Food was always an important pillar in both of our lives.

Growing up as a first-generation Indian American, Nush's love for food and foundation for cooking was passed down to her by her mom. She was raised as a vegetarian and remembers learning how to cook by helping her mom in the kitchen with traditional Indian delicacies like idlis, dosas, a myriad of vegetable curries, rice dishes like biryani, a plethora of flatbreads like chappathi, naan, paratha and pooris, a multitude of mithai (sweets), and countless cups of masala chai that were all passed down for many generations. None of her family's recipes were written down and she was always amazed at how her mom could whip up a delicious feast or snack at a whim. She credits her extensive knowledge of spices and cooking techniques to her mom and finds cooking a relaxing creative outlet that continues to help her stay close to her cultural heritage.

Doza's basic understanding of cooking came mostly from his mom and grandpa over the years. Between the two, many aspects of cooking were covered in some form or fashion. There were many mornings filled often with pancakes, waffles, or tacos. On the flip side of the day, grilling, pasta dishes, and baked sweets of all kinds tended to occupy the rest with Doza helping out a little here and there increasing in responsibility and learning as he grew older. Eventually, once he moved out, the desire to cook and expand beyond what he grew up with or to reiterate on the familiar drove his curiosity and experimentation.

Surprisingly enough, Doza's favorite cuisine was Indian long before he met Nush, and Nush's second favorite cuisine, after Indian, was Mexican. Although we both can be very particular, food is a way that we can continue to combine our rich cultures and incorporate new flavors and methods into what we already know through our many cooking experiments in the kitchen. It's also a way we can experience and learn about other cultures from around the world when we go out to eat or travel.

Our love for food continues to grow stronger with each passing day and you can follow along on our tasty adventures through our food-focused Instagram @NushAndDoza.Eats and on our YouTube channel!