“Chimbori” - Unshell the culture within

For someone like me who grew up in a CKP (Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu) society, where seafood is highly valued in culinary culture, eating crabs is an experience unlike any other. It is not only about sustenance; it is woven with customs, sense of self, and memories. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting at crowded family tables, sleeves rolled up, watching my elders crack open shells with the kind of skill I could only aspire to. It is evident in the cracking of the shell, the slow, methodical effort to extract the meat, the messiness, and the tactile joy. It is a meal that unites people through a common endeavor and requires patience and participation. When seasoned eaters burst through shells with practiced ease, those who are not accustomed with the experience frequently watch in wonder. I was once that wide-eyed child, carefully copying my grandmother’s movements, celebrating every tiny piece of meat I successfully retrieved. Learning the technique from elders, enjoying the flavor, and eventually mastering the art of reaching every last bit of buried meat are all aspects of this dish that evoke childhood nostalgia for me. I am choosing this particular dish as it holds an enormous amount of deeply embedded memories for me, taking me down the nostalgia lane that is filled with family moments, get togethers, laughs and fun while enjoying the crab.

The importance of crab dishes in CKP cuisine can be interpreted from a functionalist standpoint as a way to strengthen ties within the community and transmit expertise. Eating crabs is a very social activity; family get-togethers center around it, elders teach techniques, and sharing a meal together creates a sense of community.