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Newsletter September 2024

Newsletter September 2024

Welcome to our savory sanctuary, a culinary tourism haven that tantalizes your taste buds and nourishes your adventurous nomadic spirit. Embark on a delectable journey where the flavors of India converge, and culinary traditions and cultures come alive.

Good Food Journeys is your passport to a world of culinary delights of India. We are here to indulge you in immersive food experiences, introductions to renowned chefs in India who are masters of their craft, and mouthwatering food tours that reveal the hidden gems of local gastronomy. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter and letting us share our love of food with you.

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

AGRA

Agra, a city steeped in history and culture, is one of India’s most iconic tourist destinations. The city is believed to have been founded in the 16th century as an important trading hub. However, the most glorious period in Agra’s history began with the arrival of the Mughal dynasty. The First Mughal Emperor, Babur, captured Agra in 1526. He laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India and chose Agra as his base.

His son Emperor Akbar constructed the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and shifted the capital base of the Mughal Empire from Delhi to Agra. Agra saw unprecedented growth and prosperity under his rule from 1556-1605. Perhaps the most iconic period in Agra’s history was under Shah Jahan between 1625 – 1658, who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb put his father in prison to claim the throne and that was the start of the decline of the Mughal Empire in India.

Known primarily for the majestic Taj Mahal, Agra has so much more to offer to millions of visitors from all over the world. But let’s start with 10 amazing facts about the Taj Mahal which you may or may not know.

Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died with complication during the birth of their 15th child.
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took approximately 22 years to complete. It is estimated that over 20,000 artisans, craftsmen, and laborers from across India and Central Asia were involved in its construction.
The Taj Mahal is a prime example of Mughal architecture, which combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
One of the most enchanting features of the Taj Mahal is its ability to change colors. The white marble structure reflects different hues at different times of the day.
The Taj Mahal is adorned with intricate inlay work with precious and semi-precious stones that are inlaid into white marble to create elaborate floral patterns and calligraphy.
The 4 minarets on the 4 corners of the building are not straight; they are tilting outwards, so that in an event of an earthquake they fall away from the monument.
The only part of the mausoleum that is not ornately decorated is the actual grave.
Automobiles are not allowed within 500 meters of the monument to prevent exhaust from gasoline-powered vehicles from tarnishing the exterior of the building.
Shah Jahan had plans to build a black replica of the monument across the Yamuna River for his tomb to complement the Taj Mahal’s white façade.
The cost of building the Taj Mahal was a staggering 32 million rupees at the time, which would be equivalent to billions of dollars today.

Agra Fort: A Glimpse into Mughal Grandeur.

This massive red sandstone fortress was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Within its walls, you’ll find a collection of beautiful palaces, audience halls, and mosques. The fort offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal from its ramparts, offering many photo opportunities for one and all.

Fatehpur Sikri: The Ghost City

Located just 40 kilometers from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating excursion that transports you back in time. This ancient city was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571 and served as the Mughal capital for 14 years before being abandoned overnight due to water shortage. The well-preserved ruins of Fatehpur Sikri include the Buland Darwaza, the largest door in the world, and the stunning Jama Masjid. The city’s layout and architecture reflect a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, showcasing the cultural fusion of the era.

Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: The Baby Taj

Often referred to as the “Baby Taj,” the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is another gem in Agra’s architectural crown. This beautiful mausoleum, built by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. The intricate inlay work and lattice screens on the tomb’s marble walls are a marvel to behold, and the surrounding gardens provide a peaceful setting for reflection.

Mehtab Bagh: The Moonlight Garden

For a unique perspective of the Taj Mahal, head to Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Garden. Situated directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, this garden offers a serene and less crowded viewpoint of the iconic monument. It’s a perfect spot for photographers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas.

Cuisine and Shopping

Agra is not just about historical monuments; it’s also a paradise for food lovers. The city is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, which includes rich and flavorful dishes like kebabs, biryani, and petha (a sweet made from ash gourd). Foodies can enjoy Agra’s famous street food, such as chaat, bedai, and jalebi, which offer a tantalizing taste of local flavors. Agra’s vibrant markets are perfect for picking up handicrafts and souvenirs. The city is renowned for its marble inlay work, leather goods, and traditional rugs.

FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH

While we are in Agra, our flavour of the month must be Mughlai cuisine.

