Episodes

  • The Legend of the Alphonso Mango

    The Legend of the Alphonso Mango

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 1
    Jun 27 2019

    The Legend of the Alphonso Mango-
    Vikram Doctor knows our collective passion for the mighty Alphonso (Hapus) mango. Tracing its lineage back to colonial times, Vikram tells us how this beloved variety of mango has witnessed key historic moments, such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s landmark meeting with US president John F. Kennedy and the Indo-US nuclear pact. But, he warns, our unrealistic demand for Alphonsos is pushing farmers to use excessive chemicals that could - literally - bring us a season of bitter fruit.

    Music - Chris Zabriskie and Josh Woodward
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    14 mins
  • Our Enduring Love Of Marie Biscuits

    Our Enduring Love Of Marie Biscuits

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 2
    Jun 27 2019
    Vikram Doctor on our passion for the Marie, the simplest of biscuits, that have stood the test of time and changing tastes. The democratic dunk of choice whether rich and powerful or poor and hungry, if you have a cup of tea, you'll be wanting a Marie. Also featuring a recipe for 'serradurra', a sublime dessert made from crushed Marie. (Music: Josh Woodward)
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    11 mins
  • How Amul Became The Taste Of India

    How Amul Became The Taste Of India

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 3
    Jun 27 2019
    We Indians love our butter, we really do. It makes everything better. But does ‘our’ butter taste different from butter around the world? Join Vikram Doctor on an utterly butterly delicious journey as he uncovers the very surprising reason behind the unique flavor of the taste of Amul, which is the “Taste of India”. (Music-Josh Woodward) *It has been brought to our attention by Amul that they do not add "diacetyl" to their butter (as mentioned in an earlier version of this podcast), it naturally occurs in cream. We have updated the podcast to reflect the same.
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    11 mins
  • Eggs In Indian Cooking: Cheap, Convenient And Controversial

    Eggs In Indian Cooking: Cheap, Convenient And Controversial

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 4
    Jun 27 2019
    Eggs are cheap, versatile and easy to cook. They offer nutrition at a very low cost, which should ideally make them omnipresent in Indian food, but there is a wide-ranging debate about whether they are fit for vegetarians. As the argument around eggs moves from the kitchen to classrooms (as some state governments oppose their inclusion in Mid Day meals at government schools) Vikram Doctor looks at this versatile and, to some, delicious component in Indian cooking. (Music - Josh Woodward)
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    12 mins
  • The Beloved Bombay Duck – A Fish That No One Loves

    The Beloved Bombay Duck – A Fish That No One Loves

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 5
    Jun 27 2019
    Few items of food inspire the sort of strong reactions that the smell of drying Bombay duck does. This dried fish, a staple for some, is often rejected from menus because of its reputation as a poor-man’s fish. Does the dried Bombay duck really deserve the reputation that literally makes people turn their noses up (and away)? Vikram Doctor speaks to writer/editor and chronicler of Mumbai history, Naresh Fernandes and the legendary chef Ananda Solomon to investigate. (Music - Josh Woodward and Mina Kava)
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    11 mins
  • Indian Muslim Food – Much More Than Kebabs And Biryani

    Indian Muslim Food – Much More Than Kebabs And Biryani

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 6
    Jun 27 2019
    For most Indians, Muslim food is synonymous with kebabs and biryani. And, while we love our Mughlai food, the sheer taste and variety of regional Muslim cuisine often remains unknown or underappreciated. Vikram Doctor takes us through a fascinating journey through Kutch, Konkan and further south to Tamil Nadu, with each stop revealing a rich new cuisine and culture. Music: Josh Woodward
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    11 mins
  • How The Banana Became An Industrial Product

    How The Banana Became An Industrial Product

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 7
    Jun 27 2019
    A versatile, cheap and nourishing fruit, the banana is essential to India. We are its largest producer and grow the maximum varieties, with variants such as rasthali from Tamil Nadu, nendran from Kerala and safedvelchi from Maharashta. However, Cavendish, a variant pushed by multinational behemoths, is using ‘scale’ to destroy the sales of other local varieties. Vikram Doctor investigates how the industrial production of bananas in the original Banana Republics may provide some answers. Music: Josh Woodward
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    13 mins
  • Is India Falling Out Of Love With Old Monk?

    Is India Falling Out Of Love With Old Monk?

     The Real Food Podcast, Episode 8
    Jun 27 2019
    In a pre-liberalised India, Old Monk was a natural choice for 20-somethings looking for a familiar taste. Mohan Meakin, the makers of this sweet, hard-hitting rum, achieved cult status for Old Monk, and that has helped this drink occupy a prime spot in popular culture (and our glasses). Vikram Doctor brings you the fascinating history of Old Monk and explains why counting on nostalgia cannot be its sole strategy for the 21st century. Music: Josh Woodward
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    13 mins