MUMBAI: Spicy, pungent, sweet and sour! Discovery takes its viewers through a colourful glimpse into Indian culture, food and customs in Feast India every Saturday at 9 pm for the next two months.
The English-born chef Barry Vera savours the delights of simple street food and the variety of regional cuisine as he immerses himself and viewers in the diverse cultural influences that make each region of India so distinct. Along the way, he enjoys a delectable meal at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi; where several thousand devotees are served daily.
From the small town plantation town of Kumili in Kerala to the chaotic buzz of Mumbai – the home to Dubbawallahs, from the village wedding in Pushkar to the festivities of Diwali, Feast India captures the this diverse and intensely beautiful country.
Discovery India brand dierctor Raja Balasubramanian said, “Feast India highlights the diverse Indian cuisines as Barry Vera takes viewers through a culinary journey across India. Apart from its gastronomy, the series also presents the fascinating and colourful cultures and festivals of India.”
From g delicacies to age-old customs and festivities, viewers will watch the best India has to offer. Kochi, The Backwaters airs on 8 April at 9 pm. On the humid, lush coast, famous Chinese fishing nets operate just as they have for the last 600 years. In Kochi, the delicious street food and abundant fish vie for attention in the local markets. Cruising the palm-fringed backwaters and dining delicious Indian thalli, the episode gives viewers a taste of life in a south Indian island village.
In Old Delhi on 15 April the Mughal architecture looms above the narrow lanes and delicious Muslim food is served in an atmosphere of friendly chaos. Unusual delicacies are offered in the aromatic labyrinth of one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia. Viewers also get a glimpse into the kitchens of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where enough food is cooked to nourish tens of thousands of pilgrims each day.
Jodphur – Salt Mines airs on 22 April The busy bazaars of Jodphur will hook viewers with Rajasthani tribal women haggling for bangles. In contrast, down the quiet back streets of the old city is a serene picture of blue houses.
On Spice which airs on 29 April 2006 the Malabar Coast is home to the essential ingredients of every Indian meal- black pepper, cardamom, ginger and tea plantation. In the daily cardamom auctions, buyers and sellers converge in a spirited display of commerce.
Mumbai takes centrestage on 6 May 2006. In Mumbai, the famed Dabbawallahs perform the daily ritual of getting thousands of home-cooked meals delivered to the right offices, landing them in the Guinness Book of Records. Viewers will also meet the city’s Dhobbis, who seem to wash the clothes of the entire city in a gigantic open laundry. Viewers end the journey with a feast of snack foods at Juhu’s nightly carnival on the sand.
The episode on 13 May celebrates the frestival of Diwali which ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky across the length and breadth of India. Huge quantities of sweets are consumed, tools and account books are prayed over, houses are decorated with colourful lanterns to guide passing gods and millions of gifts are exchanged in this explosion of divine fun.
On Indian Offering on 20 May Vera explains how he has been inspired by the people and the food of India and provides an understanding of the spices that make up the myriad flavors he has enjoyed. Barry applies his imaginative touch to a selection of simple, tasty dishes that are deeply Indian at heart.
