Introduction

We believe that God gives you opportunities to combine your passion with what you want to do with your life and be productive. That is what this programme is all about – learn about food and its cultural background, learn to cook, travel and meet people from different regions.

India, a land of many cultures, flavours and taste. There is diversity in every form and area in its soul. It is a place where spirituality and hospitality merge into a seamless unity.

“Indian cuisine uses the whole palette of flavor- spicy, sour, sweet, and hot all at the same time – making it something that wants to jump off the plate”, says Floyd Cardoz, the executive chef and a partner of North End Grill in New York.

Indian cuisine is both intimidating with its use of ingredients and exciting with varied uses of these exotic ingredients to create many flavors.

Basically there are 30 spices that are used in combination or singularly. “Every spice has a reason for being there. They have health benefits, and they make the food more exciting and flavorful,” says Cardoz. It is important to know that all Indian food is not “curries” contrary to the belief. Curry means any dish, which is watery and uses more spices than usual.

Today’s Indian food is invasions and fusions. Indian civilization to Vedic times to Buddhists to invasions, everyone has left their mark on Indian food. This makes Indian food very interesting and reflects cultures from where the food originated. When you order Tandoori food in an Indian restaurant, you will be surprised to know that the origin of it is from Mughlai invasion. Yet there are many dishes that are prepared keeping in mind what and how much grows around, what spices are available, what is the weather, what is the occasion, etc.

We intend to showcase exactly this. Not only you will be able to taste the food but also witness how it is cooked, what communities are involved in it, what is the occasion, why and what ingredients are used, what are the cultural elements playing a part in it, how people dress up in that region, what songs and dances are associated with it, etc.