Spice is the variety of life

From the Middle East to Europe, food gets blander as you travel. That's because, when it comes to using masalas and flavourings, there's no place like home

- VIR SANGHVI

Do you find that when you travel to the West, the food tastes bland and boring? I do.

I never used to feel that way, but in recent years, I have begun to long for masalas and at least a hint of chilli whenever I travel to Europe. I now find most Western food incredibly boring and often tasteless, especially if I have to eat it for more than three or four days at a stretch.

It's not that I don't appreciate food that does not rely on spices. I still pride myself on being able to go to a French restaurant and hold forth on whether it deserves its Michelin star or not. I can see why French is regarded as the classic cuisine. I can even eat English food, which surely, is an achievement in itself.