Broccoli and I were never meant to be.

I had a falling out with the family when I was a boy in knickers. My parents ate a lot of - and still do, alas - a lot of cauliflower, broccoli’s desi cousin. I hated it. Read more

Tandoori duck and salmon kebabs? Of course. But don’t forget the guchchi pulao at the Punjab Grill

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A drive down the Konkan coast turns into delicious challenge of wits

I was traveling down a sylvan coastal road down the Konkan coast last week when I saw the little roadside fish market. It was run by loud, cheerful fisherwomen, bejeweled and dressed in the Maharashtrian navvari saree — tucked between their legs. Read more

I’ve never been able to cultivate a habit for saunf, that sweet, somewhat cloying after-dinner digestive beloved to us Indians. Of late, though, I’ve taken to using saunf as a primary ingredient for cooking.

So far, I am happy to report that the results have been quite delicious. Read more

Robust food and company — and a peaceful, easy feeling — at a Delhi favourite

You know that feeling you get when everything seems well with the world and god is in his heaven?

That’s how I feel right now. Read more

We all love Thai food, don’t we? Tangy, spicy, saucy — close enough to be accepted by masala-loving Indians, exotic enough to be a special meal. A flood of Thai restaurants has washed up in our cities, but surprisingly few people try the cuisine at home. Read more

Here’s my conclusion: There’s no contest.

The legendary Karim’s - that bastion of Ramzan delights, rich Muslim food and epicurean fantasies - is markedly inferior to its lesser-known competitor next door, Al-Jawahar. Read more

Oh yes, it’s true.

We fell in love one warm monsoon weekend, nearly 13 years ago. I can’t forget those furtive touches, spice-laden caresses and the grand finale that steamed up my glasses.

Down, all of you. Read more

I am in chaotic, charming, frustrating Bombay (or Mumbai, if you want me to be politically correct), enjoying its wildly interesting people and even more interesting food.

It’s easy to work up an appetite. After being stuck last Saturday in the slow, honking mess that is Mumbai’s traffic — it took me 70 minutes from Mahim to Churchgate —  I quickly renewed my rail pass, and I was free.

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For seven years you’ve been blended to a taste so fine

You’ve always been around for us at any time

A good companion, who comes at a very low price

You bring people together from sunset to sunrise

We bang on the shutters for you when the shops are closed by night. Read more