being from Brazil you give me a wide idea from India
Ana .
Dear Ana:
What a nice note! Thank you. I love your country– the color, the music, the accent, lots of similarities. I have visited Iguazu falls but my dream is to go to Rio during Mardi Gras. I am sad Oscar Niemeyer is dead– he was a true visionary. Do you think the Campana Brothers have reached their zenith? Who are the upcoming design celebrities from Brazil? Sorry– so many questions. Mind like a sponge, I think.
Hi Shoba,
Just read your book and reviewed it too. Simply superb. You have been honest about the ‘immigrant’s dilemma’ as you call it and that is what stands out. Here is a link to my review of your book. Hoping to see more of your books.
http://musenmotivation.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/return-to-india-a-memoir-a-book-review/
Best Wishes,
Shail
Thank you, Shail. You are very kind.
Hi Shoba,
I had met you a few times when our children played in the Central Park playgrounds( circa, 2001-2003), and we chatted as we walked back home along Central Park West. Of course, we didn’t keep in touch after we moved to CT in early 2004, where I presently reside. I was happily surprised, when a friend who has moved to Bangalore, mentioned about your book, “Return to India.” today. I just finished reading an excerpt from it on Mount Holyoke’s literary alumni magazine. Not only it’s flows effortlessly, it will resonate with most people like you and me. I now teach English( ESL) at a local Catholic school, and my students will identify with the writing completely. I will share what it on the internet with my colleagues. Good, good job! Will read more of your work.
I remember Ranjini well; hope your younger one, hubby are doing well too. All the best!
Jyoti
Hi Jyoti: such a long time and your email brought back good memories. thanks
I was fortunate enough to stumble across your book Monsoon Diary and have not been able to put it down, despite endless deadlines that are looming over me! With fairly traditional parents (Kerala), I struggled to find my identity as an Indian growing up in Africa and the UK. Finally, food was the cord that tied me to my roots and one which I grasped onto tightly in the hope of finding my culture within me. So far, this book has struck a chord on so many different levels and is truly inspiring. Funnily, it’s jolting all the memories from my childhood visits to india that I have been trying to get to for so long. Fabulous inspiration for my work, heart and mind. I’m ordering your current book next!
Many thanks, my dear Sheba.
Hi shoba,
Just read your book. Very well written and touching. What struck me as interesting was the similarity with my own journey…
What is probably interesting is how a lot of my friends who have done the same exercise in the last few years saw returning to India as a no brainer. However, there is a common interesting feeling of lack of belonging in India as well, slow assimilation in bangalore and timely yearning for the lifestyle back in NY..mixture of hope and fear about whether the decision was the right one.
probably material for ‘return to India part 2′
Hi Pratik:
Maybe you should write about this nuance you touch about– the yearning for NYC?
Shoba
Just finished reading ‘Return 2 India’. It was so absorbing. I didn’t put my ipad down for a chunk of time till I finished it.. Living in the SF bay area with lots of friends and family, I still long for India. Every bit of your book resonated soo deeply with me. Kudos – well done! Amazing attention to the right kind of detail.
Thank you Vidhya!! I love the SF Bay area. Enjoy it!
Just finished reading Retun to India. Amazing attention to detail over the entire span of events. Readily identified with all the narratives starting from the USEFI at Chennai, the visa ordeals, the assimilation, and the dilemas.
For me the 2 thoughts that resonated were – ” America is the least imperfect society” and the ” ..”You can’t choose both.”
It is amazing that we live in an age where there is this “choice” to move back and forth among different socities. I guess it is upto indivduals to figure out what works best of them and make full use of the opportunity.
Thanks, Suraj. You are absolutely right with respect to the choices we have.
Enjoyed every word of “Return to India”. The insights and the conflicts are beautifully captured. Congratulate on capturing the emotions and life of over two decades in such a small tome. A very valuable guide for every young one who wants to go to the ‘promised land’.
Congratulations and good luck
Thanks, Balakrishnan
I moved back from New Zealand 5 years ago and now my son wants to. I want to understand how the world thinks on such moves. Where can I get the book?
Ananth
Hi
Can you tell me when is your book,Return to India,being released in India(tentative date preferable).I had pre-ordered at an online retailer,at which time it was mentioned August end.But I guess it hasn’t been released yet. Much awaited book for me.:)
Thanks, Arumugam. Now, they say, it will be the second week of September.
