Be A Patron
Be A Patron
HomeWorldQuintessential Indian
WorldHeadlinesTop News

Quintessential Indian

Special Correspondent
By Special Correspondent

As part of the ongoing India-Taiwan Relations series by TheNews21 — Indian chef and restaurateur Mayur Srivastava shares his never-ending zest for life and undying love for Indian food. Bridging the two democracies with noodle and naan, the once Delhi boy has now 10 restaurants under his belt. Championing food as the common denominator between Taiwan and India, he professes stronger cultural ties for richer diplomatic exchanges between the two nations

Excerpts of the interview:

TheNews21: From a humble start in a foreign land as a sous chef to becoming the famous Indian chef and restauranteur in Taiwan. Share with us your journey.

Mayur: It’s a journey of almost 12 years that continues to roll on the two wheels of hard work and passion. Not to forget the support from parents, friends, and most importantly the Taiwanese people and the Indian community in Taiwan. Having worked both in India and several foreign nations as a chef in an array of renowned hotels, I stepped on Taiwanese land in 2006-07 as an Indian chef in a five-star hotel. From there, I muscled courage to start a small eatery at night-market serving Indian curries, and bread – which was both new and unique to them. Today, with Taiwan’s love and support, I have formed the Mayur Indian Kitchen (MIK) chain which currently has 10 restaurants.

TheNews21: How different and difficult was establishing Indian tastebuds on Taiwanese tongues?

Mayur: It is always difficult to establish a new taste over people’s palates. I encountered the same when it came to serving Indian food to Taiwanese people, who had already developed a liking for Japanese and Indonesian cuisine. These cuisines were sweet, mostly made from potatoes, carrots, and processed curry powders. Thus, Indian food with its richness, spice, and flamboyance took time to develop on Taiwanese taste-buds. The key to success was the presentation of Indian food to Taiwanese people, and many people assisted me in achieving the same. Also, when I started cooking in Taiwan, there weren’t many authentic Indian food outlets

TheNews21: Share with us a positive and a negative experience with Indian food served to Taiwan locals.

Mayur: Taiwanese people are very receptive and welcoming. This was witnessed, when it came to Indian food. The most positive experience is the Taiwanese people opening their hearts and stomachs for the Indian food. Though it was new for their palates, they respected it and sincerely appreciated the cuisine, be it spicy or sweet. They developed a taste for it and now we see them advocating Indian food to everyone on the island and beyond. As for negatives – there are very few and they are basically about the natural preference of foods. Taiwanese people love to eat meat, thus catering them to Indian vegetable cuisines was a challenge. It was hard to make them accept lentils and legumes. We had to educate them, make them aware of the benefits of such foods as well. Another aspect is the import of foreign food products in Taiwan, which is very expensive. We were competing with locally available resources for cheap Chinese food and had to explain why Indian cuisines are a little expensive than Chinese

TheNews21: Did you customize at any point to adapt the Indian spicy cuisines to suit Taiwanese patrons.

Mayur: We customized but never compromised on flavors, the traditional methods of cooking, and quality. There was indeed a toning down of spice, heat, and oil – which was to suit the palates of Taiwanese nationals. Having never compromised on the quintessential Indian taste – we were able to gain fame and name.

TheNews21: How has the culinary and hospitality industry developed since you first-served your meal in Taiwan?

Mayur: The Taiwanese food culture has gone too far since 2006-07 with regard to Indian cuisine. When I first came to Taiwan there were only a handful of Indian chefs and Indian restaurants. Hardly any starred-hotel serving Indian cuisine. Now the scenarios have completely changed first due to the adaptability of Taiwanese people towards curries, strong flavors, and most importantly, spices. Then comes the support of local media to help understand and inform Taiwanese people about the advantages of spices in an Indian meal. Indian culture also plays a strong role in advocating the cuisine in Taiwan – be it Yoga, festivals, movies, Indian community. And most importantly, the Taiwanese administration for their support to Indian establishments in providing work permits to new immigrants.

