🍛 Indian Cooking in Shared German Kitchens – Etiquette & Smell Hacks

Moving to Germany means living on your own—and for many Indians, it also means cooking their beloved dal, sabzi, and masala-filled meals in a shared kitchen.

But if you're in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft) or student dorm, you’ll soon face the big question:

“Can I cook Indian food without upsetting my German or international roommates?”

Yes, you absolutely can! But a little etiquette and some “smell hacks” will help you avoid awkward conversations, side-eyes, or sticky curry smells that linger for days.

Let’s break down how to cook Indian food respectfully, cleanly, and smartly in shared German kitchens.

👥 1. Understand the Shared Kitchen Culture in Germany

In most WGs and student hostels:

Kitchen space is shared—including stoves, fridges, and utensils
Everyone is expected to clean immediately after use
Odours or “strong-smelling” foods may be a point of friction
People are generally polite but may feel uncomfortable complaining directly

👀 Pro tip: First impressions matter. If you cook thoughtfully, you’ll gain respect—not judgment.

✅ 2. Do’s & Don’ts of Indian Cooking in Shared Spaces

✅ Do:

Open windows and keep the kitchen ventilated
Wipe down stovetops, counters, and sinks after cooking
Use a lid when cooking heavily spiced dishes
Ask before borrowing someone’s oil/spices/utensils
Clean used pots and pans immediately—don’t leave them soaking for hours

❌ Don’t:

Leave turmeric/oil splashes on white walls or appliances
Use your roommates’ food without asking (even masala!)
Store open curry dishes in shared fridges without sealing
Assume others are okay with strong smells just because they smile politely

🌶️ 3. Smell Hacks for Cooking Indian Food in Germany

Worried about the “your curry stinks” comment? These easy tricks help:

🔸 Use Neutral Cooking Oils

Avoid mustard oil or ghee for shared kitchen use
Stick to sunflower or canola oil to minimize smoke and odour

🔸 Cook with Lid On

It traps steam and reduces aroma spreading through the apartment
Also speeds up cooking!

🔸 Use an Air Fryer or Rice Cooker (If Allowed)

Smell stays more contained than on stovetops
Great for students living in dorms with restricted access

🔸 Simmer Spices Gently

Don’t burn cumin or mustard seeds—burnt masala = heavy lingering smell
Cook on medium heat with good airflow

🔸 Clean with Vinegar or Lemon

Wipe counters with diluted vinegar or lemon water to cut through spice smells
Keep a bowl of baking soda or coffee beans to absorb odours

🍽️ 4. Keep Your Roommate Relationships Peaceful

Offer to share a meal—many Germans and international students love Indian food once they try it!
Ask once: “Let me know if the smell bothers you—I’ll adjust!”
Bring back snacks from India like haldiram, chai, or laddoos to bond
Label your spice boxes & food clearly in the fridge

🧂 A little friendliness goes a long way in diffusing passive-aggressive tension.

🛍️ 5. Kitchen Setup Tips for Indian Students in Germany

Must-Have Item Why It Helps

Portable induction or hot plate For quick cooking when kitchen is full

Airtight containers To store spicy curries without leaking smell

Small pressure cooker Saves time, keeps aromas contained

Spice box (masala dabba) Keeps everything neat, avoid loose packets

Chimta/tawa For rotis (if space allows)

🧠 Final Advice: Be a Proud Indian Cook—Just Be Mindful

Indian food is rich, flavorful, and worth sharing—but respecting the shared space is key to keeping your life drama-free.

Don’t let fear of smell or judgment stop you from enjoying home-cooked rajma, poha, or aloo gobi. Just add a dash of etiquette and a pinch of common sense—and you'll be the desi chef everyone in the WG admires.

🌍 From AbroadSaathi.com