Srinagar, Nov 16: Noted Australian MasterChef and culinary icon Sarah Todd is on her gastronomic journey to Kashmir to explore the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Todd, who has been celebrated globally for her unique fusion dishes and passion for diverse cuisines, delighted locals by preparing gadde pakora (fish fritters).
During her visit to Kashmir, Todd immersed herself in the local culture, engaging with traditional cooks and learning the secrets of Kashmiri flavors.
In one video of her food series, she prepared gadde pakora, a crispy and flavorful fish fritter, using freshly caught fish and traditional Kashmiri spices on the banks of Dal Lake.
In the video, she can be seen preparing the fish in a very traditional way by dipping a carp into a batter of corn flour, and spices and frying it in boiling oil. “It is fun to cook the local fish dish. It was equally enjoyable to serve it,” Todd can be seen saying in the video.
She has termed it a fun-filling experience. “Kashmir I am back and what way to kick off my trip? A quick cooking session and serving moinji gaadh/ fish pakodas with a vendor on the beautiful Dal Lake- talk about a warm welcome! The stall owner even handed me the reins to try my hand at selling, it was so much fun,” Todd posted on her Instagram.
Todd also praised the local delicacy and the preparations behind it. “These fish pakodas are next level – fresh, crispy, and perfectly spiced, made right there on the lake. The energy, the smiles, and the incredible flavors are everything I love about being here,” her post mentioned.
She also tried wazwan and for a change, Rista was her favorite. “I had to try Rista. I absolutely love it. I feel the true representation of the ingredients. The technique of making is so incredible,” she said.
The MasterChef star also tasted Jammu’s famed kaladi cheese kulcha, a stretchy and tangy local delicacy often served with crispy bread. She also savored Jammu’s famous Rajma Chawal, describing the delicacy as one of the best in India.
Todd rose to fame in MasterChef Australia. Known for her love for Indian food, she has previously popularized Goan and Punjabi dishes on international platforms.
