In India, Tiffin is used to refer to a light meal or snack. It can be any type of snack, from nuts and cheese to snacks, but it's also used for lunch. It is usually consumed around 3 p.m. with a variety light and savoury options.
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. As they were often away from home, tiffin boxes became the best way to carry their own home-cooked meals.
Tiffins are traditionally made from stacked metal boxes that snap together, forming a tiffin box. They are not designed to be cooked on the stovetop, but they make good storage containers for at-home snacks.
Tiffins are available in a range of shapes and sizes. Tiffins are usually cylindrical or round and come with a clip to carry them. Tiffins are also available in different shapes such as plates, bowls, and individual serving containers. The lids of tiffins are also able to double as plates. This makes them ideal for taking to a restaurant or serving leftovers from home.
The history of Tiffin is complicated. It's related to Indian eating habits. They often prefer light lunches. It also has to do with the British Raj's history. Tiffin originated in India but is now used as a synonym in Britain for light luncheons.
In India, tiffin is typically served as a light lunch at about three o'clock in the afternoon. It is a snack that is informal and usually contains little spice. You can make it from sweet foods like halwa or sundaes to savoury dishes such as rice dumplings and lentil crepes.
Indian families are fond of requiring children to bring a tiffin bag for lunch. In some homes, a child is threatened by his teacher if he doesn't bring a tiffin box to school. This is a serious offense to the host, and an indication that the quality of the hospitality is not up-to-standard. The child may be left hungry if he or she doesn't have a tiffin box at lunch.
Mumbai residents use the term Tiffin to describe a light lunch, or a packed meal. The Mumbai TiffinBox Suppliers'Association organizes the system. It collects and delivers homemade food to workers' homes. Many Bollywood films feature a tiffin theme.
Today, you can find tiffins in Indian restaurants as well in Indian households. You can also find them sold by dabbawalas who are delivery men who pick up food from the homes and deliver it to the workplace. 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.