In this episode, Sadaf is chatting with food photographers and the founders of Pikturenama, Madhushree Roy and Anindya Basu. Together they discuss: - What defines Bengali food?- The difference between Bengal and Ghoti cuisine- Common myths and misconceptions about Bengali food?- Utsav and Durga Puja foods- Customs and rituals around food in BengalSo sit back, and relax like you’re bengali, while you hear about the food of a community thatis obsessed with food. Important links to geek out...

In the latest episode, Sadaf goes solo to discuss the age-old story of dumplings. In this short episode, he discusses: - The origin of dumplings - Different nations and their dumplings - Innovation in dumplings - Indian flavours in dumplings So sit back and relax. Don’t dump anybody. Order your favourite dumplings, bao or momo, and enjoy this dumpling wrap.Important links to geek out more:Video: Ted Video | A brief history of dumplings - Miranda BrownVideo: The Original Chinese Dumpling...

Our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are feeling salty and are exploring the ingredient that was once worth its weight in gold (quite literally) - salt. They discuss: The global history of saltWhy salt is connected to your salary in ways you didn’t knowThe difference between table salt and rock salt?Why salt is iodizedWhy salt taxes have always been controversialThe real story of the salt satyagraha or Dandi MarchSo sit back and relax, don’t rub salt on people’s wounds, crank...

In this freewheeling episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit chat with standup comedian Aakash Mehta. They discuss: Late-night eating in every Indian cityWeird food combinationsWhere do comedians eat after standup shows?Why do Gujaratis put sugar in everything?Can Mumbai serve decent butter chicken?So, sit back and relax while we serve an absolutely "Kuch Bhi" episode.Important links to geek out more: Instagram and Youtube: @KuchBhiMehtaPodcast: Varta Lab PodcastWhat is...

In this episode, Archit chats with Samanth Subramanian, writer with Quartz and Guardian and the author of ‘Following Fish’. They discuss: How does Samanth manage to write about so many diverse topics?How did you strike up conversations with people with alien territory?Why does India pride itself on being a vegetarian country?What makes Toddy shops unique?Why is hilsa so hard to eat?So sit back and relax, while you go on a virtual boat ride with these two geeks and coast around India.Important...

In this one of a kind episode, our Our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are welcoming back Swetha Sivakumar to discuss the science and art of pickling. Together they talk: The history of Indian pickleThe common Indian mythsThe science of making a delicious pickle jarWhat are its health benefits?How is Indian pickle different from western pickle?Can meat be pickled?So sit back and relax, take your favourite pickle out and elevate your meal to the next level while you listen...

Our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are feeling romantic and talking about a utilitarian flower - the cauliflower. They discuss: The global history of cauliflowerHow did cauliflower come to India?What is the scientific composition of cauliflower?Why do mathematicians love cauliflower?The diverse ways to prepare and consume cauliflower (think manchurian, mussalam and rice)So sit back and relax, fry some gobhi pakoda or smash a plate of gobhi paratha with some butter while our...

In this episode, Sadaf Hussain is hosting Ahmer Naqvi, a freelance writer and journalist based out of Karachi. He writes on pop-culture and food. In this episode the biryani lovers discuss: Ahmer's diverse interests in food, music and cricketThe anatomy of biryaniWhat are the components of the perfect biryani?Is biryani popular across Pakistan?What's special about Karachi's biryani?The secret behind Shaan's Bombay and Sindhi biryani masalasIs biryani better than pulao?So, sit back, relax and...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going back in time to tell you about Dalda and vanaspati. Specifically, they discuss: What is Vanaspati? How is it different from ghee?How did the Dalda brand develop its market presence?How has the brand evolved?What is the hydrogenation of fat?Why is vanaspati harmful to your health?Why are fats necessary for the human body?Which oils should you consume?So, sit back and relax, fry some crispy jalebi, samosa or pakoda...

After serving potato, onion, coriander and chillies on the Naan Curry Podcast, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are putting tomato on their vegetable (or fruit) cart this week. They discuss: Why was tomato considered a “poisonous fruit”? Is tomato a fruit or a vegetable? How are tax laws related to this question? Why is it called vilayti baingan in India? What is Umami? Why do sundried tomatoes have more flavour? So sit back and relax, stir some gravy for butter chicken...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going to make everyone hungrier. They are joined by Chef Chetan Sharma, chef and patron at Bibi, in London, a contemporary Indian restaurant. Together they discuss: Journey of Chef Chetan from wearing a scientists' coat at Oxford to getting into a chef coat How is Indian food perceived in the UK - is it still all about "curry" and chicken tikka masala?How Chetan researched for and conceived his award-winning restaurant...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Aneesh Bhasin, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Svami Drinks, Podcaster, and GQ 30 Most Influential Young Indians in 2022. Together they discuss: The story of tonic water and the history of SvamiNon-alcoholic versions of alcoholic beveragesHow internet allows people to have micro-identitiesAneesh's favorite food subculturesAneesh’s podcast - A Niche ThingSo, sit back and relax, pour some gin for yourself, play...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Zoeb Ali Khan, Senior Associate and founding team member of Sauce VC, a venture, a capital fund that partners with and invests in startups in the food and beverage (F&B), personal care and lifestyle segments. Together they discuss: 1. How Sauce VC invests2. What are D2C food brands?3. What do VCs look in for in F&B companies beyond financial metrics?4. A few successful brands Sauce is...

