Tiffin is a term that's used in India and other countries to describe light meals or snacks. It can also refer to any type or snack taken from a packet, as well snacks like nuts and cheese. It's usually eaten at 3:00 p.m. and includes a variety of light and savory dishes.
The origins of the term tiffin can be traced back to the early 19th century when British colonial masters in India decided to skip afternoon tea in favor of a lighter midday meal. Tiffin boxes made it easy for them to have their own home-cooked meals when they were away from home.
Tiffins are typically made of stacked metal boxes, which snap together to make a tiffin. They can't be cooked on the stovetop. However, they make excellent storage containers for at home snacks.
Tiffins are available in a range of shapes and sizes. They can be either cylindrical or round in shape and have a side clip for easy carrying. Tiffins are also available in different shapes such as plates, bowls, and individual serving containers. Additionally, the lids on tiffins may double as plates. They are ideal for taking to a restaurant, or leftovers can be served at home.
The story of tiffin is complex. It is related to the Indian eating habits, which prefer light meals for lunch. And it is also connected to the history of the British Raj. Although tiffin was originally from India, it is commonly used in Britain to refer to a light luncheon.
Tiffin is traditionally served in India as a light lunch around 3 o'clock in an afternoon. Tiffin is a casual snack and generally contains less spice. It can be anything from savoury foods such as lentil crepes and rice dumplings, to sweet items such as halwa and sundaes.
Many Indian families have a custom of asking children to bring their lunchboxes. A teacher may threaten a child if he does not bring a tiffin container to school. This is an affront to the host and a sign that the hospitality is not up to the expected standard. The child might feel hungry if there isn't a tiffin container at lunch.
Mumbai residents use Tiffin to refer to a light lunch or a packed dinner. The system is organized by the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers' Association, which collects homemade food from workers' homes and delivers it to the workers. Numerous Bollywood movies have used a tiffin theme.
Today, tiffins can be found in restaurants, as well as in the homes of Indian people. They are also sold by dabbawalas, the delivery men who pick up food from households and deliver it to the work place. The tiffin box can be a traditional round metal box, or it can be a stacked set of stainless steel compartments with a handle for carrying.