5 Course Journey Through India with Zouk: The North

Few cuisines in the world are as diverse as Indian with it’s geography, climate & tradition all playing a role in shaping the food.

This culinary adventure starts in the North with dishes from Pakistan, Kashmir, The Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Even across this one region the influences on cooking styles are varied with Afgani, Persian and Mughlai techniques being used.

The journey continues to the East & North East combining dishes from the Indian state of West Bengal, Bangladesh and the seven sister states where seafood and mustard and chilli are essential in every meal before heading South to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa. Our journey through India would not be complete without a stop in Mumbai, the street food capital of India, and the menu for the West features this renowned city along with dishes from Rajistan and Gujarat.

Each stop on this journey with Zouk includes a five course menu that has been created by restaurant owner Mudassar Amjad and his Head Chef Mongal Rowat. Mudassar explains the inspiration behind each menu and what to look out for at the first event…

“Many restaurants showcase dishes from just one region of the sub-continent but there is so much more to be discovered. If you take 3 dishes from Lahore, Bangladesh and Goa absolutely everything is different. They just cannot be compared. It’s exciting to be part of a dining experience that gives guests chance to see that for themselves.

We’re starting with the North because that is the region I know best. Growing up I loved going on holiday to Lahore as much for the food as the chance to see my relatives. Dishes like lamb nihari are so reminiscent of those trips for me. This menu is not just about spices, ingredients such as lime, plum, pomegranate and pulses are all important. I think people will really enjoy trying things like Nimbu Pani which is a really traditional, refreshing drink made from lemons and limes. We’re kicking off with this and a superb Lahori appetiser called Golgappa which is literally a flavour explosion in one tasty bite.”

LAMB NIHARI (LAHORE)