(seriously; we witness a whole street
dedicated to selling them), turmeric, black
pepper and spice – spice that tells your
tastebuds to stand up and pay attention.
My most memorable meals in India were
experienced at The Bangala in Karaikudi in
the Chettinad region. During our visit, this
humble homestay and restaurant was
named no.28 in Conde Nast Traveller India’s
Top Restaurant Awards. I religiously ate
breakfast, lunch and dinner there, fearing
that if I missed one meal, I would possibly
miss another amazing dish.
Finishing our tour of India down south
with a very full stomach, I realised I had
come to see the colour, experience the
cuisine and take pictures until I ran out of
memory cards for my camera, but I was
leaving with a far greater gift: that of
actually understanding humanity on a
much deeper level. Thank you India.
Our trip was put together by Fiona
Caulfield, who owns Love Travel India
and has written several books on its
different cities (lovetravelguides.com).delicious.com.au/recipes
For more fabulous food
inspired by our travels.@kirstenljenkins
CLOCKWISE: delicious.
style editor Kirsten
Jenkins; taking a bath
by the flower markets in
Kolkata; street signage
in Puducherry; cattle
herder in traditional
attire in Narlai; a room
at the Udai Bilas Palace
in Dungarpur; the onion
road market in Madurai.54 delicious.com.au