A year of fruitful experimentation on the Indian food scene can define the year 2010. I came across several interesting recipes and ingredients making an impression on our palates. The introduction of high-end chocolate brand Lindt was one of the most significant culinary trends of 2010 because it indicates people’s willingness to spend more to access great quality ingredients.
Another heartening trend is the desire to cook different things. I don’t just mean healthy food, which, of course, is important, but there is an interest in learning about and trying out other cuisines. People are also gravitating towards haute cuisine; demanding the best quality ingredients and the best food possible.
I believe the reason for this is that many who have had the opportunity to live outside India and sample varied cuisines have returned wanting to replicate those experiences here. 2010 saw many Indians return home with the knowledge of how people eat in other parts of the world and imparted those ideas here. This, along with the various trade deals that the government inked this year, has given foodies access to fantastic ingredients like never before. I am most excited about the possibilities that have arisen from French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit, especially having access to all that wonderful cheese and wine!
In Bengaluru this year, Chinese cuisine found resurgence with so many wonderful festivals dedicated to it and restaurants upping the ante with more authentic and interesting Chinese dishes. I enjoyed this trend especially because it is my dream to open a high-end Chinese restaurant that has not been “altered” to fit Indian sensibilities but retains the true flavours of China. Restaurants that mix flavours and cooking techniques will always be popular but I’m a purist at heart and not a great fan of fusion cooking. I love single cuisine restaurants which explore a cuisine thoroughly. Overall, 2010 was an interesting year for food in Bengaluru because it mirrored our growing reputation internationally and also our broadening mindsets.
Arjun Sajnani is the owner of Sunny’s
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sites/default/files/The Asian Age/Arjun Sajnani_1.JPG
