My Journey: Finding Home in Every Aroma
A little taste of home, wherever life takes you.
Hello and welcome to my kitchen!
My name is Shagun, and I'm so happy you're here.
In 2019, I moved from India to Canada as an international student, beginning a new chapter filled with dreams, opportunities, challenges, and countless lessons. Like many people who move far away from home, I discovered that building a life in a new country means learning to find comfort in the little things.
For me, one of those things has always been food.
There is something special about the aroma of a familiar dish cooking in the kitchen. The fragrance of spices warming in a pan, a comforting meal simmering on the stove, or the first bite of something that reminds you of home can bring back memories in the most beautiful way. Even thousands of kilometres away, those familiar aromas can make you feel a little closer to the people, places, and moments you miss.
Over the years, my journey in Canada led me to study culinary arts and food service management, helping me develop a deeper appreciation for food, cooking, and everything that happens behind a meal. I began to see food not simply as something we eat, but as a way to express love, preserve memories, discover cultures, and bring people together.
That's how the idea behind Home in Every Aroma came to life.
This space is a reflection of my journey, my love for cooking, and the comfort I've found in the aromas and flavours of food. Here, I want to share the Indian recipes that remind me of home, along with international dishes and new favourites that inspire me along the way.
You'll find everyday meals, comforting classics, simple recipes, and dishes worth sharing with the people you love. My hope is to make cooking feel approachable and enjoyable, whether you're recreating a familiar flavour or trying something new for the first time.
This website is also a way for me to keep learning, experimenting, and growing in my own kitchen. I'm excited to share that journey with you, one recipe at a time.
Because sometimes, home isn't just a place. Sometimes, it's a familiar aroma filling your kitchen, a flavour that brings back a memory, or a meal that makes an ordinary day feel special.
Thank you for being here and being part of this journey.
Let's cook, explore, and find a little piece of home in every aroma.
With love,
Shagun
Home in Every Aroma — A little taste of home, wherever life takes you.
From Mumbai to Canada
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, I grew up surrounded by vibrant flavours, fragrant spices, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. I have always enjoyed exploring food, experimenting with ingredients, and discovering how different flavours come together. In 2019, I moved to Canada as an international student, beginning a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and new experiences. Although I was far from home, cooking became one of the ways I could reconnect with familiar aromas, memories, and the flavours I grew up with.
Learning the craft
My passion for food led me to Fanshawe College, where I spent two years studying Culinary Skills and Food Service Management. During this time, I developed my cooking skills and gained an understanding of the planning, organization, and teamwork involved in food service operations. My studies helped me appreciate both the creativity of cooking and the care that goes into preparing and serving food.
Food, nutrition, and family life
I continued my education at Western University, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology, specializing in Nutrition and Family Studies. This experience broadened my understanding of nutrition, food choices, family well-being, and the role food plays in our everyday lives. It also strengthened my appreciation for the connection between what we eat, how we care for ourselves, and the traditions we share around the table.
Seven years in food service
Over the years, I have gained experience across different areas of the food industry, including working as a cook, dietary aide, food service manager in a nursing home, and server at Western University for banquets, weddings, and special events.
Working in a nursing home has given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of food in people's daily lives. Meals are about more than nutrition; they can bring comfort, familiarity, dignity, and a sense of home. My experience in food service has taught me the importance of preparation, consistency, food safety, and attention to detail, while reminding me that even a simple meal can make someone's day a little brighter.
These experiences have shaped the way I approach food today, combining practical knowledge with a love for cooking, learning, and discovering new flavours.
The next kitchen experiment
Home in Every Aroma is a place where my personal journey, culinary experience, and love of experimenting with food come together. Here, I share recipes inspired by my Indian roots, along with international dishes, everyday meals, cooking tips, and ideas I discover along the way.
For me, cooking is an ongoing journey. Every recipe is an opportunity to try something new, learn from the process, and create something worth sharing. My hope is that this space inspires you to feel more confident in your own kitchen, explore different flavours, and find comfort in the food you make.
Whether a dish reminds you of home or introduces you to something completely new, I hope you find a little piece of home in every aroma.
Make room for learning.
Stay curious
Cooking is all about exploration. Try a new spice, experiment with an ingredient, or discover a different way to prepare a familiar dish. Make small adjustments, taste as you go, and enjoy learning what works best for you.
Prepare with care
Good cooking begins before the pan heats up. Read through your recipe, measure your ingredients, organize your workspace, and follow safe food-handling practices. A little preparation makes cooking easier, more enjoyable, and more consistent.
Keep discovering
Every time you cook, there is something new to learn. Pay attention to flavours, aromas, textures, and techniques. Keep notes on the changes you make and the results you love. Over time, these little discoveries will help you develop your own style and confidence in the kitchen.