Anoothi Vishal

Writer

Samosa, the world’s most globalised snack with an Indian heart

If there was an award for the most popular snack, not chef, the samosa would emerge a worthy winner. Its…

1 year ago

The story of Jalbhara Sandesh and how colonial cultures impacted and were impacted by Bengal

I was on a vegan cruise on the Ganga recently, aboard a ship called the Ganges Voyager owned by the…

1 year ago

How Alexander’s invasion led to a deep culinary exchange between India and Greece

As India and Greece renew their civilisational ties with renewed purpose just now, it is apt to look at how…

1 year ago

Is vintage Avadhi food—a fusion of French, Mughal and local flavours on life support?

One of the most nuanced heritage cuisines of India is Avadhi — and though it is also one of the…

1 year ago

From Latin America to India, the not-so-humble tomatoes have been globetrotters

Regardless of whether you are still buying tomatoes, switching to purees which contain just around 40 per cent of the…

1 year ago

Why has the West failed to hear India’s riveting mango story?

In Edinburgh, where, this summer, more Indian travellers are visible than ever before, one attraction --- apart from all the…

1 year ago

Kathal connection: How the 18th century Indian techniques of dum and bhuna travelled to Indonesia

Mango and jackfruit are both indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. In our home in Lucknow, the two marked the beginning…

1 year ago

Japan, the gourmet paradise and its Indian connect

From the most delicate gyozas in Gion, to the fun izakayas of Hiroshima—a city that has transformed its tragic past…

2 years ago

Punch and Paanch : How Queen Victoria popularised luxury spirits in the UK with Indian roots

I was in London recently, curating a food pop up around India and UK ties in the run up to…

2 years ago

Can the roots of curry be traced to Andhra’s koora, and the British empire?

With interest in India’s culinary culture at an all-time high, it is now amply clear to audiences both domestically and…

2 years ago

Of Malpua and Holi celebrations in lands of Braj and Benares

Of the many Holi delights that you may have indulged in recently, the oldest is possibly the malpua. Malpua is…

2 years ago

Indian cuisine’s Ayurvedic roots and other interesting facts

At Shaharnama, a literary festival supported by Rajasthan Tourism and the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, where I was a speaker recently…

2 years ago

The birth of the iconic Butter Chicken in Delhi’s Daryaganj

Last week, viewers of Shark Tank India would have seen a rather unusual pitch win—by a Delhi restaurant chain, Daryaganj,…

2 years ago

How India’s culinary tradition can spice up the vegan movement

Plant Proteins is a big trend the world over today with an increasing number of millennial and Gen Z consumers…

2 years ago

This Makar Sakranti, tracing the journey of India’s til into world cuisines

This Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival marking an end to winters as the “sun enters Capricorn”, and celebrated all over…

2 years ago

How Cinnamon from India spiced up Christmas in Europe

The three Magi as they are called are an important part of all Christmas Nativity traditions, and often described as…

2 years ago

Goa’s grand culinary fusion has western and eastern roots

Amongst all the Colonial powers that established rule in India, the earliest to arrive and the last to depart were…

2 years ago

How Singapore’s culinary diversity has a strong Indian connection

Right in the heart of Singapore’s busy commercial district, home to many highly-paid expat Indians these days, is Lau Pa…

2 years ago

Did your Diwali mithai box have Sohan Halwa, Balushahi and Anarse?

Before the generic laddoo, barfi, fusion chocolate-, coffee-, raspberry-, blueberry-laced mithai that we are now forced to confront on festivals…

2 years ago

Breaking the stereotype: Why Indian food is not just about chillies

One of the most common mistakes people, particularly foreigners not particularly acquainted with the diversity of Indian cuisines, make is…

2 years ago

How the British crown impacted Indian food in London and Calcutta

As England, and some of the world, has stood riveted by the rituals of mourning around the death of queen…

2 years ago