Romy Gill, a celebrated British-Indian chef and food writer awarded an MBE for her contributions to hospitality, shares her culinary journey. She reminisces about the joy of long train journeys filled with family meals in India and reflects on traditional dishes. Romy discusses the evolution of Indian cuisine in the UK and emphasizes the magic of essential spices like cumin and turmeric in home cooking. She offers insights on cooking techniques and reveals her excitement for her upcoming cookbook, blending cultural heritage with modern flavors.
Romy Gill highlights how her nostalgic experiences with food during train journeys in India shaped her culinary identity and love for traditions.
She emphasizes the importance of community through food, successfully merging British and Indian cuisines to elevate appreciation for Indian culinary diversity in the UK.
Deep dives
Childhood Memories of Food on Indian Trains
Rami Gill shares fond memories of food during long train journeys in India, highlighting how these experiences shaped her love for culinary traditions. She recalls her mother preparing picnic meals with items like parathas, which were chosen for their durability, and various regional delicacies that represented their Punjabi culture. The excitement of sharing meals with fellow travelers and bartering for local snacks at train stops left a lasting impression on her. These moments not only evoke nostalgia but also illuminate the rich tapestry of Indian food culture that was integral to her upbringing.
The Importance of Family Meals
Rami emphasizes that meal times were central to her family life, creating a sense of community and warmth. Raised in a Punjabi household in West Bengal, she describes how her parents prioritized plant-based meals over meat, showcasing a culinary practice rooted in regional traditions. Even now, she uses food as a bonding element, often sharing her cooking with neighbors and involving her daughters in the kitchen. This open-door policy reflects her belief that food brings people together, facilitating connections regardless of their backgrounds.
Blending British and Indian Cuisines
Rami discusses her culinary journey in the UK, where she initially struggled with the perception of Indian food and sought to redefine it. By sourcing local ingredients while integrating traditional Indian spices, she successfully marries the two cuisines, resulting in dishes that reflect both British and Indian influences. Her innovative approach includes unique recipes that feature local proteins like venison and octopus, infused with Indian flavors such as tamarind and spice blends. This fusion not only elevates her dishes but also contributes to a broader acceptance and appreciation of Indian culinary diversity in British culture.
Romy Gill is a British-Indian chef, food-writer and broadcaster who was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her services to hospitality. She is the author of three cookbooks including her newest, Romy Gill's India, which will be published on 12th September.
On the podcast, she tells Liv and Lara about the joys of long train journeys across India, the state of Indian cuisine in the UK and how you can make magic with just cumin and turmeric.
Photo credit: Sam Harris
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