Spice Routes and New Narratives: The Ever-Evolving Story of Indian Cuisine
Moderator:
* Audra Morrice - Chef, author, and storyteller of culture & heritage, MasterChef Australia finalist, judge on MasterChef Asia and Singapore
* Gary Mehigan - World-renowned chef and former MasterChef Australia judge
* Justin Narayanan - MasterChef Australia winner, author and entrepreneur
* Javed Khan - Founder/Director of Delhi 'O' Delhi, winner of R&CA Awards for Excellence NSW Indian/Sub-Continent Restaurant four years in a row.
From the spice-laden Kerala coast to the royal kitchens of Lucknow, Indian cuisine tells a story of extraordinary diversity, connection, and transformation. In Kerala, food is born of the sea and the ancient spice trade—where coconut, curry leaves, and black pepper blend with influences from Arabia, Portugal, and beyond. These very spices travelled the world, infusing the cuisines of Singapore, Fiji, and Australia, leaving an indelible mark through dishes like laksa, rendang, and richly layered Fijian curries.
By contrast, Lucknow, the heart of India’s Awadhi cuisine, reflects a regal elegance shaped by centuries of Mughal influence. Its slow-cooked biryanis, tender kebabs, and delicately spiced kormas showcase a refined artistry—where balance, technique, and patience reign supreme. If Kerala’s cooking is expressive and aromatic, bursting with the spirit of the coast, Lucknow’s is measured and graceful, celebrating nuance and restraint. Together, these two regions capture the breadth of India’s culinary soul—from the vibrant coastal markets of the south to the royal courts of the north.
Yet, across every region, food is memory—a connection to home, to belonging, and to shared humanity. Whether found in a pot of spicy fish curry or a melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebab, Indian cuisine reflects emotion as much as it does flavour.
Today, a new generation of chefs is reimagining this culinary legacy. Drawing from history yet breaking boundaries, they are crafting a modern Indian narrative—bold, inventive, and globally resonant.