A Few Of Jesmin Ahmed's Favourite Things

Some places just feel like comfort food and conversation wrapped in one meal, and for me, Kopitiam Lah in Bangalore is exactly that. Their beef rendang sandwich is a punch of flavour, and their pandan coffee is a hug for anyone with a soft spot for Southeast Asian flavours.

For Kerala cuisine, it's always Mahabelly Canteen (New Delhi) and Paradise (Calicut). 

For brunch that feels like a reward after a hectic workweek, Cafe Stone in Bangalore is an instant pick-me-up. Their cream cheese French toast is decadent without trying too hard—exactly how I like my slow mornings.

With travel, screen-heavy days, and Delhi-Bangalore levels of urban pollution, skincare has become one of the few grounding rituals I hold on to. 

The Cosrx Honey Propolis Line is a staple. 

The Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen is my daily non-negotiable. Lightweight, non-sticky, and always leaves a glow. 

And the Burt’s Bees Lip Balm? It’s been in every backpack, sling, and side pocket I own.

My trusted Cai and Birkenstock are honestly the best - long walks, event days, community campaigns - they’ve seen it all. 

If I could live inside a brand’s aesthetic, it would be Cord India—think earthy textures, nostalgia in design, and a quiet fierceness that aligns deeply with how I show up in life and work

Yes, it’s cliché—but A Little Life holds me every time I revisit it. I think people who work in spaces of care and community need to grieve through fiction sometimes. Flowers for Algernon is another heart-wrenching read that makes you sit with questions of humanity, intelligence, and tenderness.

Pro-Tip: 30 Best Novels That Shouldn't Be Missed

There’s a quiet joy in surrounding yourself with pieces that feel made with love. I return to Slow Pottery and Goak Ceramics because their pieces carry imperfections that feel deliberate, like they are meant to be lived with and not just looked at. 

What’s in my work tote? You could call it survival kit meets aesthetic curation. I always have my Nori Art notebook, a charger and my trusted embrace power bank.