Vasana/Paak

The Gujarati Shabdkosh/dictionary describes Vasana as “foods consisting of various medicinal herbs and spices prepared and consumed during winters.” Vasana are superfoods created in our kitchens, designed by our ancestors and eaten to not just warm our body and boost immunity, but also to help it remain healthy, well greased, efficient and able throughout the year. A slice or small bowl full of Vasanu is a must during winter mornings. Gujarat has an extremely rich (literally and figuratively) repertoire of Vasana, with each region and community leaning towards traditional and heirloom recipes that have been handed down to them by their matriarchs. Parsi, Bohri, Jain, Kathiyawari, Kutchhi, Surti… the list is endless and so are the varieties of paak, chikki and ladoo.