About Sandhya: My Journey with Food and Love

Hello and welcome. I’m Sandhya—the hands, heart, and stories behind Sandyathome

This blog was never planned. It began quietly—just like the way my mother and grandmother used to cook.

No measurements. No books. Just feeling.

Growing up, I didn’t realize I was being shaped by their everyday magic. The gentle clinking of ladles, the warm smell of curry leaves crackling in oil, the quiet hum of love in every dish—they stayed with me.

I didn’t inherit written recipes.

But I inherited something far deeper—the emotion of cooking, the way food could heal, gather, and speak when words fall short.

Years later, after marriage and a move to the USA, I found myself turning to food not just for survival or taste, but for meaning. I began writing things down—at first for my daughter, so she’d know the food I grew up with. Then slowly, for others like me, who missed home, roots, or just needed a gentle voice in their kitchen.

That’s how Sandyathome came into being. Not to chase trends. Not to be perfect.

But to keep memories alive, one ladle at a time.

What You’ll Find Here

This space is where nostalgia meets real life. Where the smell of rasam brings comfort, and where millets and memories sit side by side.

You’ll find:

Traditional South Indian recipes—vegetarian and non-vegetarian
Festival cooking filled with soul—dishes lovingly created for Onam, Diwali, Navaratri, Holi, Ugadi and many other cherished celebrations
Millet-based meals that bring ancient grains into today’s kitchen
Dump-style soulful recipes from my Somberi Series—fuss-free and full of feeling
Revival of forgotten and ancient recipes, rooted in tradition and reimagined with a personal touch
Step-by-step guidance to make cooking approachable, no matter your skill level

Each recipe is made the way we truly cook at home—real, heartfelt, and meant to be shared.

A Quiet Moment of Joy

Over the years, my recipes have been featured in Femina Tamil and Femina English for festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, Vinayaga Chaturthi, and many, many more—each feature a quiet reminder that food, when made with heart, connects across homes and cultures.

I’ve been grateful to be featured seven times in Femina Tamil, recognized by NDTV Food, and celebrated in homes I may never step into—but the deepest joy still comes from messages like:

“This reminded me of my paati,”

“I made your millet arisi upma —it felt like a hug,”

“My child, who avoids millets, asked for more.”

Why I Do This

I didn’t grow up with recipe books. I grew up with women who cooked from memory and heart. This blog is for them. It’s for my daughter. And for everyone who believes that food is more than taste— it’s memory, comfort, medicine, healing and the joy of creating something new from something old.

Behind every dish is the quiet encouragement and strength I’ve received from my husband, who has supported this journey with love.

I’ve always believed that food is also health. What we eat becomes how we feel, how we think, and how we live. And if we cook with love, that love becomes part of the body.

Beyond the kitchen, I find joy in painting, gardening, and yes—love, love, shopping! These little passions keep me inspired, curious, and always ready to bring new colors and flavors to life.

Below are some of my recent paintings—each a reflection of the same love, calm, and creativity I bring into my cooking.