Maybe you bought an air-fryer. Maybe you attempted to make Dalgona coffee.
There were so many strange things that went down this past — and kind of current — lockdown. Here’s a quick summary of defining meals we’ve had, presented in a semi-timeline of events.
The Motivated Chia Seed Pudding
We broke this out at the beginning of this whole spiel. We were all, “Don’t touch your face!” and “What song do you wash your hands to?” It was naivety and hopefulness packed into one. We googled the recipe for this pudding, and we invested in superfoods like chia seeds before we realised how expensive they were. We ate this and thought the pandemic would blow over in a few weeks. If we could turn back time…
The I-Have-Hobbies-Now Banana Bread
Our offices closed and we worked from home, and we suddenly found a new work-life balance. We were painters. We were bakers. We were yogis. For about a month, we ate banana bread religiously, for the sheer reason that it was easy to bake and great to impress. By now, everyone knows how to make it, and we’d rather just have real bread, sorry.
The Netflix & Chill at 7-11
Pre-curfew, you could still catch us at 7-11 in the evenings. It was our own personal snacking taste test. Prawn chips, mini hot dogs, Haribo by the kilo: you name it. If there was a murder show to be watched, there was an aisles-worth of snacks to be munched.
The Cheeseboard for Instagram
You did it for the likes and we’re not blaming you. Cheeseboards had a hot minute during the first lockdown, and many of us became real connoisseurs and crafters. We’re lucky to live a city that offers many places to order cheese (and wine), and we had a lot of fun with this activity. Could we call it a hobby?
The #WFH Curry & Rice
Whilst at first we were all about DIY and long recipes and complicated components, a few months into working from home did not look so snazzy. We went back to basics and enjoyed our favourite leftovers for lunch. Your mum’s steamed egg? Five-minutes ready instant noodles? Last night’s takeout from the pizza place next door? Send ‘em over.
The Diet-Starts-Tomorrow Burger
Maybe you had a fiery Microsoft Teams meeting with the regional office. Maybe your nosy neighbour commented on your weight gain in the elevator (what can they even see behind that mask?). This burger was one of those revenge and power play burgers. You ordered it with wagyu. You ordered it with curly fries. You had a milkshake as a side. You went all the way, and it felt so, so good.
The Diet-Starts-Today Poke Bowl
For all those nights where you ate too much cheese and chocolate and didn’t quite stick to your intermittent fasting scheme, the poke bowl always came in handy. Trendy, ‘grammable, and packed with nutrients, it’s a little reminiscent of the optimism we had at the beginning of the pandemic. Except you probably ate this alongside a shot of tequila, or something.
The Break Up Spaghetti
Some relationships flourished during this time, whilst others sadly suffered. You know who you are. We know you ordered the Carbonara with extra garlic bread. Nobody’s judging you. Let that little heart heal. Use two food delivery apps at the same time and get the fried chicken, too.
The Online Shopping Cheesecake
If, like us, you muted yourself during conference calls so you could browse online in peace, you’ll totally get this. Online shopping has been a real sport during this pandemic. We did ours alongside some cheesecake, because nothing tasted sweeter with every virtual swipe of our credit cards. Basque burnt cheesecake for breakfast? You only live once.
The We’re Screwed Screw Driver
Have you set up a home bar yet? It’s about time. We’ve lost count of the number of alcohol bans and bar closures we’ve encountered this pandemic, and we’ve definitely lost count of the drinks we’ve had. Let’s test negative and think positive, though. More juice, anyone?
The How Many (?!) Vaccines Ice Cream
Can we supersize that pint?
The Keep Calm Cookies
Tough cookie or soft cookie: we don’t advocate stress- or binge-eating, but we know how helpful food can be for comfort. We also know that sticking together and supporting the local food industry is what keeps the community afloat. We’re thankful for every delivery and every meal we’ve enjoyed this past lockdown, jokes and pokes aside. Try not to trip, chocolate chip. What’s for dinner?
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Header image courtesy of Bruna Branco/Unsplash
