The aroma of fresh croissants wafting through a Parisian morning isn’t just about breakfast – it’s about supply chains, labor markets, and agricultural subsidies. The pristine glaciers of Alaska aren’t merely Instagram-worthy vistas – they’re living laboratories of environmental economics and sustainable tourism. And those intricate tiles in Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods? They’re a study in preservation economics and cultural investment.
Welcome to a space where economic principles don’t just live in textbooks – they dance on your plate and traverse continents.
As an economist I’ve always been fascinated by how economic principles manifest in our daily lives. Too often, economics is presented as an abstract science of graphs and equations. But in reality, it is the story of human choices, cultural exchanges, and the invisible threads that connect your morning coffee to global market forces.
This blog emerges from a unique intersection. My lived experiences from India to the US and my professional journey through various roles in the private sector, academia, and the public sector have given me a distinctive lens through which to view the world. When I travel, I don’t just see tourist attractions; I see economic ecosystems. When I cook, I’m not just following recipes; I’m participating in global trade networks that span centuries.
Here’s what makes this space different: while many travel blogs focus on where to go and what to eat, and many economics blogs delve into policy analysis, we’ll be exploring the fascinating space where these worlds collide. How did the spice trade shape both global economics and your favorite curry? Why does that family-run trattoria in the Tuscan hills charge three times more for their Chianti than what you’d pay at the local shop, and what can this price difference tell us about how tourism shapes local markets?
What can you expect here? Three main threads will weave through our discussions:
Economic Insights: Whether we’re exploring how the Pantheon’s Piazza shapes Rome’s retail real estate values, or examining how Porto’s historic Port wine lodges demonstrate institutional economics, we’ll make economics tangible and relevant through real-world examples from my travels.
Travel Diaries: From the sustainable tourism models of Alaska’s glaciers to the impact of EU policies on Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, we’ll explore how economics shapes the places we visit. Each destination tells a story of markets, policies, and human choices that go far deeper than tourist attractions.
Food & Economics: Here, we’ll explore the economics behind what we eat and drink. From understanding how EU agricultural policies influence what ends up on your plate in Italy, to examining how protected geographical indications create value in Portuguese wines, food and economics share a complex and fascinating relationship.
My perspective is shaped by multiple lenses – an economist’s analytical mindset, an immigrant’s cross-cultural understanding, and a cook’s appreciation for tradition and innovation. Growing up in New Delhi before making Southern Indiana my home has taught me that economic principles are universal, but their manifestations are beautifully local. Through this blog, we’ll journey together through markets, meals, and economic models.
This blog is for the curious: those who enjoy a great meal, marvel at stunning views, and wonder about the stories behind it all. Whether you’re here for the recipes, the travel tales, or the economic insights, I hope you’ll find inspiration in every post.
Join me as we explore the economics of everyday adventures, one analysis, one journey, and one recipe at a time. Follow along on Instagram (@GourmetEconomist) and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into this journey where economic principles meet real-world experiences.