As the reappearance of Bt Brinjal (a genetically modified crop) brings with it hot debates among academics, politicians, and NGOs, the question that remains is — which of these solutions can single-handedly secure biodiversity, farmer incomes, and nutrition? Brinjal has woven itself into the fabric of Indian cuisine. It has…

The Story of Conservation — Kaju (Cashew) Feni is made from the Cashew Apple, an underutilized and underappreciated commodity despite India and the Konkan region being one of the top producers of cashews. The nut that hangs at the bottom of the Cashew Apple is twisted and used, however, the Apple itself is left to…

As the rains slowly recede from the city, rickety carts weighed down by pyramids of bulbous pomelos begin to sprout roadside. The slightly elusive fruit has long had a case of mistaken identity, often being confused for a melon due to its hard covering or being paralleled to a grapefruit…

The Portuguese invasion introduced potatoes, pao, vindaloo, and a prickly fruit that was said to be the epitome of luxury — the pineapple— to India. The Portuguese took control of the reigns of Goa in 1510, and slowly spread their imprint across the Deccan Plateau. …

From the royal kitchen of the Nawabs of Oudh to pubs and supermarkets in Britain, here’s the story of a dish that has voyaged across centuries and seas. Arguably an Awadhi delicacy, the Nargisi Koftas’ moniker is inspired by the Poet’s Daffodil, a delicate flower that blooms with the hopes…

A clear way to drive a sharp wedge between a populace is via their belly. Food bans are not new, and we’ve seen them staining the globe every few months, almost like they’re on cue. Yet, we’ve learned very little about their efficacy. For almost 1200 years, Japan observed a…

Find your way into Maharashtra’s sweet yet sticky business of sugarcane farming. From Maharashtra’s decadent puranpolis that envelop gud & chana dal, to the perfectly balanced Gujarati dal with a hint of sweetness, India’s affinity for the ‘liquid gold’ has gilded regional dishes across the country. Jaggery’s bigger and more…

Covid-19, Locust attacks, Sino-India tensions — nothing has been easy about this year. However, here’s a little bit about how our patriotic sentiments may have hurt some of our people. Feel free to dissent, but with respect. Immigrants bring with them skills, their memories, and their food. Kolkata’s infamous Chinatowns…

It’s another murky monsoon evening in Bombay. You tug and hover your pants ever so slightly above the ground and stare at your shoes that have accumulated the seasonal grime. You arrive grumpy, wet, and with a sense of mild defeat. Your fineries mirror you and are dripping water gently…