Now Serving.Indigenous India
Man's World|August 2024
India's culinary scene is buzzing with a quiet revolution, fueled by a vibrant comeback of hyperlocal ingredients. This movement isn't just about digging up fresh, local produce from across the nation—it's about rediscovering the deep, rich tapestry of India's diverse culinary heritage
Sharan Sanil
Now Serving.Indigenous India

For ex-Bombay Canteen food maverick Thomas Zacharias, the journey into hyperlocal ingredients began in 2014, after a formative food trip across Europe.

"My biggest realisation from that trip was that I was focusing so heavily on learning European cuisine when I hadn't really done much to explore Indian food. That was an eye-opener for me," he recalls. This spurred him to embark on his first 'Chef on the Road' trip across India, covering 18 different places and exposing him to a vast array of ingredients he had never encountered before. "What I saw and experienced on this trip really blew my mind because up until then my exposure to Indian food, like for most people, was limited to what the average person gets-what you get in an Indian restaurant or the food you grew up eating."

The impact of this trip on Zacharias was profound. It was not just the discovery of ingredients like Jakhia seeds in Uttarakhand or Kadaknath chicken from Madhya Pradesh that left a mark, but the awareness of how underrepresented these ingredients were in the upper echelons of Indian cuisine. "Even today, it's hardly seen. Yes, we see it in media here and there, and there are publications covering it, but if you actually get down to it and see how many restaurants are featuring local ingredients from different parts of the country, it's very few."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAN'S WORLDView all
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
Man's World

Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique

More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
iPhone Fatigue
Man's World

iPhone Fatigue

Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Man's World

Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
Man's World

SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY

In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Pritam Hitting The High Note
Man's World

Pritam Hitting The High Note

A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time

time-read
10 mins  |
October 2024
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
Man's World

JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE

In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Man's World

SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Man's World

Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition

Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Man's World

WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS

Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Man's World

Denim The Timeless Trendsetter

Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024