Welcome to Serene Reads & Dramatic Escapes by Moushmi.๐
Hey everyone! Today’s book is a little different from the swoony romances I usually share, but oh my, it’s just as delicious. I’m diving into The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais — a story that blends food, family, rivalry, and dreams into something truly heartwarming. ๐๐ฅ✨
This one isn’t just about eating; it’s about how food shapes identity, bridges cultures, and transforms lives.
What’s the Story?
We follow Hassan Haji, a young boy from Mumbai, whose life is flavored by the aromas of his family’s kitchen. After tragedy strikes, his family moves from India to Europe, eventually opening an Indian restaurant in a quaint French village.
Here’s where things heat up: right across the street is the legendary French chef Madame Mallory, who’s not thrilled to have spicy curries competing with her elegant French cuisine. What begins as a fiery rivalry slowly evolves into mentorship, pushing Hassan toward a culinary journey that eventually takes him to Paris, and yes, to the world of Michelin stars ๐.
Food as the Heartbeat of the Story:
Honestly, the dishes in this book made me stop and daydream. Some that stood out:
๐ฒBiryani & curries – rich, spiced, and comforting, representing Hassan’s roots in Mumbai.
๐ฅTandoori delights & kebabs – sizzling, aromatic, and full of family warmth.
๐ฆFoie gras & truffles – Madame Mallory’s refined French plates that ooze tradition and precision.
๐ฎSoufflรฉs & sauces – the kind of delicate artistry Hassan learns to master in France.
What I loved is how the novel doesn’t just describe food — it shows how every dish carries memory, identity, and emotion. The clash between bold Indian spices and disciplined French flavors felt like a conversation happening through the plate.
Setting the Table: From Mumbai Streets to French Villages:
The backdrop is as mouthwatering as the food. From the noisy, colorful markets of Mumbai to the serene, cobbled streets of Lumiรจre (the French village), and later the bustling sophistication of Paris kitchens, each setting feels alive.
It’s not just scenery—it’s the rhythm of two cultures colliding and then blending, like spice mixing into a sauce.
Characters That Left an Impression:
✨Hassan Haji—passionate, curious, and determined, growing from home kitchens to the heights of French gastronomy.
✨The Haji family—loving, chaotic, and inspiring; they remind us that food is at the heart of family life.
✨Madame Mallory—initially strict and distant, but ultimately a mentor who sees Hassan’s genius. Their evolving relationship was one of my favorite arcs in the story.
What Stood Out for Me:
Food as identity, the way cuisine carried Hassan’s heritage while pushing him to evolve. The cultural blend – Indian warmth vs French refinement, clashing but eventually harmonizing. The emotional beats—grief, ambition, rivalry, mentorship, and belonging all tied back to food.
A Few Quibbles:
Nothing’s perfect, right? For me:
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Some descriptions stretched a little long in places (I wanted a fork, not a textbook ๐คญ).
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Pacing slowed down once Hassan reached Paris—but the payoff was worth it.
Final Thoughts & Who Should Read This:
If you’re someone who loves:
๐Food writing that makes you hungry
๐ฅStories about culture and belonging
๐ทCharacters growing through rivalry and mentorship
✨A blend of heart, flavor, and ambition
…then The Hundred-Foot Journey is a must-read. It’s more than a foodie novel; it’s about how every meal can be a journey and every kitchen a bridge between worlds.
๐Have you read this book or watched the movie adaptation? Now I can’t wait to watch the movie adaptation to see how their journey unfolds on screen!
๐Check out my Goodreads review & follow along on Instagram , where I share more foodie book edits.
Comment below!
Disclaimer:
The content on Serene Reads & Dramatic Escapes reflects my personal opinions and experiences. All reviews and insights are based on my own observations and preferences.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration. If you enjoyed this review, stay tuned for more insights and discussions on books and dramas that inspire and captivate. 
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Contact:
For inquiries or feedback, please contact Moushmi at moushmik00@gmail.com or Instagram
Happy reading! Thank you for joining me!
Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on books and dramas that inspire and captivate.
Warm Regards,
Seasoned with love,
Moushmi.
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