In India and among the Indian diaspora around the world, Diwali is one of the liveliest and most beloved holidays. People from many different religious and cultural backgrounds enjoy this festival of lights with great excitement and dedication. It symbolises the victory of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness, and good over evil. For many, Diwali is a time when family join together to celebrate and deepen their ties rather than merely a festival.
Yaatra, a London-based restaurant is hosting guests with a special, limited-edition Diwali menu throughout November, alongside two celebratory events: a special candlelit dinner on Diwali itself (Sunday, November 12th) and a Diwali Supper Club on Thursday, November 9th, hosted by executive chef Amit Bagyal.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Mr Bagyal discusses the importance of food around festivities and his exclusive menu.
How do you incorporate elements of the Diwali traditions into the ambience and presentation of your restaurant?
Diwali is a profoundly significant and special festival and to honour its essence, we're adorning our restaurant with an abundance of candles, symbolising the victory of good over evil. In catering to the diverse traditions of patrons, we've crafted a menu that reflects the varied culinary preferences during Diwali. Some cultures strictly adhere to vegetarian food, while others include meat in their celebrations. We've thoughtfully incorporated both options into our menu, recognising that Diwali is a deeply personal and cherished festival for each individual who observes it.
Can you elaborate on the supper club and one speciality from each course?
Our hosted dinners have had a successful run this year, and now I'm eager to host one that's deeply personal to me. This special dinner aims to offer an insight how my personal experiences of celebrating Diwali over the years have greatly influenced the menu.
The menu is more than just a collection of dishes; it's a reflection of the flavours and traditions that my family and I cherish during the festival. By joining our supper club, guests will have a unique opportunity to delve into the food that has inspired me and left an indelible mark on my culinary journey.
Each of our dishes is a reinterpretation of the traditional favourites that people prepare and enjoy at home during Diwali. We commence the culinary journey with Samosas or Pakoras, moving on to a delectable selection of kebabs and grilled specialities and end with a dessert which seamlessly weaves together various sweet elements, such as the laddu crumb, a delightful treat made from chickpea flour, fried to perfection, and combined with sugar to form delectable balls.
What role does food play during festive occasions? How does your restaurant highlight this culinary experience?
Stressing the significance of food in uniting families, especially during festive occasions, is incredibly important. Families engage in diverse preparations such as chaats, samosas, and paneer, each crafted in unique ways. Additionally, many families share Indian sweets known as mithai, made from a variety of ingredients like milk, sugar, nuts, and spices.
Presently, people are increasingly open-minded about experimenting with new culinary experiences, showing a genuine desire for authenticity. Keeping that in mind, our approach involves using traditional ingredients while infusing a modern or European twist. For instance, transforming a tikki into a croquette serves to help individuals grasp the essence of the food.
What do you see as the future of such cultural culinary events, and how do you envision them evolving and expanding in the UK dining scene?
London and the UK have undergone significant cultural evolution over the years. The increasing amalgamation of diverse cultures, along with a willingness to learn from one another, has paved the way for festivals like Diwali to become more accessible and open for broader cultural appreciation. It's a positive shift that extends beyond local communities, as we can expect to witness a growing celebration and recognition of festivals from various cultures and religions on a more prominent scale.
We eagerly explore and participate in the celebrations of others while also sharing the significance of our own. This exchange of traditions and knowledge not only enriches our understanding of one another but also fosters a more inclusive and culturally diverse society