AN ADVENTURE OF CULINARY DISCOVERY

Posted on 08. Feb, 2010 by Homes Etc in Articles, Reviews

India is set to become the latest destination for food lovers looking to discover the true taste of a country, with Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar hosting new culinary tours of India. The culinary tours offer Masterclasses with Atul and a magical discovery from Bangalore to Delhi.

The Spice Trail of Southern India is one of two exclusive journeys hosted by Atul as he reveals the taste sensations of his homeland, with each culinary evening revealing the secrets behind picturesque local kitchens. The 15 day tour will welcome just 20 guests. It departs on 12 February 2010 starting from Bangalore, before travelling to Cochin, Alleppey, the Keralan waterways, Kumarakom, Periyar, and Munnar.

Also, the Mystical Northern India tour will include seven culinary evenings with Atul who will share the secrets of combining spices and blending flavours. Like the Southern tour, the Northern tour will welcome just 20 guests who will have the chance to explore the sights and sounds from Jaipur to Delhi, while experiencing the taste sensations for which the country is renowned. This 15 day tour departs on 27 February 2010 starting from Jaipur, before travelling to Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Agra with luxury accommodation along the way. For more information on Atul Khochhar’s Spice Trails of India visit www.indianodyssey.co.uk.

With the tours set to begin in 2010, celebrity chef Atul took some time out of his busy schedule to speak to Homes Etc about the new luxury tours for those with a passion for food…

Q: What gave you the idea to host these new culinary tours?
A: India has been ready for sometime as a culinary destination. I think the time is just right to break the spell of magical Taj Mahal, Goa, Snake Charmers and Elephant rides. It is about time that we declared India a gourmet destination as good as Italy or France. So, when Rakhi from Indian Odyssey asked me about this – it was like a dream coming true.

Q: The tours are created for the luxury market, but what makes your tours unique?
A: These tours are based on a simple insight – food is an attraction just like museums. The market for culinary tourism is growing exponentially as discerning travellers are increasingly looking to do different things. However, so far (and much to my surprise), discerning travellers from the UK have only been offered generic food and wine tours mainly to Europe – more specifically to France and Italy. This range of tours is a highly differentiated product with a strong appeal to attract discerning gourmet travellers who have so far found nothing but the ordinary travel options when it comes to visiting India. These tours beautifully combine cultural sights with culinary insights – and luxury is in the experience.

Q: How do you plan to teach your guests about the very best tastes of Indian, and why do you enjoy sharing your love of India so much?
A: I will be sharing with my discerning traveller guests the interesting flavours of each hand-picked destination we will be visiting. I hope it will enhance their palate and give them some ammunition for the future to push their own cuisine envelope in a wider perspective. The tours are about giving an experience beyond the standard package tours to India and blend cuisine with the right ingredients to make it a unique once in a lifetime experience. I have always believed in one of the famous quotes, ‘you venture into a local kitchen and you enter the heart of the country’.

Q: Curry is a popular dish in the UK. How can the tour help people understand the real taste of Indian?
A: These tours are about culture and culinary discovery. Both are interwoven to reflect their influence in the local life. These tours are not about Balti tours or ‘create your own curry’ tours. We have designed them in a way that our gourmet lovers can compare and contrast the truly authentic with the fusion style of cooking. This will create a perfect platter – a great launching pad for a range of culinary experiences. Gourmet enthusiasts on the tour will certainly come back inspired with zillions of flavour combinations which they can try in their own kitchens. India is so varied in spice combinations when it comes to regional food – our gourmet lovers on these tours will not be able to sit on the fence!

Q: Last Autumn you appeared on various TV shows, including; Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is; Market Kitchen; Rachael Allen’s Family Food; and Saturday Kitchen. Do you enjoy the buzz of preparing food live?
A: I have always resented being born in a family of teachers – I guess that has gone into my genes now (too late!!!). Being able to share the joy of food and knowledge is what gives me pleasure and TV helps me to reach a wider audience.

Q: Who is your inspiration for the way you cook?
A: My father (SRK) has been my singular inspiration on my food right from my early years. His magical way of using spices and blending flavours from various other cuisines was his mastery – I have just copied him.

Q: Where is your favourite place to visit in northern India to source inspiration?
A: Rajasthan, Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi (Benares) are the major spots for north Indian cuisine.

Q: Would you like to open your own restaurant in India?
A: I certainly want to, but it is not in the plans yet.

Q: Why do you enjoy cooking so much? Can you imagine yourself doing anything else?
A: Cooking is something that has been primal to me due to my family influences. I could be a gardener – if given a chance.

Q: What do you have planned for 2010?
A: Lots of cooking in Australia, Brazil, Maldives, Middle East and of course India and UK.

Q: What advice would you give to any aspiring chef?
A: Learn from as many chefs as possible during your early years – as this becomes a bank balance for when you get the opportunity to become a head chef yourself.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment in your career?
A: Becoming the first Indian chef to get a Michelin Star in 2001.

Q: What is your favourite restaurant in London?
A: Marcus Waring at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, London.

Q: Where is your favourite place to dine in Dorset?
A: The restaurant at Chewton Glen.

Q: What is your favourite Indian dish of all time?
A: Chicken Tikka Masala – of course …! No, definitely black lentil stew as it brings back a lot of memories from my childhood.