Midnight Maggi, Cold Sandwiches, And Movie Marathons, How Sibling Bonds Are Forged In The Kitchen!

There’s something about the bond between siblings that’s utterly unique. It is an intricate blend of rivalry, companionship, and deep-seated love that transcends all logic. When we think about our siblings, we’re often reminded of a life filled with bickering over trivialities like toys, the last slice of pizza, or who gets the remote. Yet, amidst all these squabbles, there emerges a shared camaraderie, often formed in the most unexpected of ways. And more often than not, it’s food (especially midnight snacks) that serves as the glue that binds these memories together. 

Raksha Bandhan And Midnight Snacks

On Raksha Bandhan, it’s hard not to reflect on the bizarre, experimental, or downright simple midnight snacks that have turned into cherished memories. There’s something about the dead of night when we bring out our wildest culinary ideas—whether it’s sneaking into the kitchen to make Maggi at 3 AM or trying out a new snack that seems utterly unappetising in the daylight but is perfect in the silence of the night. The shared experience of silently cooking, avoiding the creaks on the floor and the rustle of wrappers, only to burst into hushed laughter over the silliest of jokes, is a core memory that most siblings carry into adulthood.

One of the most universal of these midnight rituals is, without a doubt, the 3 AM Maggi session. If you’ve ever tried to make Maggi at midnight, you’ll understand the precision and care that goes into it. The footsteps are carefully measured, the gas stove is ignited with the softest of clicks, and the noodles are stirred as silently as possible. But what’s most memorable is the conversation that ensues—whispered jokes, confessions, or even just the shared silence, punctuated only by the sound of slurping noodles. These moments aren’t just about the food. They’re about forming a team, even if it’s just against the tyranny of parental rules. For many, the memory of those nights remains a testament to the unique bond they share with their siblings.

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Food As The Cornerstone Of Our Bond

Growing up, food was the bedrock of my relationship with my siblings. After years of arguing over the most ridiculous things—I found that one of the rare times my brother (Manav) and I could tolerate each other’s company was over a burger at 3 AM. It was during one of these midnight feasts that we started sharing our latest woes and even, surprisingly, enjoying each other’s company. The first time this happened, over a decade ago. I cooked a ridiculously spicy vermicelli at midnight, far too hot for either of us to handle. Yet, we loved it. It became “our thing,” something that we still laugh about today.

My sister (Richa) and I, on the other hand, had a typical sibling relationship. She was the typical big sister, always shooing me away, and I was the annoying younger sibling who wanted everything she had. But after years of living apart, we found ourselves living together again. The love we had once kept at bay came rushing back. One of my favourite memories is the night we watched “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” together for the first time. I made her mushroom and cheese grilled sandwiches, and it became our ritual every time we watched the sequels. Those midnight snacks, combined with endless reruns of FRIENDS, defined our relationship more than any other moment.

This connection between siblings and food isn’t just limited to me. Rachna Srivastava, Managing Editor of Curly India & ME, reminisced about her early adulthood days spent with her cousins (Nidhi and Vidhi). Their movie marathons, which often lasted 12-16 hours, were always accompanied by snacks. Their favourite was a homemade laksa made with Wai-wai noodles and hot sauce, prepared by sneaking into the kitchen in the dead of night. The precision with which they avoided making any noise was a skill they had perfected over countless nights. She fondly recalls their “food ninja” moves as they tiptoed around the kitchen.

Midnight Snacks Amidst Lockdown Chaos

The lockdown in 2020 is a core cherished memory when it comes to sibling relationships with food. During the pandemic, my brother, Rachit, portrayed unbeatable chai-making skills, one we weren’t aware of. Stuck at home with no concept of day or night, we began our tradition of a 30-minute chai session. We also devoured cold sandwiches stuffed with bhujiya. Something was comforting in this shared ritual; after all, if anything defines sibling relationships, it’s the ability to connect over the simplest of things, even amid chaos.

My sister-in-law (Sakshi) soon became part of our midnight snack club. Her love for food naturally led her to join in our late-night feasts. She quickly became the one to set up the array of snacks for our intense board game nights. And this shared love for food isn’t just reserved for us adults. My six-year-old brother (Uday) is already a connoisseur of all things spicy. A few months ago, he made me a sandwich, under supervision, of course, and it’s one of my most cherished memories with him.

Shreya Ghosh shared a simpler, yet equally meaningful memory. Just before COVID-19 hit, she and her cousin had a tradition of enjoying aloo biryani from a local shop. They went for it almost every day and paid under ₹100 for the delicacy. They would enjoy their biryani while listening to a specially curated playlist of Bengali songs. It became a ritual, abruptly halted by the pandemic but remains a fond memory.

Deeplata’s story was one of sweet gestures. Her brother, who had never been a fan of waffles, took her out for a Triple Chocolate Waffle from Belgian Waffle when she was upset one night. Since then, it’s become their late-night thing. 

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Bonding Over Chai

Sanjana Shenoy and her sister have a ritual of their own—sleepovers in her room with scented candles, fairy lights, and a cringy Bollywood film. The interval is their time to sneakily order chai and snacks. It is practice that often leads to lectures from their parents the next morning about the dangers of midnight snacking.

Then there’s Ankita Mazumdar, who shared a story that’s less about food and more about the fierce rivalry that defines her relationship with her brother. Their memories are filled with fights over every bit of food. It is aa completely different kind of memory, but one she’ll cherish nonetheless.

As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan this year, it’s these midnight snacks and the memories associated with them that truly highlight the bond between siblings. These late-night feasts are more than just a way to satisfy our hunger. They’re also a testament to the unique and irreplaceable relationship we share with our siblings. It is a relationship built on love, rivalry, and a shared appreciation for the bizarre, experimental, and downright delicious.

Cover Image Courtesy: Excel Entertainment, and Junglee Pictures