The aromatic spices of India will tantalise the senses as the Indian Food Festival on Sunday 6 July brings together culinary dishes that showcase the regional diversity of the country.
This is the third Indian Food Festival driven by Anjali Puri and she says it is still evolving each year as the local Indian community grows and looks for ways to connect with the wider community.
Food connects people and she says the Indian community is creating new food businesses which give locals an appreciation of the culinary diversity that exists around India, rather than just the northern curries usually enjoyed in New Zealand.
She is also on a mission to teach Kiwis more about Indian cuisine, especially the numerous spices that create those dishes.
Last year, she talked about the spices during a buffet meal inside the Saxton Oval Pavilion, but says it was challenging for people to hear.
This year, she is selling tickets for an interactive workshop with spices inside the pavilion, with the money used as a fundraiser, while outside will be the food carts with authentic home-cooked food from around India.
“Two of them are doing Indian street food and you need to try it!” It’s going to be a colourful event because, Anjali says, that’s part of Indian culture.
“People from the Indian community tend to dress up because that’s what we do when we’re attending a festival.
“This is our festival, so there’s a boost to dress up and it will be colourful! It’s not only about food though; it’s about people. It’s about removing barriers and it’s all about connecting with the wider community.”
As well as Indian food, this year’s festival will have stallholders selling Indonesian, Pakistani and Afghani creations.
The festival kicks off at the Saxton Oval Pavilion at 11am and runs until 4pm.
