Welcome to Just a Picky Eater—a food blog that’s part personal diary, part love letter to food.

The name? While it started as a bit of a joke, it became more of a symbol for my depressing taste palate. Back in Pakistan, my egg allergy meant dining out was like playing Russian roulette. Fun fact: my allergy was “officialized” just 4 years back when my mother took the initiative to actually get me tested. By then, I had a longgg list of absolute no-gos from constantly feeling sick at my family’s favorite restaurants. Followed by a very short list of my “safe-foods”. Being in a family of foodies, I soon got labeled “the picky eater.” But honestly? That pickiness turned me into someone who truly cares about what goes into their food.

When I moved to Toronto, it felt like the world opened up. Suddenly, I could try new cuisines, experiment with recipes, and enjoy dining out without worrying as much. Who knew within a year abroad a picky eater’s favorite food could be Uni, and unknowingly ate Shirako (I will let you google that one)? Now two years later this blog was born—to share my evergrowing love for food, from Desi Pulao to omakase sushi, and everything in between.