The Bombay Bazaar and the Mediterranean Food Company in Christchurch provided a unique opportunity for members of the broader communities to explore the cuisines of India and the Mediterranean through a well-attended interactive event.
‘India meets the Mediterranean’ event was recently held at Tuam Street and featured live cooking demonstrations, store tours, food and wine tastings, and performances by local artists.
Visitors also got to learn more about ingredients offered at Bombay Bazaar and The Mediterranean Store. Bombay Bazaar is one of the most popular Indian supermarkets in Christchurch, while the Mediterranean Food Company is Christchurch’s largest Italian speciality store, and it also offers an authentic Tuscan Deli experience. Both the stores are neighbours catering to a diverse community and joined hands to organise this community event to celebrate their shared love for food and culture.
The event's highlights were live cooking demonstrations by talented local chefs, who remain closely connected to their cultural heritage through their love of food. These chefs shared their expertise and enthusiasm for cooking with the audience.
Radhika Naidu of The Curry Club and Mehul Ganjawalla, Executive Chef at Oceania Health Group in Christchurch, were the chefs representing The Curry Club and showed guests how to cook up some delicious Indian delicacies. Both did an incredible job of multitasking, whipping up their fabulous dishes while taking the crowd through a culinary journey and explaining the nuances of Indian cooking.
Cooking demonstration by Radhika Naidu
The event had something for everyone, with free store tours for those interested in learning about the unique ingredients offered at the Indian and Mediterranean stores and how to use them in day-to-day meals.
Food stall by Mumbai Local
Free food tastings were also organised at both the stores, besides a selection of food trucks and food stalls offering a range of delicacies from Arancini and lemon zest custard croissants to ‘dahi bhalla’ and ‘vada pav’.
Market stalls selling traditional Indian clothing, jewellery and henna among other wares by Beautiful Thoughts & Ethnic Couture beautifully showcased Indian culture. Local artists provided live music.
Nearly 1,500 visitors attended the event and left with a new appreciation for the diverse cuisines and cultures showcased. A giveaway contest was held with a chance to win a hamper of Indian goodies from Bombay Bazaar and a large tray of authentic Italian Tiramisu from the Mediterranean Food Company.
Umesh Lathia of Bombay Bazaar said, “The idea of the event came from our customers who love to shop with us but wanted more information about the ingredients and the nuances of Indian cooking. Along with the Mediterranean Food Company, we thought of realising this idea on a bigger scale. It was heartening to see so many people come together and learn about the Indian and Mediterranean cultures.”