Also Read: China’s Blueprint to enforce command on South China Sea

TheNews21: Describe Taiwanese cuisines and local food culture?

Mayur: Taiwanese cuisine is actually different from what we think about Chinese cuisines/. The Taiwanese food is basically influenced by several regional cuisines like Cantonese, Shanghai, Sichuan somewhat similar to the food culture in India. The Taiwanese have now become huge fans of vegetarian and especially Indian vegetarian dishes. There is also a growing attraction towards vegan food culture.

TheNews21: Street food is big in both countries – kindly explain the similarities and differences. What street food do you miss the most from India.

Mayur: Street food is very popular here, just like India. The convenience of getting street food is beyond compare. Deep-fried stuff, noodles, love for bread, buns, cheese, eggs, potato fritters, and other dishes are very similar in both nations. There are a few differences like pricing, hygiene standards, taxation on buying-selling food items.   ‘Night markets’ in Taiwan which we call ‘Bazaar’ in India are the most popular spots for getting street food. I continue to crave for Pav-Bhaji, Bhel-Poori, and tangy Chaats.

TheNews21: Can Taiwan still accommodate another Mayur from India hoping to make it big in Taiwan’s gastronomy industry?

Mayur: (Laughs) Absolutely, Taiwan is a democracy just like India. Its heart and gates are open for any skilled professional. Taiwan offers equal opportunities for everyone, I think there are ample opportunities waiting for many upcoming Indian students, entrepreneurs, chefs, and professionals who could be bigger and better than the Mayur of MIK. Taiwan with its local and Indian population has given me a lot more than I expected. I truly believe that anyone could come up here and start a business. The only thing she or he requires is hard work, passion, and a never-give-up attitude.

TheNews21: How can food thicken the relation between the two democracies?

Mayur: Since the dawn of mankind, food has been the element for bringing people together, forging bonds, and starting a conversation. It is the centerpiece of culture and societies. It is how neighbors welcome each other into their community and forge relations. Indian and Taiwanese are foodies with a big heart.

TheNews21: Where do you see yourself and where would you like to see India-Taiwan relations in the next three years?

Mayur:  I see myself as a bridge between the people of the two countries with having a bowl of curry and a bowl of noodle on each of the hands. I sincerely admire the simplicity, and humbleness of Taiwanese people. With sharp Indian brains muscled with Taiwanese spirit together, we can conquer this world. My kids with my Taiwanese wife are the living example of the fusion of India-Taiwan friendship (smiles).

Special Correspondent
Special Correspondent
Previous article
Cyclone ‘Nivar’: Pondy experiences moderate rain
Next article
Not afraid, says Sanjay Raut over ED raids on Shiv Sena MLA

RELATED ARTICLES

37 COMMENTS

  2. The outcomes from Oxymetholone are exceptional in phrases of measurement positive
    aspects, and water weight contributes to this – expect
    impressive fullness and volume and an general pumped look
    and feel. Anadrol is certainly one of few anabolic steroids where many medical research exist to information us in dosage ranges15.
    Regardless, I all the time suggest starting at a lower
    dose when utilizing a robust oral like Anadrol and working
    your means up when you can deal with the unwanted effects.
    Anadrol is a modified type of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT)9.

    There are several methods to mix these two, however I like Anadrol as a kickstart when using a medium to slower-acting
    testosterone. You can then choose to extend your testosterone
    use for as lengthy as desired, but I restrict mine to 12 weeks here.
    Anadrol is a very simple steroid to take and does not require the stress
    and pain of injecting like most different compounds.

    Regardless Of Anadrol being FDA-approved, it’s still one of the harshest steroids we
    have come across, based on our lipid profile exams.
    Furthermore, when Anadrol is taken in leisure settings,
    it is not assured to be actual oxymetholone because of
    the purchase of this steroid on the black market.
    If you’re predisposed to dropping your hair, steroids will accelerate this
    process. Alternatively, when you have strong hair genetics, steroids may not trigger you to go bald.

