Open kitchens have undoubtedly become a popular trend in modern homes. From celebrities like Selena Gomez to Alia Bhatt many have embraced the idea of an open kitchen.
In a world that is increasingly embracing open living spaces and shared experiences, open kitchens have become the symbol of a more inclusive, communal approach to cooking. Whether it’s a man cooking or a woman, everyone is now encouraged to be part of the action, making meals a shared experience rather than a solitary task.
For generations, kitchens have been seen as women’s personal spaces where everyday conversations, chores, and routines would get discussed. Much of a woman’s whole day would often be spent there, surrounded by their domestic life and personal talks. Traditionally, men rarely entered the kitchen, as it used to be considered a strictly feminine space. In earlier times, especially under the purdah or ghunghat system, women often found themselves confined within the four walls of the kitchen, a place that became both a refuge and a symbol of their restricted world. However, even though things have changed now, for some women kitchen is their identity.
Movies like ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’, ‘Mrs’ and the short film, ‘Juice’, offer sharp, thought-provoking portrayals of the kitchen, not just as a physical space, but as a symbol of gendered roles and silent oppression faced by women in domestic settings. In all three films, the kitchen is more than a room; it’s a battleground for identity, agency, and change.
Unlike the concept of a closed kitchen, where the cook is isolated, an open kitchen allows interaction and inclusion. The beauty of an open kitchen lies in its ability to connect the cook with the rest of the family or guests. It allows for interaction while preparing food, a stark contrast to the old-school idea of women being confined to the kitchen while the rest of the family socialised elsewhere.
With open kitchens, you can chat with your family members, entertain guests, or even enjoy your favourite TV show while whipping up a meal. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere for the man/ woman making the food.
Moreover, open kitchens are perfect for creating a seamless flow between the living room, dining area, and the kitchen itself.
While open kitchen is a great concept, we are not really sure how it gels up for an Indian audience.
Indian cooking, known for its rich flavours, bold spices, and aromatic curries, can turn an open kitchen into a battleground of lingering smells, grease, and splatters. The distinctive scent of tadka (tempering), the smoke from roasting spices, and the aroma of fried food can quickly fill the entire house, often overpowering other scents.
While this may sound inviting to someone familiar with the joys of Indian cuisine, it can also be a bit too much for others.
There is also an added tension of oil splattering from sautéing onions, garlic, or frying various ingredients getting on your walls or furniture.
This is where open kitchens, despite their charm, can become less than ideal. While they encourage a sense of openness, they also pose a challenge when it comes to cleanliness and upkeep, especially in a space where cooking Indian food is a regular affair.
In an open kitchen, you might find that your sofa, once pristine and smelling like fresh linen, now smells like last night's curry. And removing that smell might be tricky!
Yet, this doesn’t mean the open kitchen concept can’t work for Indian food lovers. With the right precautions, such as installing proper ventilation systems, using splatter guards, and ensuring regular cleaning, an open kitchen can still be a great addition to your home.
