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The Story Behind Street Food Nomad: Kolkata

Follow me through Northern India as I share my videos, photos, recipes, and stories, giving you a glimpse into how I immerse myself in a culture to develop ideas. Whether it’s crafting a recipe, shaping a menu, planning an event, or creating a new restaurant concept—and in this case, my series Street Food Nomad: Kolkata—this is how it all comes together.

If you’ve missed an episode of Street Food Nomad: Kolkata, head over to SBS OnDemand to catch up. This series is a deeply personal exploration of Kolkata’s street food culture, where I uncover not just recipes but the stories and traditions that shape every dish.

From bustling laneways to aromatic food stalls, Kolkata offers a unique blend of culinary influences—Chinese, Mughal, French, and more—that I’ve always been drawn to. Each episode takes you into the heart of this vibrant city, where I connect with local cooks, discover their secrets, and take their inspiration back to my own kitchen. Whether it’s iconic coffee house bites or tucked-away alleyway treasures, these flavors carry the soul of a city rich in heritage and resilience.

WMTV: NORTHERN INDIA VIDEOS

When I step into the bustling streets of Kolkata or the serene hills of Nagaland, Majuli, and Ziro, I want to discover the food, but not without knowing the full story behind it. For me, every dish is a doorway into a culture, a way to understand the traditions, histories, and daily lives of the people who make it. From the chaotic charm of a street food stall to the quiet intimacy of a family kitchen, I immerse myself in their world. On my YouTube channel, WMTV, these episodes are about learning, connecting, and celebrating the rich tapestry of human experience through food.

KOLKATA

Kolkata’s street food scene is a feast for the senses, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Partnering with my friend Ramanuj from Calcutta Walks, we embarked on an incredible journey through the city’s bustling markets and iconic food spots. From savory snacks to sweet treats, every corner of Kolkata offered a new culinary adventure. This playlist captures the essence of Kolkata’s vibrant street food culture, showcasing the rich flavors and stories behind each dish. Join me as we explore the heart of this street food paradise.

NAGALAND, ZIRO & MAJULI

Traveling through Northern India has been a mesmerizing experience, filled with rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable flavors. In this playlist, we start with the tranquil beauty of Majuli Island, home to unique traditions and serene vistas. Then, we dive into the vibrant energy of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, exploring the music, dance, and incredible cuisine of the Naga people. Finally, we journey to the picturesque Ziro Valley, where lush greenery and local flavors create a truly enchanting adventure.

NORTHERN INDIA INSPIRED RECIPES

COMING SOON

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is my second passion, running just as deep as my love for cooking. When I’m not in the kitchen or conceptualizing restaurants, you’ll find me on the streets with my camera, chasing moments. Street photography and portraits are my way of freezing emotions, capturing the unspoken stories of a place and its people. Through my lens, I aim to document the essence of a culture—the same essence that inspires my recipes, menus, and restaurant concepts. Every photo becomes a piece of the puzzle that shapes who I am as a chef and a storyteller. Whether it’s the bustling markets of Kolkata or the quiet resilience in the eyes of a fisherman, these images reveal the layers behind the food and the ideas that end up on your plate.

LADAKH

In Ladakh’s Aryan Valley, villages like Dah and Hanu are home to the Brokpa community, often said to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. The monasteries here are equally fascinating, filled with intricate murals, ancient rituals, and a quiet rhythm of life that feels untouched by time. What I found in Ladakh was a deep connection between culture and food. From the Brokpa’s harvests to the simple but soulful meals in monastery kitchens, it’s a place that opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about ingredients, flavors, and traditions. This is where ideas for menus and concepts start to take shape.

DEHLI

Delhi, a city of layers—each revealing something extraordinary. From the bustling chaos of Chandni Chowk to the serene corridors of the Jama Masjid, inspiration is everywhere. The street food here is a reflection of the city’s history. I found flavors rooted in Mughal kitchens, refined over centuries. Paratha stuffed with spiced potatoes, smoky kebabs fresh off the grill, and creamy lassi served in clay cups—simple yet profound. These moments, these tastes, all find their way into my creations, shaping menus and ideas in ways only Delhi could inspire.

KOLKATA

Kolkata is a city of resilience and stories, where life spills out onto the bustling streets and into its iconic cabins—those charming, old-school eateries steeped in history. Here, food tells a tale of a vibrant melting pot, blending Bengali, Chinese, British, and Mughal influences into something uniquely Kolkata. From the tangy kick of puchkas to hearty kati rolls and the rich curries served in the cabins, the flavors reflect the city’s soul: bold, diverse, and unshaken. For me, Kolkata’s street food is more than a meal—it’s a culinary crossroads where tradition and innovation meet.

JOURNAL

SUSTAIN, SAVOR, EXPLORE
I may not be a writer, but storytelling runs through everything I do. Beyond words, I want to share moments, experiences, and the soul of the places I’ve been. Whether it’s through food, photography, or simply observing life as it happens, this journal is where those stories come together. Honesty, curiosity, and capturing the essence of a culture, a dish, or a fleeting moment—that’s where it all connects, and where I hope my words can add something meaningful.

HORNBILL FESTIVAL

Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It’s an explosion of culture, a gathering of traditions from tribes across the region, and a rare glimpse into a world few get to see up close. Walking through Kisama Heritage Village, I was struck by the sheer vibrancy of it all—the music, the dances, the crafts, and, of course, the food. For me, it was an invitation into the lives and stories of the Naga people. Each bite, each performance, each conversation felt like a piece of history unfolding. I left Nagaland with more than memories—I left with inspiration, the kind that shapes how I cook, how I create, and how I understand the world through food.

THE ANGAMI TRIBE

The Angami Tribe of Nagaland is a tapestry of tradition, resilience, and culinary heritage. Spending time with them felt like stepping into a living history book, where every ritual, every dish, every story is rooted in their connection to the land and their community. Walking through their villages, I found inspiration in the simplest of moments: the way they forage, the way they cook, and the way they honour their heritage through food. The flavours were bold yet humble, a reflection of the tribe’s deep respect for nature and the seasons. Experiences like this are a reminder of how food and culture intertwine, shaping the way I approach cooking and storytelling in my own journey.