Arnab Mondal - Each Field Has Vast Amount of Opportunities Only if That Person Is Fully Passionate About It (Food Blogger)

Instagram - @thespiceandflavors

1. Please tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Arnab Mondal. I'm a software engineer by profession and a food blogger by passion. I've been a foodie my whole life but as a food blogger, my journey started around one and a half year back. To me, the eyes eat first. So the presentation must be treated as a priority. 

So far I've made a lot of new connections, who's as much foodie as I am. The journey has been pretty good as I see people appreciating my posts, clicks and write ups. This makes me happy.

Coming from a middle class family, where no one knew what food blogging is, was really a challenge. Back in the year 2015, I used to share my experience on Zomato. But as the time passed, I did quit. Then in the year 2019, I saw a post saying " Anyone up for a food tasting session " That's how it all started. 

Looking at the vast opportunities on Instagram I started a page named @thespicesandflavors. After that I got to know different bloggers, photographers and influencers. I kept learning from every person I met.


2. Which is your favourite cuisine and dish?

I love Mughlai cuisine. If I have to choose one particular dish, it'd be pretty difficult. I heart biryani, Butter Chicken, Pizza etc. But if I have to choose only one, then it'd be biryani.


3. Should food blogging be just a passion or can it become a regular career?

Each field has vast amount of opportunities only if that person is fully passionate about it.


4. Which restaurants/food joints would you recommend to food lovers?

There are many to be honest and if I name only a few, I'd be injustice for the others. Though there are some street food joints that I'd like to recommend. Like Bapi da (Karunamoyee, Salt Lake), Hot Kathi Roll (Park Street), Shibuji (Vardan Market), Paramount ( College Street). One restaurant I always prefer when it comes to biryani, i.e. Aminia.


5. What makes you appreciate a particular dish or a restaurant and talk about it on your blog?

It's taste, pricing and presentation when it comes to a particular dish. But when it comes to a restaurant, their ambiance, hospitality also matters.


6. Is there a dish you particularly associate yourself with?

I love food in all form as long as it tastes good. If I have to be particular, then it'd be biryani. Just like biryani is one whole meal itself. I consider myself as one too. It's a true mixture of emotions.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

Alchemist, ikigai both are my favourite books. These two books gives a positive energy to the soul. It helps in self development. So I definitely recommend you to read them.

- Interviewed by - Sanjana Jain