In her latest opinion piece, Shalini Langer uses momos as a metaphor to explore themes of self-sacrifice in family life and the joys of personal indulgence.
Shalini Langer, national editor at The Indian Express, shares a personal reflection in her fortnightly 'She Said' column titled 'A momo for myself,' published on February 1, 2026. She describes love in the family as 'setting aside that last momo piece for your child,' noting her two grown children who eagerly seek out the dumplings from their rooms.
Langer employs momos metaphorically, praising their 'translucence' that 'held such succulence,' enhanced by 'red, fiery sauce' for a lasting 'ear-popping experience.' This reminds her of her childhood, when restaurant visits were rare due to scarce money, and the family ordered tomato soup '1:2.' She and her sister eyed their mother's crunchy bread crumbs, which she shared equally, though Langer wonders now if her mother desired them for herself.
Reflecting on her own mother's favorites, Langer recalls her trance-like enjoyment of ice cream but admits uncertainty about her absolute preferred food. She rarely receives meals cooked solely for her preferences, often prioritizing her son's protein needs, her daughter's tastes, or her husband's doomsday preparations with homemade kebabs.
The piece highlights moments of solo indulgence, such as ordering 'just for myself' a plate of momos in a cinema hall while watching films featuring Hugh Grant. In the food court, she revels in unrestricted choices, free from calorie concerns or cleanup duties, though she worries about missing better options, akin to Netflix browsing.
Langer is branching out to wheat-based momos, sandwiches, wraps, and brownies, but often saves half a brownie to bring home for her children, finding fulfillment in the gesture even if it goes uneaten.
