From aloo choley to halwa: A look at India's space menu
Long gone are the days when space food meant grey mush in tubes. In 2025, as the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew rocketed toward the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, they carried something just as powerful as their scientific equipment: the flavours of home.From mango nectar to paprika paste, pierogis to halwa, the menu aboard Ax-4 was a culinary time capsule — carefully freeze-dried, yes, but packed with identity, comfort, and pride.advertisementSHUBHANSHU SHUKLAPilot Shubhanshu Shukla, from India, made history not only by becoming the second Indian on the ISS after Rakesh Sharma, but also by bringing a menu drenched in nostalgia. Here's what he carried to space:Mango nectarMoong dal halwaGajar (carrot) halwaCrafted by India's DRDO, these delicacies brought the warm, sweet notes of Indian kitchens into the cold steel corridors of the ISS. When asked about his preferences, Shukla told TV channels they were his 'favourites.' During a pre-launch briefing, he added, 'I'm thrilled to share them with my crew and those already aboard.'Just like Rakesh Sharma in 1984, who carried aloo chole and suji halwa to space, Shukla's food reminded the world: India never forgets its flavours—even in orbit.TIBOR KAPUHungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu went full flavour-forward with his picksadvertisementCustom Hungarian 'space chocolate' by the iconic Sthmer brandSpicy paprika pastesWhy spicy? Kapu explained: 'In space, we eat less salty food due to bone health Spicy pastes give us back that punch.'And the chocolate? Modified to meet NASA's strict safety guidelines, it marries tradition with innovation—a sweet spot in space cuisine.SAWOSZ UZNASKI-WINIEWSKIESA astronaut Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski didn't just carry food—he brought a Polish feast, curated by chef Mateusz Gessler and freeze-drying experts Lyofood:Pierogis (stuffed dumplings)Tomato soup with noodlesLeczo stew with buckwheatApple crumbleFor Uznaski, food was psychological fuel. 'Food brings emotional comfort,' the Polish astronaut said.PEGGY WHITSONCommander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut with over 600 days in space, didn't publicly share her full menu. However, she was visibly excited about Kapu's spicy additions. As a trailblazer for private spaceflight and Axiom's Director of Human Spaceflight, Whitson's presence added gravitas (and perhaps a hunger for innovation) to this flavourful journey.FOOD AS DIPLOMACY, MEMORY & SCIENCEIn orbit, food does more than feed the body. ItBridges cultures across nationalitiesRelieves stress and homesicknessSupports bone and muscle healthEncourages camaraderie on long missionsThanks to agencies like NASA, DRDO, ESA, and Axiom Space, space food now celebrates culture just as much as it meets calories.A CONTINUUM OF CULINARY COURAGE: FROM SHARMA TO SHUKLAadvertisementIn 1984, Rakesh Sharma paved the way with suji halwa and vegetable pulao. Now, Shubhanshu Shukla carries that torch forward with mango nectar and moong dal halwa.The message is clear: You can leave Earth, but Earth never leaves your plate.- Ends
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