On the occasion of the 13-day Riyadh Food Festival being held in Riyadh City until Jan. 28, 2013, under the sponsorship of the Saudi Commission of Tourism & Antiquities, Makarim Riyadh Hotel will be conducting an Indian food Festival during that time to bring the authentic flavors of India. The variety of the Indian cuisine varies from province to province. For example, south Indian cuisine is using banana leaves as plates, where rice is served in the center, followed by various curries and accompaniments around it. These include dried fish, pappadams (lentil wafers), fresh chutneys made from herbs, coconut and citrus fruit among others. Traditionally spices are freshly ground each day. This is the basis of Indian cuisine. The fact that a Masalchi (spice grinder) spends most of his day grinding or pounding herbs and exotic spices on a stone block and his chef take the rest of the day to get a dish pluperfect, is what Indian cooking is all about. The magic of Indian cooking is in the right blending of spices. It is important, therefore, to know which spice is ideally suited to a particular food. For example, Kalonji or black onion seeds are a must with Nan, Mace goes well with lamb, and seafood cannot be prepared without Ajwain. Curry leaves are an essential ingredient in Southern cooking and pickles are not pickles without Rai (mustard seeds). Also certain herbs and spices can only be used during a particular season. For example, mace is taboo in summer (it can lead to a nose bleed) where as poppy seeds can really cool things during the same months. Indian chefs have journeyed through the fabulous food industry known for their gastronomic history and authenticity of recipes, to find the inspiration for the festival. Guests will enjoy watching the live cooking and observe the technique of utilizing each spice in its right quantity. The festival will reveal also the culture and one of the oldest civilizations of India – the Indian decor in the hotel lobby and in the hotel, restaurant which will let you feel that you are really having a meal in the “Incredible India”. — SG
