The rice and rice of biryani

India's most-ordered delivery dish is only growing in popularity. Each region lays claim to crafting the best version. In the end, it's all about using the right grains

So, you like to watch?

Hey binge-viewer! Hit pause on streaming and test how much you remember of what you've seen already. All the good shows, all the seasons, all the Easter eggs, all the twists. 30 questions. Answers on page 26

Spot the space cadets

Some aliens want to take over the world. Some just want a date. These 10 alieninvasion plots prove that the truth is still out there

Like a bolt from the blue

Buying a Porsche was a dream come true. Buying one before they go fully electric was even better. Driving on Indian roads never felt so good

We're only getting older, baby

Why were we all so eager to rush into adulthood? Growing up means an endless loop of responsibilities and chores. And wishing we were young again

Privileged leaves

Are plant parents the new pet parents? They track rare saplings, spend fortunes on cuttings and give India epic gardening goals

You, based on a true story

Be yourself, they say. But where do you draw the line? Here's how to stay authentic at a job interview, a date and a party

Avenge the endgames

No one wants 11 seasons of the same show, a prequel and a spin-off. Why do some series drag on, no end in sight?

Look who joined the patty

For years, great beef meant great burgers. But a new variation on the mince patty costs less, delivers on flavour and tastes excellent with lamb. Take a bite out of the revolution. You want fries with that?

What's so funny Kenny?

It takes hard work to make three generations laugh, stay away from controversy and improvise when many others merely copy. Comedian, musician and writer Kenny Sebastian flips open his gag file and shows us how he does it

Encore competence

Some actors did so well in arole, it's déja vu with every new character they play. Can these 10 talents break free?

School of rock

From cassettes to CDs, from iPods to streaming, some Indian bands have stayed put as the world, and music changed. See how four bands recall the time that was, and what it takes to rock on today

Animal crossings

If you ever feel out of place, think about these 10 species that are thriving far from home

Silk road tripping

Camels, caravans, Chevrolets. Driving down the same road in Uzbekistan 30 years later brings back memories and gives one hope for the future

Guess who's coming to dinner

Some guests take their welcome much too seriously, don't think twice about being disrespectful, and are wholly unbearable. Here's how to identify them

I of the needle

Century-old fabrics, designs sourced from museums, inspiration from old photos, creative hacks to turn back time. Check out how Indian costume designers are making every period detail shine

Another caper around Capri

The legendary resort town is relatively unspoiled and glamorous. The food is better than it used to be, if you know how to skip the tourist traps

Unscrambling the data

Free-range, natural, organic, cage-free. How good can eggs get, anyway? And why are restaurants obsessed about it?

Let's talk about me again

Insta Reels are out to paint everyone as narcissists. Here's how to tell regular confidence from dangerous disorder

The magic of meet-cutes

Boy meets girl. It's awkward but adorable. First contact can make or break arom-com. Is there a formula for getting it right?

While you were sleeping

Anupam Sud's works focus on women, their place in the world, and their complex relationships. Nothing is what it seems

There's lots to unpack here

Movies make travelling light seem effortless. But with a little adjustment, you can learn to let go of stuff you don't need

Slipping through our fingers

The edible oils market is a mess. Mislabelling is common, as are outright lies about process and provenance. And extra virgin is not the virtue you think it is

Other pressing matters

How the turntables! We're in the midst of a vinyl revival. Sales are spinning, younger artists are selling records. So, why doesn't it feel like a legit change?

Put the focus on flavour

Good food deserves a good shot. Three stylists update their bag of tricks to ace food photography

Who kept the dogs out?

Pet-friendly spaces are still hard to find. Why alienate our furry friends when it could be so much better for business?

Animal crossings

If you ever feel out of place, think about these 10 species that are thriving far from home

Silk road tripping

Camels, caravans, Chevrolets. Driving down the same road in Uzbekistan 30 years later brings back memories and gives one hope for the future

Guess who's coming to dinner

Some guests take their welcome much too seriously, don't think twice about being disrespectful, and are wholly unbearable. Here's how to identify them

Another caper around Capri

The legendary resort town is relatively unspoiled and glamorous. The food is better than it used to be, if you know how to skip the tourist traps