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Mughlai cuisine is perhaps the most well-known Indian cuisine in the world. If cuisines were cricket teams, imagine that the Mughlai team would have stalwarts such as the Butter Chicken, Chicken Tandoori, Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhani, Galouti Kebab, Biryani, Naan, etc. Some heavy hitters those… It would win hands down against any other regional cuisine of India.

Known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and intricate preparation methods, Mughlai cuisine has left an indelible mark on Indian gastronomy. The Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century, brought with it a fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian culinary traditions. The Mughal emperors, particularly known for their love of good food, employed skilled chefs who crafted elaborate dishes fit for royalty. This fusion of cultures and culinary techniques gave birth to what we now know as Mughlai cuisine.

Mughlai cuisine is characterized by its use of rich and flavorful ingredients such as Aromatic Spices, Nuts, Dried Fruits, Meat and Dairy. Clarified butter, yogurt, and cream) are used generously to create the creamy and luscious texture. The cooking techniques are meticulous and time-consuming, involving slow-cooking methods like Dum (cooking on low heat with a lid sealed), marination, and sautéing with spices until the oil separates. The love and care put in the cooking process gives generous returns in form of the deliciousness.

CHEF INTERVIEW

Sid Sahrawat is the Chef and owner of 4 incredible restaurants in Auckland – Cassia, KOL, Anise and French Café. Sid is known for his innovative culinary creations and has been consistently recognised with numerous awards and accolades over the years. Let’s get to know him a bit better:

1. What is your earliest memory of cooking?

Being in cookery school and seasoning a carrot halwa dessert with salt thinking it was sugar.

2. What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had and where was it?

Saison in San Fransisco, everything cooked on fire, about 20 courses, very modern and provocative.

3. What is your favourite dish on your restaurant menu?

The Snack of Singapore – Black Pepper Crab with egg yolk sauce and fingerlime

4. Who is your culinary hero?

Rene Redzepi from Noma in Copenhagen, he changed the complete direction from the trend that used to be molecular gastronomy

5. What is your favorite holiday destination in the world?

Bali

6. What’s a current food trend that you are excited about?

Modern Asian in pretty exciting at the moment as you get to see so many different styles

7. What is the pro-tip that you can share which us mere mortals can use in our kitchen at home?

Tidy as you go and keep the prep organised and you will be done in half the time

FROM THE SPICE RACK

This month we are shining the spotlight on one of the most important spices in the Indian spice rack, Turmeric (also known as “Haldi”). This vibrant yellow spice holds a revered place in Indian cooking and culture. Turmeric Latte may be trending at the moment, but this spice is being used in Indian cooking for hundreds of thousands of years. Here are 10 reasons why Turmeric is an integral part of Indian way of life.

Culinary Significance

1. Flavor and Aroma: Turmeric has a warm, earthy flavor with a slightly bitter undertone. It is a key ingredient in spice blends such as garam masala and curry powder.

2. Color: Turmeric is prized for its vibrant yellow color, which adds visual appeal to a wide range of dishes. It imparts a golden hue to curries, rice, and even some desserts, making the food look more appetizing and inviting.

3. Preservative: Turmeric’s natural antimicrobial properties make it an effective preservative. It helps extend the shelf life of food and maintaining freshness, especially in pickles and chutneys.

Medicinal and Health Benefits

4. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: The active ingredient Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can aid in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease.

5. Digestive Health: Turmeric stimulates bile production, which aids in digestion and helps prevent bloating and gas. It is often used in remedies for digestive disorders and to promote overall gut health.

6. Boosts Immunity: Turmeric’s antimicrobial and antiviral properties help boost the immune system, making it effective in fighting infections and illnesses. A traditional remedy for colds and sore throats in India is a warm drink made with turmeric, milk, and honey, known as “golden milk.”

7. Antiseptic properties: make it useful in treating cuts, burns, and wounds. It is often applied topically in paste form to promote healing and prevent infection.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

8. Rituals and Ceremonies: Turmeric holds a special place in Indian rituals and ceremonies. It is considered auspicious and is used in various religious functions, weddings, and festivals. For example, during Hindu weddings, a turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom in a ceremony called “haldi ceremony,” symbolizing purification and blessings.

9. Cosmetic uses: Turmeric is widely used in traditional beauty treatments. Its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties make it a popular ingredient in face masks and scrubs. It is believed to improve complexion and reduce acne and other skin issues.

10. Spiritual Symbolism: Turmeric is associated with fertility, prosperity, and purity in Indian culture. It is often used to create auspicious symbols and decorations, such as the “swastika” or “rangoli” designs during festivals and special occasions.

Newsletter September 2024

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