MY CUISINE
CHETTINADU
– A Taste of Tradition
Chettinadu cuisine is more than just food; it’s a story of tradition, spice, and rich flavors that have been passed down for generations. Known for its bold use of freshly ground spices, sun-dried meats, and aromatic flavors, Chettinadu cuisine originates from the Chettiar community of Tamil Nadu. The Chettiars, historically prosperous traders, traveled extensively, bringing home influences that shaped their distinctive cuisine while maintaining deep-rooted traditions.
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In 2015, during the Chettinadu Cuisine Food Festival at Savera Malgudi Restaurant, I set out on a mission to bring these authentic flavors into the mainstream and explore Tamil Nadu’s culinary roots beyond just Chettinadu dishes.
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During my research, I uncovered fascinating records dating back to the 3rd century, revealing how our ancestors used local ingredients and unique cooking techniques to create extraordinary flavors. These discoveries fueled my passion for reviving forgotten recipes and ensuring that our rich food heritage continues to thrive.
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For me, cooking isn’t just about preparing a meal; it’s about keeping our traditions alive and sharing the true taste of Tamil Nadu with the world. Through every dish, I aim to bring a piece of history to the table, celebrating the flavors that make our cuisine so special.
CHENNAI TO
KANYAKAMARI
– A Culinary Journey Through Tamil Nadu
In 2019, I had the privilege of curating the Chennai to Kanyakumari Food Festival, a celebration of Tamil Nadu’s vast and diverse culinary landscape. Held at Ramada Plaza - Guindy, The festival brought together the authentic flavors from over 50 cities, each with its own unique culinary traditions.
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Tamil Nadu's cuisine has evolved over centuries, influenced by the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas, who shaped its royal feasts and temple offerings. The region’s food history is deeply intertwined with agriculture, trade, and temple traditions, with recipes meticulously preserved and passed down through generations.
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From the spicy and aromatic dishes of Chettinad to the rich, comforting flavors of Kongunad and Pandya Nadu, this food festival showcased the very best of Tamil Nadu’s regional cuisine. It was a true culinary journey, allowing guests to experience the time-honored recipes that have been passed down through generations, each dish telling the story of its origin.
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This festival wasn’t just about food; it was about honoring Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage and sharing it with the world.
CHOLA DYNASTY
– A Royal Feast
As a chef deeply passionate about reviving traditional flavors, I, along with my talented team, curated a special culinary journey that brings the essence of the Chola Empire to life.
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The Cholas, one of South India’s most powerful dynasties, ruled for centuries, leaving behind a legacy not just in art and architecture but also in food. Their extensive maritime trade introduced exotic spices and cooking techniques, blending influences from Southeast Asia into Tamil cuisine while preserving temple-style vegetarian feasts and royal meat-based dishes.
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In 2023, at The Leela Palace, guests indulged in a royal buffet showcasing the unique blend of Maratha and Tamil culinary traditions, reflecting the vast regions once ruled by the Cholas. This was more than just a feast; it was a celebration of heritage, culture, and forgotten recipes.
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The journey concluded with the Mega Brunch, where every dish told a story of the empire’s grandeur, crafted with authentic ingredients and age-old techniques. Through this experience, I aimed to transport diners back in time, allowing them to savor the true flavors of a royal legacy.
TAMIL FUSION
– Tradition with a Twist Recipes
In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to create something truly unique—the Tamil Fusion Trails food festival. Held at The Leela Palace, this festival was a celebration of flavors, blending the rich and diverse Indian cuisine with global influences, including Indo-Italian, Indo-Japanese, Indo-Mexican, Indo-Thai fusion and Pan-Asian cuisines.
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The purpose of this festival was to share the essence of Indian food with global cuisine, bridging cultures through flavors. I was truly pleased to introduce the authentic tastes of India to a global audience, showcasing how traditional Tamil flavors can harmonize beautifully with international culinary styles.
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What made this festival special was its focus on innovation, nutrition, and bold new flavors, all while staying true to the heritage of Tamil Nadu’s cuisine. I’m proud to say that this was not only a resounding success but also a first-of-its-kind in India and a significant milestone within the Leela family.
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By merging time-honored Tamil recipes with global techniques and ingredients, we created an unforgettable dining experience where tradition met modern creativity on every plate.
