Book review: The hundred-foot journey

Lately I’ve been reading lots of thrillers, so I needed something fun and relaxing. So this feel-good culinary escapade was an appropriate choice. I highly recommend it if you want to indulge in a greatly written love story dedicated to food.

Hassan Haji, the second of a a family of six from Mumbai, knows from an early age that his destiny lies in the food arena. In this simultaneously comic and touching tale, we trace Hasssan’s culinary development from the roadside restaurant for servicemen established by his grandparents to the prominence of the world of haute cuisine and the much sought after Michelin stars.

Morais’ exploration of Hassan Haji’s climb in the world of haute cuisine also engages the themes of longing, homesickness, family legacy, and the losses and sacrifices that come with success.

This is a pleasant story filled with a diversity of vibrant characters, from Hassan’s larger than life, candid father who contrasts sharply with the polished, refined Madame Mallory, protector of classic French haute cuisine. You can hear, smell and taste the tenor of the Indian and French kitchens -I would strongly advise you to eat before reading!

If you love traveling and indulging in fine foods, you will certainly enjoy this book.

I cannot wait to watch the movie based on this charming book, starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri, and Manish Daya.