Taste of India with Monisha Bharadwaj

Introduction

Few places in the world capture the spirit of a country through its cuisine quite like India, and few cities do it better than Mumbai. Vibrant, fast-paced and endlessly diverse, the city is a feast for the senses, where street-side snacks, fragrant spice markets and elegant dining all tell part of India’s culinary story.

On our Taste of India itinerary with celebrated chef, food historian and author Monisha Bharadwaj, foodies will experience this rich culture first-hand, guided by someone who knows the city intimately. Born and raised in Mumbai, Monisha brings unparalleled insight into the flavours, traditions and stories behind India’s most iconic dishes.

Ahead of this special small-group trip exclusively with Far and Wild Travel, we spoke to Monisha about her love for Mumbai, the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine, and what guests can expect from this immersive culinary adventure…

You were born and raised in Mumbai – what makes the city such an exciting destination for food lovers?

Mumbai is a melting pot of cuisines and cultures – it’s a city where you can experience all the cuisines of India within a few square miles. Mumbai is where people from all around the country have come to work and live so it’s easy to find authentic regional food.

What inspired you to host this “Taste of India” trip with us, and what can travellers expect from the experience?

I love taking my guests back to my birth city as I know it so well. It’s famous for its food culture and restaurants but it also has spice and fresh produce markets, a unique lunchbox delivery system and endless history that’s entwined with the cuisine.

Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse. How does Mumbai reflect the wider culinary story of India?

For centuries, people from all over India have come to Mumbai to work and live. After all, Mumbai is the commercial capital, the entertainment capital, as well as the trading capital of India. All these communities brought their unique cuisines to the city and made it the vibrant, food-loving place that it is.

This trip includes everything from street food and spice markets to elegant restaurant dining. Why was it important for you to include such a range of experiences?

I want to give my guests a feel for Mumbai beyond the obvious tourist experience. Going with me means that we discover the many layers of Indian culture through the food and history. I’d like my guests to be curious about how diverse Indian food is and how different from anything they may have experienced outside of India.

Many travellers think they know Indian food from what they’ve eaten at home. What surprises do you think guests will discover when tasting dishes in India itself?

It always comes as a surprise to my guests that Indian food in India is not all spicy and hot! Rather, it’s nuanced and subtle, full of flavour and balance. Spices are used to enhance and not overwhelm.

You’re known as a chef, food historian and author. How does your background shape the way you guide guests through India’s culinary traditions?

Everything in India has a story. When we visit temples, I explain the history of vegetarian food in India. We visit markets to learn about new ingredients (and try some of these as well!) and see how fresh spices are blended into various masalas. At Elephanta, my guests learn about ancient India, it’s art and sculpture and the roots that the country is built on.

Beyond the food, the itinerary includes cultural visits such as temples, markets and the Elephanta Caves. How do these experiences deepen people’s understanding of Indian cuisine and culture?

I like to say that my guests can ask me anything – I love curious guests and love to explain deeper about the food and history. I enjoy putting things in context and love to give people a perspective both through an Indian lens as well as a Western one. This makes it easier for guests to understand the reasons for why things are done a certain way in India.

For someone considering this holiday, what would a typical day on the trip look like?

It’ll involve lots of eating for sure! We start with a hearty breakfast at our 5 star hotel, then we may explore the city and its markets, chat with vendors, try a few new foods, learn about the buildings and monuments, have a little rest in the afternoon and then go to the beach to learn about Mumbai’s famous street foods. Later, we could enjoy a specially curated street food feast at one of the city’s best-known restaurants.

The trip is limited to a small group. How does that make the experience more special for guests travelling with you?

I feel that having a small number of guests allows us to sit around a table and chat, making the group experience more personal and intimate. Everyone has access to me, whether to listen to me talking about the history of a dish they are enjoying or to ask questions.

If someone could only take away one lasting memory or insight from this trip, what would you hope it would be?

I would hope that guests take away the warmth and generosity of the people of Mumbai from this trip. You will find everyone smiling, willing to share and being welcoming and kind.

From bustling markets and historic temples to unforgettable meals shared around the table, this gastronomic adventure offers far more than a typical food tour – it’s an invitation to experience Mumbai through the eyes of one of India’s most respected culinary experts. With Monisha Bharadwaj as your guide, our Taste of India trip reveals the stories, traditions and generosity that sit behind every dish. If you’ve ever wanted to discover the real flavours of India (beyond what you may have tasted at home), this is a rare opportunity to do so in the company of a true insider.

Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate, so if this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to hear from you. Enquire with our India expert today to secure your place on this Taste of India trip.