Introduction: Dining Under the Raj During the British Raj era, food became a subtle yet powerful medium of cultural exchange. In colonial clubs and bungalows, a new hybrid cuisine emerged, combining British culinary traditions with Indian ingredients and techniques. These spaces gave rise to Anglo-Indian dishes—neither...
A Revolution That Changed More Than Politics When we hear about the French Revolution, we often think of stormed palaces, falling monarchs, and cries for liberty. But beyond the political chaos and social upheaval, something else was quietly taking shape — a whole new way of...
Arrival of the Portuguese: A New Culinary Era In 1498, Vasco da Gama’s arrival on the Malabar Coast marked the beginning of European colonial interest in India. By the early 16th century, the Portuguese had established their stronghold in Goa. With them came not just political...
A Divided Land, A Shared Kitchen The Partition of British India in 1947 tore Bengal into two—West Bengal (India) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The upheaval forced millions to migrate, particularly from East Bengal to West Bengal. Along with personal belongings, people carried memories, rituals, and...
A Feast Fit for a King — With a Dark Ending When we think of royal banquets, we usually imagine golden plates, endless wine, and lavish entertainment. But one of the most famous feasts in French history ended in tragedy. The story of Vatel’s death and...
