Talking to new people is hard, and being in a new place makes it all the more difficult. However, I found something unexpected at Krea that made this bridge easier to cross.
The first week here, I remember standing in line with a group of strangers. “Is this Sambar or Dalcha?” a person behind me asked. We all exchanged blank and unknowing glances and broke into laughter, realizing we were all in the same boat. It’s safe to say that even after almost three months, the situation has not changed. While the food at Krea might not be the most gourmet, it’s unique and a perfect conversation starter, no matter the time.Â
The Krea dining hall experience makes us appreciate the other available campus eateries. Copa Mocha and their peri-peri chicken wings (Sorry, vegetarians and vegans) took me to another world. I ate it for the first time during my second week here, and the first bite brought me to tears. I can still taste the spicy goodness on my lips. The crispy outer layer, the soft crunch on the first bite, the peri-peri heat, and a hint of tanginess all came together as a beautiful chicken delicacy. It was something fresh out of a low-budget KFC commercial. After a long day of college, there’s something special about lounging in the student hub with friends, griping about everything and nothing. The student hub is the place for everyone. You will always find different types of people at all times in this cozy place.
Another great delight I discovered after coming to Krea is a chocolatey goodness in the shape of small cubes, packaged in bright red and brown. The amount of serotonin released in every bite is unmatched. The competitiveness of this heavenly goodness has me baffled every time. The early bird gets the worm; the early student gets the brownie. I am talking about the 20 rupees Elite brownies available at Narsi’s and the convenience store. These are jaw-droppingly good, and no exaggeration is intended. They are so good that it has brought me and my roommate closer, and we’d occasionally buy one for each other. The only downside to this brownie is that you cannot stop at just one. The number of times this brownie has tested my willpower is embarrassing to admit. I can go as far as saying that the Elite brownies are, indeed, elite.
For a person as socially awkward as I am, food at Krea is the perfect ice breaker since almost everyone can relate to experiences similar to mine. Food at Krea is more than just sustenance; it’s a shared experience and a catalyst for connection. Just as food brings families together at the dinner table, it has brought different students together at Krea. From sharing awkward culinary experiences to bonding over brownies, food has played a pivotal role in making this new place feel like home.