Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving and identity.”
American novelist Jonathan Safran Foer’s take on food succinctly establishes the relevance of diet in our lives. Over the years, gastronomic travel has risen in resonance among travellers all over the world, and food has become the leitmotif of tourism itineraries.
This edition of Travel + Leisure India & South Asia is a treat to all the gourmand vagabonds who seek the best eateries in the world. Embark on this culinary journey with our finely curated list of the world’s 10 most exclusive meals (p. 12).
When it comes to dining in the Big Apple, the one name that comes to mind instantly is Padma Lakshmi—cookbook author, TV personality, and ardent traveller. In our cover story (p. 86), Padma reveals a concise guide to eating your heart out in New York City (including the best food carts on the streets)—something she can calibrate well, thanks to her ever-evolving relationship with the culinary world and its stalwarts, including the late Chef Anthony Bourdain. Meanwhile in Paris, food critic and writer Rashmi Uday Singh dishes out the finest and newest places to eat at (p. 102). Closer home, novelist Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi plays the resident guide to Goa’s top 10 restaurants (p. 50). Which food issue would ever be complete without a glimpse into the kitchens of the finest chefs? Heston Blumenthal (p. 35), the first Indian woman to be awarded a Michelin-star, Garima Arora (p. 36), Sarah Todd
(p. 37), and Saransh Goila (p. 38) reveal what tickles their taste buds.
If there’s one destination that’s found an imperative spot on my bucket list, it is Estonia. Our photo feature (p. 40) tells you why. While I’m busy planning T+L India & SA’s next travel itinerary—from the elusive to the most eclectic destinations— you must watch this space for some exciting announcements in the coming months. Till then, keep exploring!