Each bite of 'On My Plate' is a chapter in a delectable food saga, making 2023 a year of unforgettable gastronomic adventures
Here’s your 2023 food wrap! Congratulations! Some of you successfully tantalised your senses through the food stories shared on ‘On My Plate’. The rest, explore Mumbai's Matunga, a South Indian haven, and savour Sindhi treasures in Chembur. Take a flavourful trip to Goa in bustling Mumbai, and dive into Dubai's Desi delights.
Relish the eclectic street food in Chennai's Mint Street, then journey to Meghalaya for Khasi culinary wonders. Immerse yourself in Tasmania's Dark Mofo Winter Feast and conclude your journey in Rajasthan's royal kitchens with the sweet finale of 'Doodhiya Kheech.' Each bite is a chapter in a delectable food saga, making 2023 a year of unforgettable gastronomic adventures!
Embark on a gastronomic adventure through Mumbai's bustling Matunga, where every bite tells a story of South Indian culinary delight. At Hotel Ramashray, indulge in a morning symphony of idlis, vadas, and soul-soothing filter coffee. Café Madras, an iconic culinary haven, unfolds nostalgia with rasam-vada and heavenly panpoli desserts. Across the street, Café Mysore beckons with comforting homecooked Neer Dosa and Idli Gadbad. Each dish, a flavourful narrative, paints a picture of homespun warmth, and as filter coffee flows, savour the essence of South India in every delectable bite. Explore this savoury journey through the streets of Matunga's culinary wonderland.
As a Sindhi living away from home, the craving for a taste of nostalgia led the author to the gastronomic treasures tucked within the heart of Mumbai's Chembur. Among the culinary gems, Vig Refreshments emerged as an icon, where the crispy magic of Dal Pakwaan and the flavourful dance of Sindhi Poori Chole became my morning delight. Join me as I navigate the Sindhi PaniPuri Center for a chat experience like no other and wrap up this flavourful journey at Jhama Sweet Shop, savouring sweets that have stood the test of time.
Exploring Mumbai's vibrant culinary scene, Marilyn, a true-blue Goan, discovered three gastronomic gems: Jai Hind Lunch Home, Gomantak Maratha Brahmin, and Goa Portuguesa. These eateries weave a tapestry of authentic Goan flavors in the bustling city. From the mouthwatering seafood symphony at Jai Hind to the generous portions of traditional delights at Gomantak Maratha Brahmin and the unique offerings, including sweet potato kheer, at Goa Portuguesa, each place adds a dash of Goan nostalgia to the Mumbai dining experience.
The quest for Indian restaurants in Dubai ends here! Offering a taste of home in a foreign land, Tresind Dubai, known for its epic variety and chic ambiance, tops the list with must-tries like the lunch menu and Chef tasting. Pincode by Kunal Kapur at Dubai Hills Mall presents Indian cuisine with finesse, featuring dishes like Cornetto Chaat and Spinach Burrata. Carnival by Tresind in DIFC offers a vibrant experience, with live dessert preparations, while Punjab Grill, an award-winning gem, promises a gastronomic adventure. Bombay Bungalow in Jumeira Beach Residence Walk completes the list, offering comfort Indian food with a seaside view. Explore these culinary delights in Dubai, where the love for Indian flavours feels like home.
Chennai, the city of temples, surprises every visitor with its diverse street food scene beyond traditional South Indian fare. Mint Street in Sowcarpet has emerged as a North Indian food paradise, hosting tiny eateries offering unique treats. Seena Bhai Chaat delights with a Muruku Sandwich, while Mehta Bros Mithaiwala introduces a Mumbai-inspired Cheese-Mayo Vada Pav. Ajab’s Ajnabi Mithai Ghar serves flavorsome chaats, and Maya Chaat's Onion Kachoris evoke the taste of Jodhpur. Anmol Lassiwala offers a filling end with its Kesar Lassi. While these are top picks, stumbling upon a vibrant green cart might lead to delightful surprises, making Chennai's street food truly eclectic.
