The 1980s are having a moment again. From recreating old photographs and dressing up in retro attire to using vintage filters and making the look of old family albums, people are discovering new ways to bring the decade back again. Food, yet, may be the easiest way to recognise what those years actually felt like. An Indian birthday party in the 80s was quite distinct from the elaborate celebrations many children have at present.
There were no themed dessert tables or numerous food counters at an extravagantly decorated venue. Most of the parties happened at home, with school friends, cousins and neighbours all gathering around to enjoy the simple home-made meal prepared by the family. A cream cake, potato wafers, sandwiches, homemade pizza and a bowl of fruit custard could make the celebration feel extraordinary. As the social media fever is on to give a throwback to the 1980s, take a look back at how food defined those wonderfully simple yet amazing birthday parties.
Cream Cake Was The Star Of The Party
The cake was the moment everyone waited for, and it was generally much simpler than the tall, themed cakes seen at birthday parties at present. A round vanilla, chocolate or pineapple cream cake would arrive with piped borders, colourful sugar flower adornments, cherries and a short birthday message written on the top.
There were no fondant characters or detailed decorations to make it feel extraordinary. The cake would stay intact until everyone had gathered around, candles were lit, and the birthday song was played. Then came the best part: watching the first slice being cut as everyone patiently waited for their piece.
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Potato Wafers Were The First Snack To Disappear
Before birthday parties came with bowls of various chips, dips and appetisers, a big plate of potato wafers was often sufficient to keep everyone engaged until the next snack arrived. The thin, crisp wafers were salty, crunchy and extremely easy to have between games and conversations.
They could be poured straight from a packet into a steel or paper plate, while some families also made potato wafers at home. Children rarely needed to be asked twice to have them. By the time everyone had settled down for the cake, the bowl that looked generously filled when the party started got emptied in minutes.
Sandwiches Came In Neat Little Triangles
There was something incredibly familiar about a large plate of homemade sandwiches that were waiting for guests. Hummus and pita bread didn't make it into the conversation. Instead, White bread, butter and simple fillings like sliced cucumber, tomato, potato, cheese or green chutney were used to make neat triangles and then arranged one after another on a tray.
Unlike today's birthday spreads, where sandwiches might come with detailed fillings, presentations and various choices, these were just very simple. They were made in abundance because there was always another child asking for more. The sandwiches were also perfect party food: easy to make before guests arrived, easy to eat without using any cutlery and familiar enough for everyone at the party.
Cutlets Were Crisp, Homemade And Easy To Share
Potato and vegetable cutlets were a must-have party starter. They were served fresh and hot and served with tomato ketchup. The mixture was shaped into small rounds or ovals, coated in breadcrumbs and then shallow-fried until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
They were generally placed on a large plate, with everyone helping themselves. There was none of the detailed plating and aesthetic cutlery used, unlike the parties today. A freshly fried batch of cutlets, still warm in the kitchen, was enough to make the snack table feel festive in every way.
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Fruit Custard Was The Big Bowl Everyone Waited For
Fruit custard was one of those desserts that made a simple home birthday party feel complete. A large glass or serving bowl would be filled with chilled vanilla custard that had pieces of apple, banana, grapes and other preferred fruits. It was made ahead of time, so there was little fuss once the guests arrived.
Unlike today's dessert tables that are filled with gluten-free cupcakes, no-sugar brownies and individual portions, one large bowl was shared by everyone without any tension about calories. The blend of cool custard and juicy fruit also made it a welcome change after the salty snacks and the fried food were done.
Cold Drinks Came In Glasses, Not Elaborate Set-Ups
The drinks at 80s birthday parties were just as simple as the food. Chilled bottles of Coca-Cola, orange-flavoured soft drinks such as Rasna or another popular fizzy drink like Limca and Fanta were simply opened and poured into plastic glasses for guests. There were no mocktail counters, customised beverages or detailed drink setup to select from.
For children, however, getting a glass of cold drink at a birthday party felt special. It also paired perfectly with wafers, sandwiches and cutlets and often got refilled on the table throughout the party.