In this episode, Sadaf Hussain is hosting Rajyasree Sen, author of The Sweet Kitchen, communications head for Hyatt India, and columnist with Economic Times and Newslaundry. In this special episode they discuss: 1. Her new book, The Sweet Kitchen by Aleph Book2. The importance of reading and writing food history3. How rulers and dynasties influence food and eating habits4. How much sugar should dessert lovers consume?5. Why do few communities take their sweets a lot more...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Chef Hersh Kedia, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur and author, popularly known as diabetic chef. They discuss: How do you make diabetic-friendly sweet dishes?Why did Harsh start selling chocolates?Why does he use stevia in his chocolates?Sit back, relax and munch on some healthy desserts while the 2Gs take you on this inspirational entrepreneurs’ journey.Important links to geek out more: Social Media: Instagram:...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Swetha Sivakumar - food researcher, industrial engineer and Hindustan Times columnist. They discuss: How were refined oils born?Which are some of the best traditional oils of India? How are they made?What are Saturated, Mono-Unsaturated (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats ?How should we read labels on a product and why it is important?What determines oil superiority?Should we reuse oil?Sit back and relax,...

In this special episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going on a virtual food walk with the explorer of Delhi and beyond: Anubhav Sapra, Founder, Delhi Food Walks. In this episode they discuss: What motivated Anubhav to start Delhi Food walks?How did he manage to show an unexplored side of Delhi to the food lovers of India and abroad?How did he transition into making Youtube videos?How best can one explore a city while traveling?What are the unique challenges of...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit will take away your tears by telling you about a vegetable you probably take for granted - onions. They discuss: Why do onion prices keep fluctuating?The historical significance of onionWhat does Hindu and Buddhist literature say about onions?Why hoarding is good for the societyHealth benefits of onionsSo, sit back and relax, let our 2Gs cry and you fry some onion pakoda while you lend them your ears. Important links to...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by another G - Parle G. They are going down memory lane to and talk about the most common biscuit of India - Parle G. Specifically, they discuss: Parle G’s battle with English competitors How Swadeshi Movement gave India its beloved biscuit The brand evolution of Parle G The birth of Parle Foods What goes inside biscuits and what does that do to your body? Healthier biscuit alternatives Why you should always...

We don’t think of India when we talk about cheese, but in this special episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going to change that as they explore and celebrate indigenous cheese with Dr. Kurush F. Dalal, anthropologist and culinary Chronicler, and owner of Katy’s Kitchen. In this episode they discuss: Origins of cheesemaking in India The growth of artisanal cheese Does India have a rich cheese-making tradition? Popular and lesser-known Indian cheeses Why are...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit chat about one of the most important ingredients in India - milk. Specifically, they discuss: The history of milk in India  Buffalo milk vs cow milk  The health benefits of milk  What is A2 milk?  What kind of milk should you consume?  The upsides and downsides of the milk revolution in India  What does Ayurveda say about milk?  So listen to our 2Gs while you put on your slippers and go buy some fresh milk from your local...

Naan Curry is back for season 2! Our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit resume with a hot, hearty and sweet new episode. In this episode they’re talking about Halwa. Specifically they discuss: What is the connection between the Indian Union Budget presentation and Halwa? Why is Halwa a health tonic (in many surprising ways)? The wonderful history of Halwa. What are Habshi and Sohan Halwas? Purple vs red carrot Jaggery vs refined sugar So, sit back and relax, or go to your...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit explore India's favourite healthy flour - Besan. A versatile ingredient, Besan can be cooked both in sweet and savoury form. They discuss: -The source of Besan -The difference between chickpea flour and Besan -Health benefits of Besan and chickpeas -Mysore Pak vs Besan Barfi -Bahadur Shah Zafar’s favorite Besan dish -What’s a Besan omelet? So sit back and relax, make Besan laddu or kadhi while the hosts examine the world...

In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit explore India’s favourite cheese - Paneer.They talk:- Paneer’s health benefits and why it’s a complete protein - Why Paneer is so versatile- Why ‘cottage cheese’ is the wrong name for Paneer- The multiple origin stories of paneer Important links to geek out more:Article: Paneer |Historical JourneyArticle: Salem Witch TrialsBook: Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant: Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant PaperbackArticle: Paneer and...

In our anniversary episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are celebrating their city Delhi with Diwan Gautam Anand, a veteran hotelier (and former Executive Vice President) at ITC Hotels for 40 years who has incubated many brands like Royal Vega, Dakshin, Yi Jing, Fabelle Chocolates and the Delhi Pavilion at the Saket Sheraton. In this episode they discuss: -Why Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani are misinterpreted terms -The influence of refugees from undivided India (now...