Shoba ji,
I stumbled upon this page by looking on the web for opportunities in travel writing. And I am so impressed by your work and credentials.
Will visit here regularly now. Keep up the good work. And I may ask you for some advice one of these days.
Good luck to you!
Thanks, Naina.
Dear Shoba ji,
You are good at everything I could possibly dream about just being into.
May you never stop at your work and keep inspiring people by just being what you are and doing what you do.
Love.
Thank you, Gunjan. I sent you an email too.
Dear Shoba,
I just finished devouring your Monsoon Diary and enjoyed every scrumptious dish and delight! Your deft descriptions of places, people and the preciousness of all of India left me satisfied with morsels of my own to indulge and savor whenever I feel homesick – not for a land and culture from which I was raised, but for one that feels as much as “home” as any other I can think of!
Namaste Sister Shoba and thank you. I have been inspired to delve deeper into my love of cooking and have been fortified in my endeavors by your wonderful recipes and stories.
With gratitude,
Laura
Oh, my! Thank you Laura. How kind of you
Hi Shoba,
A sheer serendipity,if I may say, in stumbling upon your blog. I enjoyed reading some of your thoughts, observations and anecdotes that just resonated with me. I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for more than twenty years now. Love to travel, passionate about food..and wine! and B’lore is definetely my place if I were ever to move back!
Great blog! great talent! wish you great success!
Thanks a lot, Gayatri. My husband went to U.Mich at Ann Arbor. Lovely university town
There is no option to send you a friend request, or even poke you! Could you please please send me a request on http://www.facebook.com/manali.shah20, or change your settings so I can send an add request!
Hi, any way to follow you on Facebook?
my wall on unnikrishnan nair
Yes, I am on Facebook, Manali.
Great site Shoba Ji. I just loved every corners. Wish you more success.
Thanks, Sourish
I feel sympathy for your nephews and nieces, who are disinterested in Temples, prayers, the Sanatha culture, and rituals..
. Though I grew up in Communist enviornment, I had a strong spiritual upbringing simultaneously. It was a contradiction, However, I could see the relevance of Hinduism thru Communism as Chapter 15 and 16 of Communist Doctrine was the word to word translation of Kautilya/Manu Smrithi.
I have three daughters born and raised in USA. I initiated them into our Sanathana Dharma and Dravidian cultural heritage. I inculcated in them my family traditions, values.and vegetarianism. I was not unmindful of their autonomy to make choices. But my role of guide was at their tender young age.They became ardent believers. One among them turned out to be aethyst, when she was 14. She argued with me for hours quoting Karl Marx, Nietshe, Manu and Muhammad.But when she went to Medical school, she turned to a staunch believer and climbed Thirupathi and visited Guruvayur few times. She is well versed in Classical Music and accomplished Mohini Attam and Kathakali artist.
It is clear that your siblings did not do the home work, and that deriliction contributed to a disastrous confusion in those young minds, and loss of their cultural identity . You cannot criticise building of more temples, for the lack of interest of youngsters like your nephews The temples are essential for those youngsters like my daughters. Your baggie pants wearing nephews are not the face of the Hindus here. They are the typical South Indian Brahmins, who are not interested in Sambarsadam-Thairsadam eating brides/grooms, and falling for superior
mates. At some points the Brahmins have double face -one belonging to superior caste and other being the champion of denial.
Shoba-ji,
I congratulate you on your wonderful blog.
Thank you very much, Lakshmi-ji
Unni,
You don’t know that your Mohini-attam-ing, Kathali-ful isn’t off painting her head blue and Mamboing on the weekend any more than you know whose dereliction of duty is responsible for Shoba’s cousins, such as they are. Nor can you speak about confusion – they (“we”) are called ABCD for a reason. Your rebellion may’ve been supported by the state, but their state is what drives their rebellion. Best keep them stones in your pocket. (No pun.)
later,
Reena
I love you website!
Our publication is currently looking for experienced writers with an interest in lifestyle and fashion. Should you be interested please get back to me on my email so I can give you further details on our publication.
Which publication is this?
It’s a blog, not a publication, Lavanya