In this episode, Sadaf Hussain is hosting Ahmer Naqvi, a freelance writer and journalist based out of Karachi. He writes on pop-culture and food. In this episode the biryani lovers discuss: Ahmer's diverse interests in food, music and cricket The anatomy of biryani What are the components of the perfect biryani? Is biryani popular across Pakistan? What's special about Karachi's biryani? The secret behind Shaan's Bombay and Sindhi biryani masalas Is biryani better than pulao? So, sit back, relax ...
Aug 10, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going back in time to tell you about Dalda and vanaspati. Specifically, they discuss: What is Vanaspati? How is it different from ghee? How did the Dalda brand develop its market presence? How has the brand evolved? What is the hydrogenation of fat? Why is vanaspati harmful to your health? Why are fats necessary for the human body? Which oils should you consume? So, sit back and relax, fry some crispy jalebi, samosa or pa...
Aug 03, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 14
After serving potato, onion, coriander and chillies on the Naan Curry Podcast, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are putting tomato on their vegetable (or fruit) cart this week. They discuss: Why was tomato considered a “poisonous fruit”? Is tomato a fruit or a vegetable? How are tax laws related to this question? Why is it called vilayti baingan in India? What is Umami? Why do sundried tomatoes have more flavour? So sit back and relax, stir some gravy for butter chicken or I...
Jul 27, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going to make everyone hungrier. They are joined by Chef Chetan Sharma, chef and patron at Bibi, in London, a contemporary Indian restaurant. Together they discuss: Journey of Chef Chetan from wearing a scientists' coat at Oxford to getting into a chef coat How is Indian food perceived in the UK - is it still all about "curry" and chicken tikka masala? How Chetan researched for and conceived his award-winning restaurant -...
Jul 20, 2022•59 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Aneesh Bhasin, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Svami Drinks, Podcaster, and GQ 30 Most Influential Young Indians in 2022. Together they discuss: The story of tonic water and the history of Svami Non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic beverages How internet allows people to have micro-identities Aneesh's favorite food subcultures Aneesh’s podcast - A Niche Thing So, sit back and relax, pour some gin for yourself, play s...
Jul 13, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Zoeb Ali Khan, Senior Associate and founding team member of Sauce VC, a venture, a capital fund that partners with and invests in startups in the food and beverage (F&B), personal care and lifestyle segments. Together they discuss: 1. How Sauce VC invests 2. What are D2C food brands? 3. What do VCs look in for in F&B companies beyond financial metrics? 4. A few successful brands Sauce is associated with ...
Jul 06, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, Sadaf Hussain is hosting Rajyasree Sen, author of The Sweet Kitchen, communications head for Hyatt India, and columnist with Economic Times and Newslaundry. In this special episode they discuss: 1. Her new book, The Sweet Kitchen by Aleph Book 2. The importance of reading and writing food history 3. How rulers and dynasties influence food and eating habits 4. How much sugar should dessert lovers consume? 5. Why do few communities take their sweets a lot more seriously than other...
Jun 29, 2022•52 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Chef Hersh Kedia, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur and author, popularly known as diabetic chef. They discuss: How do you make diabetic-friendly sweet dishes? Why did Harsh start selling chocolates? Why does he use stevia in his chocolates? Sit back, relax and munch on some healthy desserts while the 2Gs take you on this inspirational entrepreneurs’ journey. Important links to geek out more: Social Media: Instagram: ...
Jun 22, 2022•38 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by Swetha Sivakumar - food researcher, industrial engineer and Hindustan Times columnist. They discuss: How were refined oils born? Which are some of the best traditional oils of India? How are they made? What are Saturated, Mono-Unsaturated (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats ? How should we read labels on a product and why it is important? What determines oil superiority? Should we reuse oil? Sit back and rela...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this special episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going on a virtual food walk with the explorer of Delhi and beyond: Anubhav Sapra, Founder, Delhi Food Walks. In this episode they discuss: What motivated Anubhav to start Delhi Food walks? How did he manage to show an unexplored side of Delhi to the food lovers of India and abroad? How did he transition into making Youtube videos? How best can one explore a city while traveling? What are the unique challenges of ...
