Introduction

Saraswathy N, a 90-year-old grandmother from Kerala, is preserving and sharing rich culinary traditions through digital platforms. Her journey from a childhood shaped by family loss to becoming a celebrated cook on social media illustrates the enduring power of food, culture, and technology intertwined. This article explores how she combines decades of experience with modern tools to keep traditional recipes and home remedies alive for a global audience.

A Lifelong Connection to Food

Saraswathy’s relationship with food extends beyond mere recipe knowledge. She possesses an intuitive understanding of the precise blend of masalas required for each dish. Her cooking is guided by tactile senses—the texture of ground spices, the softness when kneading dough, and the subtle pressure needed to test a tomato’s ripeness all play critical roles.

From Kerala to Bengaluru: A Rich Culinary Heritage

Originally from Palakkad, Kerala, Saraswathy now resides in Bengaluru and holds a vast repository of family recipes. Her dedication to cooking emerged out of necessity rather than choice. After losing her grandmother and mother at a young age, she took on cooking responsibilities by the time she completed eighth grade.

Learning from Family and Tradition

Her culinary knowledge was largely inherited from her paternal aunt. Saraswathy recalls spending time watching her cook, absorbing fundamental techniques. Growing up in a joint family environment fostered a culture of shared learning and cooperation.

Sharing More Than Just Recipes

Beyond cooking tips, Saraswathy connects each recipe to its cultural roots and medicinal uses. Her instructions are informed by decades of experience, patience, and ancestral wisdom, offering insights into how certain flavors contribute to health benefits.

Home Remedies Through Food

For example, she shares the preparation of kollu rasam, a spicy South Indian soup made from horse gram. Saraswathy explains its use in alleviating colds and coughs, detailing the exact quantities of cumin, coriander, and other spices needed to maximize these benefits.

Saraswathy’s approach demonstrates how traditional recipes are intertwined with holistic wellness, highlighting the healing properties of everyday ingredients.

Building a Digital Kitchen

Embracing technology, Saraswathy creates a sense of self-reliance by regularly sharing short cooking videos on social media. Although she has been cooking for over 70 years, she only began using Instagram in January 2024. Her followers engage actively with her content, asking questions and expressing appreciation.

Recognized and Celebrated

Online recognition has brought Saraswathy personal joy. She recounts a recent wedding where women recognized her as “the Iyer paati,” affirming their appreciation by following her recipes. Such moments hold special meaning for her.

Embracing Technology at 90

Saraswathy approaches technology with the same confidence she displays in the kitchen, likening it to a new grandchild—sometimes puzzling but always fascinating. Together with her granddaughter Meenakshi, who films her cooking videos, she transitioned from recording family memories to reaching a broad online audience.

Preserving Traditions Through Social Media

She views her social media presence as a digital diary, safeguarding recipes and remedies that risk being forgotten. Her followers include relatives and international food enthusiasts alike. The supportive messages she receives reinforce the value of her contributions.

Simple, Natural Remedies

Many of Saraswathy’s recipes and remedies trace back to her paternal grandmother, emphasizing simple ingredients with genuine health benefits. Some she discovered independently, while others originated from friends and family.

Bringing Flavors to Your Home

Through her online shop, The Iyer Paati, Saraswathy offers handcrafted spice blends, ready-to-cook mixes, vadams (fritters), papadams (crisps), pickles, and podis (spiced condiments), bringing authentic South Indian flavors to kitchens worldwide.

A Reminder to Slow Down

In a fast-paced, convenience-driven food culture, Saraswathy’s recipes invite people to slow down and savor the cooking process. She emphasizes that enjoying aromas and understanding the preparation is as important as the final dish.

All pictures courtesy Saraswathy Paati

Sources

  • ‘Paati Puts Purpose on a Plate’, The New Indian Express, 11 January 2025

About the Author

Krystelle Dsouza