From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
India is known as a land of contrasts, beautiful buildings and millions of people.
Did you know it is also a country of many firsts? Many objects and concepts originated in India, from the game of chess to being the first country to mine diamonds.
Wireless communication is another, which thanks to Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose revolutionised the way we communicate by enabling us to transmit data quickly over a distance without electrical wires and cables.
On Thursday, August 15, Indians in this country and across the globe celebrate Indian Independence Day and this week we take an in-depth look into Indian cuisine and culture along with putting the spotlight on the second week of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Breaking makes its debut with two Aussies competing.
Leading the Australian charge in this new sport – more commonly known as breakdancing – are B-Boy Jeff ‘J Attack’ Dunne and Dr Rachael Gunn aka B-Girl Raygun, who will compete against 30 other male and female athletes when the action starts on August 9-10.
Marie-Antoinette Issa delves into India’s best street food with tastes as vibrant and diverse as the nation’s traditions – think chaats, vada pav and biryani to tempt the taste buds along with some you probably have never heard of or tried! Mai also dishes up a comprehensive guide to Indian regional cuisine – there’s so much more to the Land of Spices beyond basic curries - on a cross-country culinary tour.
A mother’s love led to the kitchen for Newmarket Room Executive Chef, Manoj Kumar Jangra whose cooking dream was invigorated at an early age creating hearty meals for his mother to enjoy when she returned from a hard day’s work.
Born in New Delhi, he was just 12 years old when his father passed away, Manoj’s Mum continued working without any domestic help – a challenge with four very active and intelligent children to raise by herself.
"The joy she felt from this made me realise how the core of a person can be touched through simple, fresh and nourishing meals,” he tells AGFG, as well as sharing his recipe for duck breast, pumpkin mousse, roasted beetroot and rosella jus.
Plus we have a three-course Indian meal you can make with your eyes wide chaat…along with a guide to knowing your Indian spices and where to find the best curry, papadums and naan in town. Namaste!