Jun 08, 2022•43 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit will take away your tears by telling you about a vegetable you probably take for granted - onions. They discuss: Why do onion prices keep fluctuating? The historical significance of onion What does Hindu and Buddhist literature say about onions? Why hoarding is good for the society Health benefits of onions So, sit back and relax, let our 2Gs cry and you fry some onion pakoda while you lend them your ears. Important links to ...
Jun 01, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are joined by another G - Parle G. They are going down memory lane to and talk about the most common biscuit of India - Parle G. Specifically, they discuss: Parle G’s battle with English competitors How Swadeshi Movement gave India its beloved biscuit The brand evolution of Parle G The birth of Parle Foods What goes inside biscuits and what does that do to your body? Healthier biscuit alternatives Why you should always read i...
May 25, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 4
We don’t think of India when we talk about cheese, but in this special episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are going to change that as they explore and celebrate indigenous cheese with Dr. Kurush F. Dalal, anthropologist and culinary Chronicler, and owner of Katy’s Kitchen. In this episode they discuss: Origins of cheesemaking in India The growth of artisanal cheese Does India have a rich cheese-making tradition? Popular and lesser-known Indian cheeses Why are Indian c...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit chat about one of the most important ingredients in India - milk. Specifically, they discuss: The history of milk in India Buffalo milk vs cow milk The health benefits of milk What is A2 milk? What kind of milk should you consume? The upsides and downsides of the milk revolution in India What does Ayurveda say about milk? So listen to our 2Gs while you put on your slippers and go buy some fresh milk from your local milk booth...
May 11, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Naan Curry is back for season 2! Our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit resume with a hot, hearty and sweet new episode. In this episode they’re talking about Halwa. Specifically they discuss: What is the connection between the Indian Union Budget presentation and Halwa? Why is Halwa a health tonic (in many surprising ways)? The wonderful history of Halwa. What are Habshi and Sohan Halwas? Purple vs red carrot Jaggery vs refined sugar So, sit back and relax, or go to your kitchen ...
May 04, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit explore India's favourite healthy flour - Besan. A versatile ingredient, Besan can be cooked both in sweet and savoury form. They discuss: -The source of Besan -The difference between chickpea flour and Besan-Health benefits of Besan and chickpeas-Mysore Pak vs Besan Barfi-Bahadur Shah Zafar’s favorite Besan dish-What’s a Besan omelet? So sit back and relax, make Besan laddu or kadhi while the hosts examine the world of Besan...
Dec 01, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit explore India’s favourite cheese - Paneer. They talk: - Paneer’s health benefits and why it’s a complete protein - Why Paneer is so versatile - Why ‘cottage cheese’ is the wrong name for Paneer - The multiple origin stories of paneer Important links to geek out more: Article: Paneer |Historical Journey Article: Salem Witch Trials Book: Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant: Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant Paperback Article : Paneer...
Nov 24, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In our anniversary episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are celebrating their city Delhi with Diwan Gautam Anand, a veteran hotelier (and former Executive Vice President) at ITC Hotels for 40 years who has incubated many brands like Royal Vega, Dakshin, Yi Jing, Fabelle Chocolates and the Delhi Pavilion at the Saket Sheraton. In this episode they discuss: -Why Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani are misinterpreted terms-The influence of refugees from undivided India (now Pak...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this very episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks - Sadaf and Archit are hosting Sharanya Deepak, an award-winning writer. She has written on a wide range of food-related subjects including (but not limited to) tandoori momos, custard powder, saffron production and Bhut Jolokia, in publications such as Eater, Atlas Obscura, and FiftyTwo. In this episode they discuss: -The origins of momo -The difference between momo, dimsum, and dumpling -What makes momos ‘student food’?-Why are Delhiites...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this very special episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmand & Geek, Sadaf and Archit are celebrating their 50th episode with their research guru, Vikram Doctor- Editor at Economic Times, a food historian and podcast host. In this episode they discuss:-What inspired Vikram Doctor to explore Food and Food History -The food challenges and issues India faces in the modern times-Why chefs and public policy wonks should join hands to tackle hunger problems in India-Evolution of potatoes in India -Why were...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks Sadaf and Archit are talking about one of the most celebrated breads of India, Poori (or puri) which can be paired with any vegetable or meat to make a delicious plate. In this episode they discuss: -Childhood memories and train journeys attached to Poori-Festivals such as Kanya Puja where Poori is eaten-What is “Pakka Khana” and “Kachcha Khana” as per Ayurveda-Few special pooris like Nagori, Bedmi and the one made of Kuttu-Difference and simil...
