Joys and Perils of Open Kitchens

Leena Kumar, Principal Architect, Kumar Consultants opines, “Traditionally, the Indian kitchen was always a small part of the house, very often located away from the house because cooking was perhaps done on open firewood with no piped water. Water was fetched from outside – from wells, ponds etc. But that’s all changed and we have piped waters, we have a lot of appliances and a lot of automation and the kitchen has moved inside.”

She further adds, “By and large in the Indian system masalas or spices or grinding was done manually or even for that instance the cooking itself. Now the mixer grinders, use of readymade spices and availability of various utensils and appliances have made cooking less cumbersome. This changing Indian palate, taste, the Indian cuisine along with the lack of quality family time has pushed the concept of open kitchens in India, especially in the metro cities. By and large, the change of lifestyle where people are less concerned about privacy at any place except the bedroom has opened up the idea of an open kitchen where the family comes together.”