In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are going to Pakistan with Bilal Hassan, Karachi based Doctor, a photojournalist, and travel/culture writer. Together they discuss: -What do the people of Karachi eat at home?-What is the difference between Lahori and Karachi food? -What are the similarities between Pakistani and Indian food? -What is the most popular street food in Karachi? -What is the influence of Bengali and Bihari culture on Karachi food? -What is the 'bu...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are conversing with Tanvi Lad, international Badminton Player and third-best ranked women’s singles player from India in 2017 and the host of The Millennial Athlete podcast. Together they discuss: -Tanvi’s experiment with veganism (along with its pros and cons)-The kind of food that is available at large sporting events like the Olympics -An athlete’s diet on the day of a match or contest -How athletes maintain dietary discipl...
Aug 11, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are exploring the age-old breakfast of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) - Nihari. They discuss: -The History of Nihari-The medicinal benefit of consuming a bowl of Nihari in the morning-Unani medicine and Hakims-An excerpt from Ganje Nahari Wale by Ashraf Saboohi-Naan Curry getting featured as the number 1 food podcast in India So, sit back and relax with your family, order some fresh bowl of Nihari and listen to our 2Gs stir up a ho...
Aug 04, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are conversing and laughing out loud with award-winning, Shashi Tharoor-certified author - Varud Gupta. Together they discuss: -Differing levels at which people like food-Varud’s internal and external journey while writing a book on the intersection of food and faith-How Varud did all kinds of jobs around the world to fund his travel (and some whacky travel stories)-How to get the best eating experience in a city while traveli...
Jul 28, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Kachche Raste Pakke Raste with Keshav ChaturvediIn this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit will take us around the country with a special guest - Keshav Chaturvedi. He is a communications & leadership trainer, writer, Content Strategist, and the host of the travel podcast-: Tedhe Medhe Raaste. Together, they will discuss Why should people travel to the same place multiple times?How did Keshav manage to travel the length & breadth of IndiaHow can you travel on a...
Jul 21, 2021•54 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit, take you on the sweet and sour tour of Tamarind. They are covering: -The Etymology of Tamarind-Is this fruit from India or Africa?-What does Ayurveda say about Tamarind?-How do our folklores, including the Ramayana, mention Tamarind?--Why did our parents ask us not to sleep or go near the Tamarind tree in the evening?-Some of the top dishes made with Tamarind and its cousins - Kokum and Malabar Tamarind So sit back, relax, ma...
Jul 14, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit, take you on a chocolate tour of India (a bit of Europe) to celebrate World Chocolate Day. They are covering: - The Global History of Chocolate- The Two Chocolate Policy of Europe- How Chocolatiers are revolutionizing chocolate in India through the bean to bar movement - The economics of growing and consuming chocolate in India- Why chocolate is associated with sin So sit back, relax and dip yourself in melted chocolate or tak...
Jul 07, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit, get meta about documentation. They discuss their favorite food writers and documenters and dive deep into what makes each of them unique. They also give actionable advice on leveraging one's own individual interests and experiences while documenting food. Important links to geek out more: Masala Lab by Krish Ashok Vikram Doctor - Podcast Indian Food: A Historical Companion: By KT Achaya Vir Sanghvi - Food Writing Madhur Jaffr...
Jun 30, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are out-geeked by the presence of food science writer Krish Ashok. Krish is the author of ‘Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking’. They are covering:1. Krish’s childhood food influences and journey into food writing.2. Why everyone would benefit from knowing some food science.3. How Indian grandmothers’ wisdom is more often than not scientifically sound.4. How evolution has influenced what we eat and how we eat.5. Why not ...
Jun 23, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit talk about mangoes, the king of all fruits in India and the subcontinent. They are covering: The etymology of the word mango in English and Hindi.The connection between political diplomacy and mangoes.How the Mughal kings and Ghalib were obsessed with mangoes.What Unani and Ayurveda say about mangoes.Why some mangoes are more expensive than others.What decides our preferences for a particular type of mango?So sit back, relax a...