Oct 27, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks Sadaf and Archit are traveling back in time and exploring a few stories from the humble home kitchens of few celebrated names of India with the author and columnist Sudha Menon. In this episode they discuss: -Sudha Menon’s new book 'Recipes for Life', published by Penguin Random House India.-Her most favorite memories from her home kitchen.-How has her mother influenced the way she eats and cooks food?-The childhood food stories of cricketer Ir...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks Sadaf and Archit are traveling to Bangladesh (virtually) with renowned author Dina Begum, who is passionate about highlighting the recipes and food traditions of Bangladesh. In this episode they discuss: -How is Bangladeshi cuisine different from Indian and Pakistani cuisine? -How is East Bengal cuisine different from West Bengal cuisine?-How do people view Bangladeshi food in London?-Is Bangladeshi food eaten in courses?-What is the role of re...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf, and Archit are discussing the most loved yet humble vegetable - potato. It is an ingredient that is used alongside all vegetables, in meat dishes, sweet dishes, and even alcohol. In this episode they discuss: -The global and local history of potatoes.-If potatoes really helped countries come out of famines.-Adam Smith’s obsession with potatoes.-How the British used potatoes to spread their colonialism in India.-The essential commodities...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf, and Archit are traveling to Uttarakhand (virtually) with Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, culinary expert, writer & food consultant. Together they discuss: -What is Pahadi Cuisine? Is it the same as Uttarakhand Cuisine?-Does Uttarakhand have a non-vegetarian population or is it primarily vegetarian?-What is bhang namak and do people get high after consuming it-What are the different kinds of bread available in Uttarakhand?-What are the ba...
Sep 29, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are travelling to Mysore (virtually) with Vinay Parameswarappa, an engineer turned city explorer and founder of Gully Tours organising food tours in Mysore, Bangalore and other cities. Vinay also featured in Netflix's food series - Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyaan. Together they discuss: -Vinay’s influences and foray into heritage walks -What makes Mysore food unique -The secret behind the best Mysore Pak-Mysore’s coffee culture...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are chatting with Nandita Iyer, a doctor, singer, food writer and author who focuses on healthy food as a habit and not a quick fix. Together they discuss healthy food, and specifically: -What qualifies as a superfood?-How do you decide what to eat?-What is mindful eating?-How should one consume millets and quinoa?-Should people consume potatoes and what are the myths around this often defamed vegetable? Important links to gee...
Sep 15, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are exploring the original antiseptic, the spice that gave the west their favourite healthy Latte - turmeric or Desi Haldi. They discuss: -The origin, history and cultural references of turmeric-How is the best turmeric produced and what are the best ways to consume it?-What is the science and economics behind turmeric?-What are its medical benefits?-What are some kitchen hacks that can help you utilize it better? So, sit back...
Sep 08, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 42
The audio quality in this episode is not up to the mark for various logistical reasons. We request you to use headphones for a slightly better experience.. In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are chatting with Chef Kavan, an engineer turned chef who changed and challenged Indian bar food with his unique take on south Indian cuisine. An alumnus of Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Kavan has had stints at prestigious establishments like Eleven Madison Park (for...
Sep 01, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode, our 2Gs, the Gourmands & Geeks, Sadaf and Archit are chatting with Ashdin Doctor who is podcaster (Habit Coach podcast), Youtuber (awesome180-Habit Coach Youtube channel) and the founder of Awesome180, a habit coaching programme - that focuses on– sleep quality (not quantity), nutrition (not diet), movement (not exercise), de-stressing, hydration and breathing. Together they discuss:-The mental and physical benefits of intermittent fasting. -The origin of breakfasts.-How to ...
Aug 25, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 40
