Shoba beats Jhumpa in Writing Sweepstakes
When the editors of Gourmet assigned journalist Shoba Narayan to write a piece for the magazine's January 2000 issue, they virtually gave her a carte blanche. The editors had seen some of Narayan's writing and had liked her personal style. Of course, she was told to weave in descriptions of Indian food, cooking and kitchens in the article.
Advance Praise for Monsoon Diary
"Shoba Narayan is that rarity in the food world: She has both a unique story and the lyrical skills to tell it."
Can you read body language on Zoom?
This Indian life by Shoba Narayan: Reading body language on Zoom Online interactions may be effective, but minus body language and touch, they are not nimble. BRUNCH Updated: Jun 07, 2020 14:24 IST Shoba Narayan Hindustan Times [...]
Gadgets that are cool– and maybe even useful
I love gadgets, gizmos, cool things. I have been testing and writing about products, quirky gadgets and classes that interest me. Below are the links to the pieces. Booty Patooti Bootcut pants Pizzeria Pronto Tristar Travel Bag Vain Sthlm versus Bose [...]
Trident BKC: Hotel Review: The Telegraph UK
Stylish business hotel The Trident BKC, Mumbai, India Telegraph Review/ Shoba Narayan/ Travel writer 8/10 This modern hotel flanked by financial companies, craft breweries, and restaurants is located in the heart of [...]
Hotel Reviews for The Telegraph UK
I review hotels for The Telegraph UK. Please click below for individual reviews. Sandhotel, Reykjavik Meghauli Serai, Chitwan, Nepal Orange County, Hampi Jaipur Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Taj Jai Mahal Palace Tree of Life, Jaipur ITC Rajputana, Jaipur Samode Palace [...]
For Scroll India on Nepal
“Dakini represents the feminine energy in Buddhism,” says Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche.
The Dalai Lama: for HT Brunch
Where I sit with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for an hour and ask him about life, love, meditation, wisdom and ageing. His Holiness is a person like no other in today’s world. Statesman, Nobel Laureate, spiritual leader of the Tibetans who view him as God, or at least the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Boddhisattva of compassion.
The Dalai Lama Part 1
Can a monk teach me, a social media junkie, about happiness? Our two worlds after all, are poles apart. The monk in question is His Holiness The Dalai Lama, arguably one of the most beloved leaders of our time. For a man who has cast away worldly life, his worldly accomplishments are mind-boggling: Nobel Laureate and global statesman to name two from a long list.
The Dalai Lama Part 2
When the Dalai Lama greeted me, I sensed in that most primitive, reptilian part of my brain that I was in the presence of – not the “greatness” that hits you like a ton of bricks, but a softer gentler guiding spirit, a guru. Stand near His Holiness and you will feel yourself relaxing, less careworn. You become calm, mirroring the stillness that surrounds him like a cloak. Answers arise from the subconscious – all without a word being said. You see what you seek. Clarity is gained, peace regained.
Yearning for the barber during Covid-19
For men, the barber is not just a haircutter. He is a therapist, beautician and philosopher, all rolled into one.
The Dalai Lama Part 3
What do you do when you are angry? I ask His Holiness. I expect a discourse. Instead, he says, “Hit yourself,” with his typical cackle of laughter. “When strong anger comes, go like this.” He hits himself in the side of his head and laughs. Mixing the playful with the profound is His Holiness’s signature. The Nalanda tradition that the Dalai Lama follows has very specific practices to equalise emotions. Veer Singh, the founder of Vana, told me that His Holiness wakes up at 3.30am and meditates for several hours. A lot of his practice involves visualisation: sending love to all directions.