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit talk about the OG frozen dairy dessert - their favorite - Kulfi. They will surely scream for ice cream in the future but here they jump out of delight for Kulfi. In this episode they discuss:What is Kulfi and how does it get its name?What is the difference between Kulfi and ice cream?Why are we so addicted to sugary foods?How did most of India and Pakistan get their share of ice to make frozen foods?What were the contributions...
Jun 09, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit talk about an ingredient that defines Indian cooking in the 21st century: Mirchi. Just because the vegetable vendor hands some for free (just like dhaniya) doesn't mean it's not interesting. They talk:-Vasco De Gama and the Portuguese connection with chillies-The evolutionary psychology of why Mirchi makes us feel the heat-Why we love spicy food even though it hurts and burns us.-The difference between chilli and Pepper-The me...
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode, one of the 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Archit visits God's own country- Kerala and is joined by author and historian- Manu Pillai.They discuss:>How did Manu become a history writer?>The unique palate of Kerala compared to the other 4 states of South India.>The love story of Kerala & coconut.>The role of caste in Kerala's eating habits.>How Mopilla Muslim, Syrian Christian, and Hindu food thrives together in Kerala.>How Ayurveda is thriving in Kerala.>...
Apr 28, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit talk about an underrated ingredient: Dhaniya or Coriander. They talk: - Why is it given away for free? - What’s the connection between its name and its health benefits mentioned in Ayurveda? - What are some of its earliest documented uses from across the world? - Why is it not as popular in the west as it is in India? - How it is a multipurpose and versatile plant. - How Dhaniya is a key ingredient in one of the world's most p...
Apr 21, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are going to be rallying with Shlok Ramchandran. Shlok is an international badminton player who has represented India in three World Championships and 50 international tournaments, winning 7 Titles. He was ranked number 32 in the world in the sport in 2018. Shlok now hosts the Millennial Athlete Podcast.They talk:- What do athletes have to eat while playing a tournament?- What is the state of nutrition in Indian sports?- How d...
Apr 14, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are going back in time to explore Hindustani mythology with Devdutt Pattanaik, an Indian author, mythologist known for his interpretations of ancient Indian scriptures. They talk: The significance of food in Indian mythology. The connection between food and goddess, and why animals are only sacrificed for the goddesses and not for gods. Why are different gods offered different kinds of food? Is vegetarianism morally superior t...
Apr 07, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are on an exploratory journey of local and Indian alcohol with Shubhra Chatterji, an award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, and documenter of India’s culinary heritage. They will dive into the ocean of indigenous intoxicants such as Maadi, Taadi, Handiya, Chhaang, Chulli and answer questions such as: Is local alcohol consumed for medicinal reasons or for pleasure or a mix of both? Why do indigenous alcohols have a niche market...
Mar 31, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit take you on a Bhang trip. They talk: The difference between Bhang, Ganja (weed) and Charas (hashish). Why is Bhang associated with Lord Shiva? Does he encourage its consumption? What’s the connection between Bhang and the Holi festival? How is Bhang consumed in India? What do Ayurveda and Indian literature say about it? What are the legal and public policy challenges related to cannabis in India? So sit back and relax (with or...
Mar 24, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit explore the routes of pao, various versions and the popular dishes paired with this piece of bread. They will discuss who introduced pao to a civilisation that used to only eat roti and how pao travelled to Mumbai from Goa. They also look at the Portuguese and Irani connections, shed light on the unique ways in which Pao is served in Mumbai and end with a fight over the vada pao. So sit back and relax, toast some pao, put the ...
Mar 17, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit host author, historian and culinary expert - Rana Safvi. They explore the rich and delicate culinary heritage of Lucknow along with the role played by Lucknawi Begums in its food and politics. They ask questions such as - is there a difference between how men and women cook? How are the roles divided in Lucknawi kitchens? What is the significance of medicine in the Nawabi food of Lucknow? Finally, they provide fuel to the fire...
Mar 10, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit, will serve some Kheer - god’s own dessert and the most common dish in celebrations and festivities in India. They discuss how kheer is not merely a blend of rice and milk but holds so much history, mythology, significance in Ayurveda and Hindustani culture. They discuss environmentally sustainable Indian ways of serving kheer. They will also challenge your imagination by telling you about kheer made out of garlic and onion. T...
