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.