Savour the essence of Konkan through the lens of a passionate cook deeply connected to this coastal haven. Konkan, embracing the shores of Maharashtra and Goa, unfolds its culinary treasures. The day begins with the melody of birds and the soothing sea waves, a symphony for those who love solitude and Sol Kadhi. Kickstart mornings with refreshing coconut water and a breakfast spread featuring Poha, Amoboli, and Bhajji. Delight in fiery, coconut-infused curries crafted from local spices. Seasonal gems like mangoes, jackfruit, and cashews elevate the gastronomic experience. Indulge in Kombdi Wade during gatherings, relishing the uniqueness of Konkani flavours, a journey that lingers forever.
Discover the allure of Banana Blossom Dry Curry, a South Indian delicacy finding resonance beyond regional kitchens. Amidst the predominantly non-vegetarian Bengali taste spectrum, this unsung vegetarian dish evokes a sense of homecoming. Boiled banana blossoms intertwine with diced potatoes in a symphony of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilies. The dry curry, adorned with grated coconut and cashews, becomes a connoisseur's delight, especially with a dollop of ghee on steamed rice during a sultry afternoon. This culinary ode extends its influence across Thai, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan cuisines, inspiring verses reminiscent of Neruda in a Bengali heart.
Each dish prepared by Meghalaya's Khasi community encapsulates the essence of the region's flavours and heritage. From the tangy and aromatic Tungrymbai, a fermented soybean curry, to the hearty Jadoh, a flavourful pork and rice preparation, Khasi cuisine offers a gastronomic delight. Refresh your palate with Dohkhlieh, a zesty Khasi salad, and savour the succulent Dohneiiong, a pork dish with black sesame seeds. Indulge in Pudoh, a traditional rice flour and coconut milk pancake, and don't miss the local favourite, momos, steamed dumplings served with spicy dipping sauces.
As winter envelops Hobart, Tasmania, the Dark Mofo 2023 Winter Feast unfolds, a sensory journey celebrating Tasmanian culinary heritage. The iconic Princes Wharf sheds transform into a culinary wonderland, blending traditional and innovative flavours. The feast pays homage to Tasmania's rich culinary traditions with locally sourced game meats and artisanal bread. It explores global influences, harmoniously fusing multicultural essence. Beyond food, the feast fosters community, inviting strangers to become friends over shared appreciation. Emphasizing fresh, local ingredients, it showcases Tasmania's natural bounty. A celebration of gastronomic delight, the Winter Feast is a unique exploration of Tasmania's diverse culinary landscape.
Step into the enchanting world of Rajasthan, the 'Land of Kings,' where history, stories, and heritage weave a colourful memory. Rajasthan's culinary landscape mirrors this vibrancy, and amid its spicy delights like Daal Baati, discover the royal sweetness of 'Doodhiya Kheech' from Udaipur. Cooked on a sigdi in a copper utensil, this delightful treat blends whole wheat, milk, cardamom, sugar, saffron, and an assortment of dry fruits. Unlike ordinary desserts, Doodhiya Kheech, savored during festivals or on special days, unfolds a rich and delectable journey, making it a comforting choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—a true Rajasthani gem.
Embark on a transformative journey to a healthier lifestyle with these six delectable yet easy-to-make dishes. Written as an open letter to urbanites, the author shares a newfound appreciation for home-cooked meals inspired by the serene paradise of Kashmir. From Tofu with Veggies to Millet Noodles, each dish is a fusion of nutrition and flavour. The revelation, triggered in the picturesque embrace of Kashmir, led the author to shed over 25 kgs in six months, proving that a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean bidding farewell to favourite dishes. With determination and creativity, savour the best of both worlds.
On a culinary voyage to Davangere, Karnataka, the author uncovered the gastronomic jewel of the region—the irresistible Davangere Benne Dosa. Navigating the bustling streets, the symphony of sizzling dosas and the tantalizing aroma of benne, or butter, enveloped her. The secret to this dosa's allure lies in the meticulous craftsmanship, where the liberal use of local butter elevates it to culinary greatness. Picture the experience: the crispiness of the dosa, the richness of butter, and the flavourful union with spiced potato masala. Beyond a dish, it's a blend of tradition and innovation in each delightful bite.
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