Mar 03, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit, will explore curd, the science and ayurvedic know-how around this delicious fermented item, its significance during Janmashtami, the difference between homemade Dahi and commercial Dahi and some of the best dishes that make use of Dahi. So make some noise for the Lassi boys, stir some Kadhi for lunch and listen to this episode. Important links to geek out more: The Great History of Yogurt ( https://bit.ly/3bzwvQv ) Rude Food:...
Feb 24, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks will add the right amount of sweetness to your life as they’re exploring candy and its Indian roots. They will take you to an era when candies just hit the Indian market and discuss some of the top varieties sold in the country. They will also shed light on the health benefits of traditional Indian candies that are made of jaggery. So, sit back and relax, pop in your favourite candy, turn up the volume and listen to this episode. Important links...
Feb 17, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks Sadaf and Archit, are joined by the OG Foodie, television personality, Kunal Vijayakar, who has tasted it all. This episode will undoubtedly make you feel hungrier as they continue their discussion from last week's episode of chaat and other street food. They have a broad discussion ranging from the overkill of street food to contribution of Gujaratis in bringing the vegetarian versions of Mexican & European foods to the streets. Kunal also...
Feb 10, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks take you on a sweet, sour, crisp and spicy journey. They start with their childhood memories around chaat and move to discuss the history of the dish and it's evolution into contemporary versions. They canvass the beauty and romance of street food, it's cultural importance in a city along with the unfortunate harassment that street food vendors go through to ply their trade. There is Bhel Puri, Gol Gappa (and it's cousins), Daulat ki Chaat and a...
Feb 03, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Today our 2Gs, the Gourmands and the Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are telling you about that ingredient which often plays a supporting role but its absence makes the protagonist less potent; they are discussing rice and the auspicious history of it from Krishna to Gautam Buddha and Humayun. There is bhajan, lost rice varieties, a discussion on 82,700 varieties of rice in India, and the Basmati rice GI Tag. You will also get a lesson in agricultural economics and hear the perils of the government arti...
Jan 27, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 14
It is not fry-day yet, but our 2Gs, the Gourmands and the Geeks, Sadaf and Archit, are already frying samosa, pakoda (or bhajiya), and other fried delicacies. In this episode, they examine the tradition of frying in India through the lens of Ayurveda, history, and mythology. They also become part-time nutritionists and answer some tough questions like whether frying is healthy or unhealthy and what should we choose between kachi ghani (cold press) oil, ghee, or refined oil for frying. So sit bac...
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this special episode, the 2Gs, Gourmands and Geeks, Sadaf and Archit combine or do jugalbandi of the two things us Indians are obsessed with: one, of course, is food and the second is cricket. They’re joined by Dhananjay Chak (DJ) who co-hosts the Edges & Sledges Cricket podcast, which is India’s number 1 cricket podcast, DJ is also a lawyer by profession and a club cricketer in the UK. They discuss the evolution of cricketer’s diets, Virat Kohli’s veganism, nutrition requirements of cric...
Jan 13, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 12
It’s time for our 2Gs, the Gourmands and the Geeks, Sadaf and Archit to roast some kebabs. In this episode they will, examine whether kebabs are a foreign concept or if they already existed in ancient India, touch upon the celebrity chefs of Lucknow and tell you the stories and legends behind Kakori, Galawati, Bihari, Sikandari Raan and other top kebabs from India. Let’s fire up some coal, skew some meat and get grilling. Important links to geek out more: https://www.amazon.in/Feast-Fasts-Histor...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Our 2Gs, the Gourmands and the Geeks, Sadaf, and Archit, are looking at the drinks menu this week. In this episode, they explore the Arab origins of the term ‘alcohol’, the Ayurvedic way to drink, the drinking habits of the Mughals, the British influence on the drinking culture of urban India, alcohol taxes, Old Monk, IPA, and a lot more. Pour yourself a glass of wine or a whiskey on the rocks and enjoy the chat. Important links to geek out more: A brief history of alcohol - Rod Phillips Beer in...
Dec 30, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 10