    This can result in a cycle of abuse that’s exhausting to
    interrupt, potentially opening the door to different substance abuse points.
    It’s like attempting to scratch an itch that solely will get worse
    the extra you scratch it. One of probably the most significant dangers
    is the potential for growing temper problems.
    Deca Durabolin can be significantly much less androgenic in comparability with Dianabol, which means girls
    are much less prone to experience virilization unwanted
    side effects on Deca in low doses in comparability with Dianabol.
    Deca Durabolin also has a significantly longer half-life than Dianabol (6-12 days vs.
    3-6 hours). Thus, we discover outcomes on Deca
    Durabolin are slower, therefore why longer cycles are utilized,
    giving nandrolone adequate time to construct up and peak
    in the bloodstream. Firstly, Dianabol causes noticeable water retention as a end result
    of aromatization. We see this cause a puffy
    and bloated look, which may appear like somebody has
    gained fat (when truly they haven’t). However, when these older bodybuilders resume lifting weights once more, they typically display distinguished muscularity
    (even without the presence of steroids).
    No weight training plus discontinuation of steroids can outcome in 50 lbs or extra
    of weight loss.
    Standard Dianabol doses will vary tremendously relying on expertise and particular
    person desires. Regardless Of web rumor and fantasy, a prime quality Dbol
    tablet will produce notable outcomes with as little as 15mg per day.
    Nonetheless, most will be far more satisfied with a 20-25mg per day
    dosing. Keep in mind, each time we increase the dose, this will increase the likelihood of negative unwanted aspect effects and makes them
    more difficult to manage.
    Anavar (oxandrolone) is a very popular anabolic steroid amongst women and men. Regardless Of its
    high market worth, it’s usually coveted due to its versatility.
    Also, cycles must be kept quick (6 weeks), and alcohol ought to be prevented
    for max hepatic protection.
    If you’re using steroids or considering it, stay knowledgeable and vigilant
    in regards to the potential emotional modifications.
    And if you finish up struggling with mood swings, depression, or some other emotional issues, don’t hesitate to succeed in out for help.

    Your psychological health is simply as essential as your bodily health – maybe even more so.
    Some customers might turn out to be psychologically depending
    on buy injectable steroids (Michel), chasing the feelings of confidence and
    power they supply.
    Bodybuilders not often take greater than one hundred mg of Anadrol per day,
    as that is thought of a high dose. Thus, this methodology has the potential to
    extend results but in addition the severity of unwanted effects.
    Curiously, many medicines will say on the field not to drink with grapefruit juice,
    as medications are clearly dosed based upon the CYP3A4 enzyme working as regular.
    We have had patients drink 250 ml of grapefruit juice every 12 hours, which stored CYP3A4 persistently deactivated throughout the day.
    Surprisingly, 200 ml of grapefruit juice elevated estradiol by 117% and progesterone by 125%
    24 hours after consumption (24). Anavar is a greater fat burner due to its stimulation of T3
    levels within the thyroid. Trenbolone does have the power to lift liver enzymes, as seen in our LFTs.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Must Read

spot_img

TheNews21 is India’s independent digital news and investigative platform founded by senior journalist Vivek Bhavsar. From our Mumbai newsroom, we expose corruption, analyse political power, track governance and public policy, and report on issues that directly impact citizens. Alongside investigations, we bring credible coverage of national politics, economy, foreign affairs, business, crime, and civic matters. Our journalism stands firmly on the principles of independence, accuracy, and public interest — No Fear, No Favour.

Quick Links

Popular Articles

Taiwan Seeks ‘Meaningful Dialogue’ With China

SC stays production warrant issued against comedian Munawar Faruqui in case lodged in UP for allegedly hurting religious sentiments

Facebook removes nearly 200 accounts linked to white supremacy groups

Plus 2 lecturers forum meets Principal Secretary Education over New Education policy and other issues

Maharashtra: 1 killed, 8 injured in clash between two groups in Akola; 26 people detained

Maharashtra: Man sets himself ablaze outside Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai

Ad