Jain Paneer Butter Masala

Introduction: Paneer butter masala is one of the most popular restaurant dishes across India, built around a rich tomato and cashew gravy. The Jain version omits the usual onion, garlic and ginger, drawing its body and sweetness instead from cashews, tomatoes and a touch of cream, making it just as indulgent while remaining suitable for […]

Jain Sev Puri

Introduction: Sev puri is one of Mumbai's most iconic street snacks: crisp flat puris piled with chutneys, crunchy sev and fresh toppings. The usual version includes boiled potato, but the Jain rendition swaps it for protein-rich sprouted moong beans, keeping every bit of the crunch and layered flavour without any onion, garlic or root vegetable. […]

Nama Salad (Sea Grapes with Coconut and Tomato)

Introduction: Nama, or sea grapes, are a delicacy harvested from Fiji’s reefs and shallow waters, prized for their briny pop and unique texture, traditionally tossed simply with coconut cream and tomato as a refreshing side. Cultural Background: Nama, or sea grapes, are a delicacy harvested from Fiji’s reefs and shallow waters, prized for their briny […]

Fiji Fish Curry (Machhi Curry)

Introduction: A staple of Indo-Fijian households, this tomato-based fish curry reflects the fusion of Indian spice technique with Fiji’s abundant reef and ocean fish, commonly served at family dinners. Cultural Background: A staple of Indo-Fijian households, this tomato-based fish curry reflects the fusion of Indian spice technique with Fiji’s abundant reef and ocean fish, commonly […]

Bouillabaisse

Introduction: Bouillabaisse originated among Marseille’s fishermen, who used the unsellable, bony bits of their catch to make a communal fish stew flavoured with saffron, fennel and orange peel. Cultural Background: Bouillabaisse originated among Marseille’s fishermen, who used the unsellable, bony bits of their catch to make a communal fish stew flavoured with saffron, fennel and […]

Salade Niçoise

Introduction: Hailing from Nice on the Côte d’Azur, salade niçoise began as a simple composition of raw vegetables, olives and anchovies eaten by local farmers and fishermen. Cultural Background: Hailing from Nice on the Côte d’Azur, salade niçoise began as a simple composition of raw vegetables, olives and anchovies eaten by local farmers and fishermen. […]

Boeuf Bourguignon

Introduction: This Burgundian braise transforms tough cuts of beef into a silky, wine-rich stew, historically a peasant dish using the region’s abundant red wine to slow-cook meat over many hours. Cultural Background: This Burgundian braise transforms tough cuts of beef into a silky, wine-rich stew, historically a peasant dish using the region’s abundant red wine […]

Coq au Vin

Introduction: Coq au vin — ‘rooster in wine’ — traces to rural French farmhouse cooking, where tougher old roosters were slow-braised in wine to tenderise the meat. Cultural Background: Coq au vin — ‘rooster in wine’ — traces to rural French farmhouse cooking, where tougher old roosters were slow-braised in wine to tenderise the meat. […]

Ratatouille

Introduction: A Provençal vegetable stew from around Nice, ratatouille began as humble farmhouse fare using the abundant summer vegetables of southern France: courgette, aubergine, peppers and tomatoes, gently stewed with olive oil and herbes de Provence. Cultural Background: A Provençal vegetable stew from around Nice, ratatouille began as humble farmhouse fare using the abundant summer […]

Fiji Chicken Curry with Rice

Introduction: A hallmark of Indo-Fijian home cooking, this everyday curry blends Indian spice traditions with local island produce like tomatoes and coconut milk, and is a common packed lunch across Fiji. Cultural Background: A hallmark of Indo-Fijian home cooking, this everyday curry blends Indian spice traditions with local island produce like tomatoes and coconut milk, […]