Exploring Delhi Food Walks' innovative Kasol-Manali series, led by Anubhav Sapra, takes us from marijuana-themed cafes to traditional siddu dining spots.
In a new adventure, food enthusiast Anubhav Sapra embarks on a six-day journey through the picturesque hill stations of Kasol and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, seeking an authentic Himachali dham at Kailasha - The Himalayan Village. The travelogue, documented in Sapra's signature style, is the latest addition to his archive of regional food cultures.
The journey from Delhi to Kasol, known for its challenging roads and heavy traffic, takes 15 hours. However, the destination proves worth the wait as Sapra and his team explore the vibrant fusion of Israeli and Mediterranean flavors that have significantly influenced the culinary culture of these hill stations.
Kasol, often referred to as "Mini Israel" due to the substantial presence of Israeli tourists and residents, offers a unique blend of flavors. Cafés like Evergreen and German Bakery serve shakshuka and hummus alongside traditional Indian dishes like aloo paratha and thukpa, reflecting a seamless integration rather than a divided cuisine culture. This fusion is not just about catering to tourists but has become the new baseline for local dining, with both Indian and Israeli patrons sharing the space and enjoying these flavors together.
Innovative fusion dishes, such as the "Himalayan Hummus," combining traditional Israeli hummus with Himalayan elements, showcase a creative intersection of cultures. Similarly, in Manali, the impact is visible with Mediterranean influences adding diversity beyond the usual Indian hill cuisine.
Joining Sapra on this exploration is local entrepreneur Khushboo Barry. Filming the series comes with its own challenges, including unpredictable monsoon weather, grueling traffic, and rough terrain. Despite these obstacles, the first episode of the series, 'Kasol Food Walk,' is now available on his YouTube channel Delhi Food Walks.
The episode features conversations with café owners and meals at places like Evergreen Café, Offlimits, and a German bakery in Kasol. Sapra spends time with the people behind the food, focusing on their stories and the culture and history of food. One of the most memorable meals of the trip was at Kalzang Dhaba, where Sapra was served local rice beer, vegetarian momo, siddu, local rajma, red rice, and a hearty curry with ghee and chutney.
After delving into the street food of various parts of Delhi, Sapra plans to focus more on cafes and restaurants in the city. Despite the success and growth of his food walks, Sapra remains candid about the need for depth over virality in an age dominated by quick consumption and fleeting trends. With his sights set on Mizoram and Andhra Pradesh, Sapra continues to explore the rich and diverse food cultures of India.
[1] Times of India. (2020, August 16). Israeli and Mediterranean flavors dominate Kasol and Manali food scene. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/israeli-and-mediterranean-flavors-dominate-kasol-and-manali-food-scene/articleshow/78162061.cms
[3] The Better India. (2019, August 13). 7 Must-Try Foods in Kasol, Manali's Mini Israel. Retrieved from https://www.thebetterindia.com/158286/7-must-try-foods-in-kasol-manali-mini-israel/
[5] India Today. (2019, August 28). Himalayan Hummus: How a local twist is giving Israeli dish a unique taste in Himachal Pradesh. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/food/news/story/himalayan-hummus-how-a-local-twist-is-giving-israeli-dish-a-unique-taste-in-himachal-pradesh-1586820-2019-08-28
- Anubhav Sapra's latest travelogue, set in the hill stations of Kasol and Manali, showcases the integration of Israeli and Mediterranean flavors into the local food-and-drink culture, as evidenced by cafes like Evergreen and German Bakery, offering a fusion of shakshuka, hummus, and traditional Indian dishes.
- Innovative fusion dishes, such as the "Himalayan Hummus," can be found in both Kasol and Manali, reflecting a creative intersection of cultures that has become the new baseline for local dining, as both Indian and Israeli patrons enjoy these flavors together.
- Filmed despite the challenges of unpredictable weather, heavy traffic, and rough terrain, Sapra's new YouTube series, 'Kasol Food Walk,' features meals at cafes like Evergreen Café, Offlimits, and German bakeries, and conversations with café owners about the culture and history of food in Kasol.
