There is no dish finer than her pearlspot, a fish she dusted in sweet-chili masala, wrapped in a banana leaf, and tawa-grilled with a spot of coconut oil. It is for me, well the very height of Indian culture and civilization, both robust and refined and everything that I have ever cooked since is held up against this benchmark, my grandmother’s favorite dish. And she had that amazing capacity of the professional chef to perform several tasks at once.
-- Hassan Haji (Chapter 1)

Importance: This passage illustrates that Hassan was inspired by his grandmother’s cooking when he became a professional chef.

Never be afraid of trying something new, Hassan. Very important. It is the spice of life.
-- Hassan’s mother (Chapter 2)

Importance: Hassan’s mother encouraged him to try French food. French food would later become a major part of his culinary life.

This is too much, Henri. Did you see that placard? Hear that plinky-plinky music? Quelle...
-- Madame Mallory (Chapter 6)