Indian Food 101 ??

I'm posing a question the answer to which may seem obvious. But I'm looking for some creative IM advice.

In addition to traveling on my own, I lead a group of university students to India on a regular basis. These students have not visited India. In fact, most have never traveled outside the USA. Most have not experienced the delicious cuisine of India. Prior to departure, a significant amount of preparation is devoted to the religions of India, history, art, architecture, social issues, etc. While in India, the students participate in a number of activities/assignments related to these topics.

What I've found somewhat difficult is providing them an exposure to Indian food in a way that they experience the variety and complexity of Indian cuisine and learn a little about it's ingredients and preparation. Usually, we have breakfast at our hotel, visit a restaurant for lunch and return to the hotel for dinner. Left to their own devices, the students generally select a "Safe Bet" at mealtime - chicken fried rice, fish and chips, maybe a chicken tikka for the adventurous.

Do you have any creative advice on how to provide a successful exposure to India food for newbies? By the way, a cooking class doesn't quite accomplish the purpose.

Thanks for any suggestions. I'm willing to communicate with restaurants in advance. Perhaps you know a "foodie" or chef in Delhi, Agra, Varanasi or Hyderabad who could join us for lunch and provide an "overview".

Bon Appetit!

It's something you could easily organize with some advanced planning. The Rambagh Palace use to have cooks preparing various Rajasthani dishes in traditional costume under the stars & in the courtyard grounds. This, imo, was as educational/authentic as it gets as far as food preparation goes - without going to a rural country village hoedown that is.

The fires burning, the spices laid out, the fresh air, the smoke, the aroma, and a direct view of the techniques and maneuvers of your food being prepared right in front of you.

Perhaps you could call the Rambagh F&B manager and ask for their thoughts on how best to organize something like they have done in the best - in one of your destination towns?

I thought there was a little India (the size of Rhode Island) in Texas; where you could get pretty good authentic Indian food in a sanitized and scrubbed setting ? I think its suburban HOU (I admit, I have avoided HOU even since they renamed the airport after a living human being )

What about before you leave? Is there a local Indian Association in your city? A local Indian restaurant (not the same as eating in India, but a good start).

Both Sanjeev Kapoor and Suvir Saran are excellent teachers. I know Suvir, who taught at NYU, and opened the first indian restaurant in US to get a Michelin Star rating. Both, are very humble and guapo !! Contact them through their websites.





[Five tequila...six]

Thanks for the input. Perhaps I should have clarified ... I live in the panhandle of Texas and there are NO Indian restaurants nearby. We are 600 miles/966 km from Houston! One or two restaurants have tried over the years, but none have succeeded. It's mostly Mexican Food (yum!) and Steak in my part of Texas. Keep the suggestions coming.

600 miles !!! That's as far as Yucatan peninsula from Nueva York When are you headed to IN ? Will you'll be flying out of HOU or DFW ? I know that in Dallas Area resides one of the most talented and insightful food author on Vegetarian cuisine of Kerala.

While in India, you could consider taking your students to a restaurant that serves buffet style, so they can choose "what looks good."