Take A Culinary Tour With Celebrity Chefs To Discover India’s Regional Cuisines
Suprita Mitter
Updated:Sep 27, 2024
ShareFor those interested in a deep dive into Indian regional cuisine and willing to go that extra mile to taste dishes rooted in culture and tradition, JrnyOn, a multi-day experiential travel company in India allows you to set off on a culinary journey with celebrated chefs Thomas Zacharias, Nambie Marak, Aruna Vijay and Sapna Anand.
From hole-in-wall joints to high-end fine dining experiences, it seems like regional Indian cuisine has finally found its place in the spotlight. However, the sheer diversity of the country leaves many culinary traditions from small communities especially in tribal and rural India, unexplored.
Video Credit: Eat My Kappa
Not being a part of the mainstream conversation about regional Indian food, the change in lifestyles and the urban “westernisation” of the youth has also led to lost recipes and cooking techniques. However, the fact that quite a few chefs today share content on their social media accounts and often talk about their hometown, the food they’ve grown up eating, recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the other and also shine the light on local produce and it’s importance, brings many traditional Indian dishes to the front.
Postcards From The South
Chef Aruna Vijay’s tour will focus on South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, where the cuisine is a beautiful balance of bold flavours and simple, humble ingredients. From the tangy tamarind-based curries to the fragrant coconut-laden dishes, the food reflects the culture, history, and lifestyle of the people. “What makes it truly special is how each dish has been passed down through generations, preserving its authenticity while still evolving with time. The use of fresh spices, local produce, and unique cooking methods creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience,” she says and admits to being very excited about the prospect of sharing this experience with travellers.
“It’s always been my dream to showcase the diverse flavours of South Indian cuisine on a larger platform. The richness, history, and stories behind every dish motivate me to bring it to life for people who may not be familiar with it,” she says.
To change this he believes more education and exposure is needed and chefs, restaurants, and food platforms should actively showcase regional Indian cuisines as the main focus, rather than treating them as “novelties” or “side features.”
“Additionally, initiatives like food festivals, collaborations, and travel-based culinary experiences—like this tour—are crucial. They allow people not only to taste the dishes but also to hear the stories behind them and experience the cultures and communities that have shaped these foods.”
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