The real story behind beautiful food pictures
Long before Instagram was a thing, photography and food enthusiasts had a knack of capturing food on their cameras, without thinking of posting it anywhere. When I was in college, I had a simple mobile camera, but I made sure that I documented all the meals that we are out, the beautifully laid o
ut ones. Often someone would pick up my phone and find all these droolworthy food pictures and rave about them. The point which I am trying to establish is that whenever we a lip smacking picture, we try and smell its flavor and taste through our taste buds, in our imagination. However, how many times have you given it a thought beyond its taste and flavor?
This picture was taken on Firangiri beach, the most popular beach town of Penang island, Malaysia. It was a beautiful evening, and this eatery was right on the road. I ordered Tom Yum noodles with shrimps and husband ordered a plate of simple egg noodles.The shrimps on my plate looked absolutely tempting and it tasted better than it looked. Now, shell fish are notorious for triggering allergies in sensitive people, which I am not at all. In my (almost) 37 years of existence, I don't know of a single food item, that is known to evoke any allergy in me. So I am pretty experimental in what I can put inside my tummy. I am willing to try everything and anything. And being a Bengali, shrimps and prawns are far from experimental, they are a staple of anyone's diet. I relished every morsel, oblivious of the fact what my future held for me.
I couldn't sleep that night because of intense itching all over my body. The husband was deep asleep, and I didn't wake him up. I kept slathering body lotion all over myself, thinking that the pruritus was because of extreme dryness from sea bathing and swimming. I couldn't notice any rashes too, as it was dark and we had only warm white light in out hotel room.
As soon as dawn cracked, my jaw fell when I started noticing the redness all over my body. The sight was horrendous, something I had seen only in textbooks; not even on any patient of mine. I shook my husband awake in anxiety, and it took him some time to come to his senses and realize the gravity of the situation. We were not carrying an anti histamines, as it was a short trip, the kids were not there and allergy was the least of our concerns. However, this incident proves that you can never be over prepared.
We rushed to the nearest chemist shop (not so common on a beach side) and got the substitute of whatever we get in our country, after trying to convince the chemist that we are registered medical practitioners from India.
My redness, swelling and hence itching subsided after 12 hours, but along with it came intense drowsiness. In all, we lost 2 precious days of our trip. I am still not sure what exactly triggered that allergy, I could only pin the shrimps as the culprit. Now, I would be super apprehensive of trying shrimps or prawns, (or would keep an Epi pen with me)..
It could have been much worse too. I could have gone to an anaphylactic shock and died, if it had been too severe.
Could you imagine this story while looking at these happy pictures? I bet not! There's usually a long saga behind every picture, and from next time onwards, let's ponder over other possibilities, instead of just drooling on the food!
This post is part of #BlogchatterFoodFest
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
23 comments
You have nicely put the point across that photos don't just tell a story which is captured by them, they hold much more than that. All behind the scenes, which usually is in the memories of people who have been captured by camera in that moment. In such caes, it could even be the source to backtrack the source of allergies... Like an evidence in investingation...
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that behind every delicious pic, there might be a messy story—best to savour the moment and pack the antihistamines - as I always carry them in my bag.
ReplyDeleteYou had a narrow escape and this is a hazard one faces when trying new foods and dishes.As a food explorer I agree it is better to be prepared for any possible accidents.The picture does not tell us everything.
ReplyDeleteThat's so painful to hear. I hope you are fine now. Take care while trying some specific food items at specific localities.
ReplyDeletePictures definitely don't tell the complete story. It just reflects the moment. In this case it is showing your excitement which you were. But what happened after that is unimaginable and horrifying. Thank God it was not severe, and you recovered soon!
ReplyDeleteThat allergy was scary! I have cut down on eating out, but my photography when I started was a lot about food. I would do many food reviews and the mobile was the only handy thing. I learned all on it. Now, I wish to take it to another level.
ReplyDeleteLoved how you took us behind the scenes of gorgeous food shots and into an allergy scare that could’ve ruined the trip. Your balance of foodie joy and real-life panic was so compelling. I'm definitely being more grateful and cautious when I dine out now!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I felt looking at the praw wala pic... Please give me a bite... but after reading about allergies I again felt Tauba Tauba... ya kya ho gaya... Yes, we should stay prepared even when we are taking even a short trip as no one knows when how and where things may change.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you had to go through this painful experience. So honest of you share this, to remind us all that there is another story behind the pictures we see on social media. Mayuri/Sirimiri
ReplyDeleteOh my god. That sounds horrendous. I'm glad you recovered and nothing untoward happened. But yes, your story and experience puts so many things into perspective and makes one appreciate food photography, especially the food vloggers and bloggers, even more.
ReplyDeleteThat was a sad experience you had, and luckily, you recovered. Since both my husband and I are allergic to some foods, we keep ourselves away from seafood while travelling.
ReplyDeleteOh God, never would’ve guessed such a scary story was hiding behind that tempting plate of noodles! Thanks for the reminder that not everything is as picture-perfect as it seems. Glad you’re okay and yes, always better to be a little overprepared when travelling!
ReplyDeleteThat plate looked absolutely delicious...but reading what followed was truly scary. You're right, we often forget that there can be an untold story behind every perfect food picture. I’m allergic to egg and almonds, so I totally get the importance of being cautious. I never travel without my homeopathy anti-allergy medicine.
ReplyDelete-Anjali Tripathi Upadhyay/Messymom
There's usually a long saga behind every picture, and from next time onwards, let's ponder over other possibilities, instead of just drooling on the food! - this line will stay with me for a long time. You have such a unique blog always love your writing style and pictures!
ReplyDeleteI never remember to take a photo before I pounce on it! I often think i should but end up forgetting
ReplyDeleteOh no!!!! I'm sorry this happened to you on a trip and yes, pictures sometimes do not showcase the reality behind the food. But I'm glad that you are okay and got the medicines at the right time.
ReplyDeleteRichly nostalgic and vividly descriptive, this piece beautifully blends storytelling with sensory detail—your passion for food, memory, and adventure shines through in every flavorful, heartfelt line.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good thought that is put forth. Photos so bring lot of memories
ReplyDeleteNo one would be able to guess the story behind the pictures. My daughter has a severe nut allergy. She has an anaphylactic attack if she has even a little bit. I can understand how scary it must have been. Carrying antihistamines is a must.
ReplyDeleteMore than us, I think this picture will bring back loads of memories for you every time you see it, even after several years.
ReplyDeleteOh that's super scary! I am definitely adding anti histamines to my carry on medicines list. But true sea food allergies can be very serious. Am glad things did not get very serious with you.
ReplyDeleteBehind those perfect food pictures? Cold dishes, messy counters, and 50 clicks for one good frame. It’s not always hot or fresh—but it’s made with love, patience, and a hunger to tell a story.
ReplyDeleteThis candid account reminded me that behind every beautiful food photo, there can be untold stories. It’s a powerful reminder to appreciate the full context—taste, health, and experience—before we judge a dish by its appearance alone.
ReplyDelete