Foodie Talk with Naina Dsouza
#FoodBuzzz
Name – Naina Dsouza
Instagram handle - @the.hungry.woman
What is your favourite food memory from childhood?
My dad always used to buy me a Choco bar ice-cream during exams to
motivate me and that used to me my most anticipated item.
What’s your favourite comfort food?
When I think of comfort food, 3 P’s come to my mind. The Pulao, Papad and Pickle combination is
definitely my comfort food.
3 reasons why you consider yourself a Foodie?
1. Every
time, the food dishes are placed on the table, I just cannot eat it without capturing
a memory of my meal by taking a picture.
2. I enjoy tasting every dish I see,
including dishes on other tables.
3. Finally,
I strongly believe that food is something nobody can hate. I would
proudly proclaim that in saying “Food is
my Religion”.
Which are your three favourite cuisine? Why?
I have grown up eating Indian flavours, hence definitely that’s one of
my favourite. Also strong and tangy flavours attract me a lot so Indian style
Chinese and Italian food are my
favourites.
Do you have a favourite food ingredient?
Coriander and Curry leaves – they are the game and taste changers to the
entire dish which you make with love.
Which food ingredient do you loathe/think is
overrated?
Kesar for sure. Compared to the exorbitant pricing, the final outcome
is limited.
What’s the strangest dish you’ve ever tried?
I did have one strange modern Indian dish at one of the restaurant in
BKC. Unfortunately I cannot recollect the name. It was a combination of Meat and Jalebi.
What is your favourite fruit and vegetable? And
your favourite herb/spice?
I like Papaya and most of the vegetables. Red Chilli Powder and
Coriander Powder is something I cannot do without. I like to see vibrant,
colourful food.
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If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your
life, what would it be?
Homemade Khichdi /Dal Rice with Papad
and Pickle.
Have you ever travelled anywhere just/mainly for
the food?
In fact, whenever I travel, food is always on priority. I love capturing
food a lot and make my food memories everywhere I go.
What’s been your biggest kitchen splurge so far?
I don’t get time to cook often, so I’m never splurging in the kitchen. My
splurging happens mainly in the restaurants and I believe it’s good for the
economy too.
Do you indulge in food porn? Actively or passively?
What impresses you with food porn?
Very actively! I think visual stimulation is so very important. Many
people eat food mechanically without relishing it at all and I believe that’s
very bad. Food has so many colours and they stimulate so many senses, not only
satiate hunger.
What kind of oil do you use most of all?
I generally use only two basic types of oil at home - Rice Bran and Olive
Oil.
Which is the most over-rated food cuisine?
I would say, no cuisine is over-rated. It all depends on where you
belong, your travels, openness to experiment and develop your palette.
Any quirky food dishes combinations you have
invented or love feasting on?
I remember having a Corn Cob dish in recent times. This was a lovely
invention. I tried it at a restaurant at The Orb Mall.
Your take on:
Keto diets – Never
Intermittent fasting – I think it's effective but personally, I don't
believe in any kind of diets.
Fusion food cuisine – Good Play
Which superfoods have impressed you the most?
Quinoa as it’s very versatile and healthy too.
What are your favourites?
Indian street food – Pani Puri and Vada Pav
Indian dessert – Jalebi, Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla
Hidden gem restaurant of your city (and why)– Hearsch Bakery, their
burger and rolls are a must-try. I have been eating for the past 20 years evoke
a lot of nostalgia from my college days.
Over-rated Indian restaurant in your city (and why) – Let this be secret!!
The restaurant you keep going back to - Bayroute for sure! They never go
wrong.
How do you detox your body after an overdose of
eating out?
Generally I eat my dinner by 7 pm and if I have to detox, I avoid eating
dinner for a day and that definitely relaxes my stomach and helps me to
keep balance between weight and health.
Any health foods you swear by?
None really. I generally believe in eating absolutely everything in
moderate portion sizes.
Who’s your favourite celebrity chef?
Chef Ranveer Brar – I have attended his cooking session and he did
impress us with his unique creative dishes.
What’s your favourite food-related TV programme?
Highway on my plate – I really enjoy watching various
local eateries and restaurants.
What’s your favourite food magazine?
I am extremely lazy when it comes to reading and generally pick up
articles which have great food pics.
What’s your favourite food destination?
Last year, I was in Spain and certainly enjoyed their Sangria, Paella
and Churros the most. Spain gave me some fond memories so it has become my
favorite food destination for sure.
What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?
The pressure cooker as it saves time as well as energy. It’s my life
saver when I need something to be cooked really quickly.
