Tiffin is a term that's used in India and other countries to describe light meals or snacks. It can refer to any type of snack made from a box, such as nuts and cheese, but also includes lunch. It is usually consumed around 3 p.m. with a variety light and savoury options.
The origins of the word tiffin date back to the early nineteenth century, when the British colonial masters in India would skip their usual siestas in favour of a light midday meal. Tiffin boxes were the most convenient way for them to transport their home-cooked meals, as they were often far from home.
Tiffins traditionally are made from metal boxes that are stacked. When they snap together, they form a box called a "tiffin". Although they are not intended to be used on the stovetop or for cooking, they can be stored in containers that make great storage containers for snacks at home.
Tiffins are available in a range of shapes and sizes. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including cylindrical or circular ones. Tiffins may also come in the form of individual serving containers, such as bowls or plates. Additionally, the lids on tiffins may double as plates. This makes them great for taking to restaurants or for leftovers.
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. While tiffin originated in India, it is now commonly used in Britain as a synonym for a light luncheon.
In India, tiffin is typically served as a light lunch at about three o'clock in the afternoon. It is an informal snack, and is generally vegetarian, with less spice. It can include sweet or savoury items, such as halwa and sundaes.
Many Indian families have a custom of asking children to bring their lunchboxes. Sometimes, the teacher will threaten a child who doesn't bring his tiffin box to school. This is an affront to the host and a sign that the hospitality is not up to the expected standard. A child who doesn't bring a tiffin bag to lunch may become hungry.
Mumbai residents call Tiffin a light lunch or a packed lunch. 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 films have featured a Tiffin theme.
Tiffins are now available in Indian homes as well as restaurants. They are also sold to dabbawalas. These men pick up food from people's homes and then deliver it to their work places. The tiffin boxes can be made of a simple round metal box or can be stacked with stainless steel compartments and have a handle to carry them.