I first saw Arjun unapologetically showcase his Zumba moves in front a full studio on a Friday evening in 2019. His free-spirited, carefree personality immediately caught my attention – soon after I looked forward to seeing him at the studio regularly. Based in Accra, Arjun is the Managing Director of his family business, importing and distributing household items across Ghana. He often takes the wheel of his trucks and battles the busy rush hour; to ensure supplies reach the most remote markets in the country. His story of Sai Bhaji is one I closely relate to myself. 

I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to multiple countries around the world; and experience the food they have to offer. Some of my favourite dishes are Portuguese Steaks, Greek Gyros and Italian Pizzas. However, no matter which country I travel to, nothing excites me more than the first meal at home when I return from holiday. I am a home-food-baby at heart; and firmly believe that the food made in your own home is always best for you. Consequently, the dish that I always relish is Sai Bhaji with steamed yellow rice.

Looking Back

Sai Bhaji with steamed yellow rice is a dish I have always enjoyed as a kid and will continue to enjoy as I age. ‘Sai’ and ‘bhaji’ are Sindhi terms which mean green and vegetables respectively.  Essentially, it is a high protein curry which is made from spinach, dal (pulses), potatoes, carrots, spices and other green vegetables. It can be served with rice, roti or koki.

As a kid, I was a fussy eater and my mom would try extremely hard to get me to eat vegetables but to no avail. So she teamed up with a certain Mr. Popeye the Sailor Man to convince me that spinach is good for my health as it would make me strong. From then on, there was no stopping me as my mom’s Sai Bhaji became one of my favourite dishes of all time; and the dish to have at every Sunday family lunch.  

Looking Ahead

In my eyes, Sai Bhaji represents all the benefits of being at home – good health, tasty food and loving family. I could be having a nightmare of a day; but knowing that Sai Bhaji is on the menu turns my mood around. That is the power of good home food.

Written by Arjun Vaswani and edited by  Jashan Sippy.

‘Food, the Feeling of Home’: A series of stories exploring nostalgia, the power of food, our memories and stories of ‘home’. Want to share your story? Send it to us at info@sugarandspace.in