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Ashwin Rajagopalan - Food Wizard

Consultant Writer
I am the proverbial slashie - a Content architect, writer, speaker and cultural intelligence coach. School lunch boxes are usually the beginning of our culinary discoveries. That curiosity hasn’t waned. It’s only got stronger as I’ve explored culinary cultures, street food and fine dining restaurants in some of the world’s most remote corners. From fresh seafood in Hokkaido, Japan to Pub crawls in European beer capitals like Munich and Prague, I’ve discovered cultures and destinations through culinary motifs.

During my stint with NDTV Food, I've enjoyed sharing recipes, stories, international food trends and culinary discoveries from across the world, as well as deep diving into southern India's rich culinary heritage. I am equally passionate about writing on consumer tech and travel.
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Content by Ashwin Rajagopalan - Food Wizard

    • 9 Of The Best Spots For Sweet And Tasty Ice Cream In Chennai

      Most Chennaites will tell you that the city is the ice cream capital of India.

    • Cooking With Ayala Meen: Savour These Classic Mackerel Dishes From Tamil Nadu

      Indian mackerel is not only one of the most widely available fish varieties in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and across India, but it also cooks quickly and is relatively affordable.

    • From South India To Your Table: Discover Unique South Indian Snacks For Diwali Spread

      This Diwali, indulge yourself and your family with these unique and mouth-watering South Indian snacks.

    • Chettinad's Kalkandu Vadai Gives A Sweet Twist To South Indian Breakfast Staple (Recipe Inside)

      This unique twist to a vadai is made with powdered rock candy and sometimes served with rock candy for its unique textures and extra sugary appeal.

    • 10 Mouthwatering Local Breakfast Dishes In Chennai You Can't Miss

      Breakfast Dishes In Chennai: From crispy dosas to chicken curry to vada curry, there's more than one type of local Chennai breakfast.

    • Chennai's Best Cocktail Bars And Venues You Must Visit

      Many of the mixologists in Chennai are tapping into the region's strong culinary heritage and leaning on local ingredients to create unique beverage experiences.

    • 3 Anytime Coolers From South India that Do More Than Quenching Your Thirst

      While these South Indian drinks are perfect for summer, they are equally satisfying around the year when you need a refreshing beverage that also cools you down:

    • Stuffed Paniyaram Recipe: A Clever New Twist To Classic South Indian Snack

      Kuzhi paniyaram is one of the most popular street food dishes in many parts of South India

    • 15 Budget-Friendly Restaurants In Chennai Where You Can Eat More And Spend Less

      Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Chennai: From Andhra meals to Bengali food to platters from the North East, Chennai's pocket-friendly meals have something for everyone.

    • Onam 2024: 13 Best Places In Chennai To Enjoy A Traditional Onasadya

      Onam 2024: This year, Chennai offers a wide array of options that include talented home chefs who are collaborating with restaurants and hotels as well as established Kerala cuisine restaurants

    • Onam Sadya 2024: 7 Most Delicious Dishes To Look Out For In Sadya

      The Kerala Sadya (literally means banquet) is an elaborate meal with at least 20 different dishes. Find out more about it below.

    • A Food Trail Through Bhubaneshwar Exploring Authentic Flavours Of Odisha

      Theres a unique energy that permeates Bhubaneshwar, its vibrant and yet you dont get the hustle that you associate with most Indian cities.

    • Kannur Jail Biryani: A Popular Kerala Biryani Made By Inmates At Kannur Central Prison

      Under the 2010 'Food for Freedom' initiative by the Kerala government, the kitchens in prisons were modernised and the inmates were trained to cook basic food essentials that would then be sold to the general public.

    • Kalpasi: An Edible Lichen That's A Quintessential Ingredient In Chettinad Cuisine

      Kalpasi is essentially dried lichen that grows in the lower levels of Kodaikanal. It is used in several dishes in the Chettinad cuisine.

    • 6 New Cafes And Restaurants To Check Out In Chennai This Weekend

      Some of Chennai's new dining hotspots were inspired by such eureka moments during trips to destinations as diverse as Istanbul and London.

    • Malli Pongal Recipe: A Delicious Twist To A South Indian Breakfast Staple You Just Can't Resist

      Malli Pongal is a delicious twist on classic Pongal, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, a light snack, or a light dinner.

    • A Food Trail Through Coimbatore - What To Eat And Where

      Coimbatore is in the heart of the erstwhile Kongunad region in Tamil Nadus south-western belt (that includes regions like Coimbatore, Salem and Erode).

    • 15 Street Food Favourites You Can't Miss In Chennai

      From the frenetic streets of Triplicane and Mylapore to the beaches at Besant Nagar and the iconic Marina, each street food hub has its own story to tell.

    • Spot Idli - The Street-Style Spin On The Classic Idli Deserves A Spot In Your Heart

      It was in Coimbatore that I tried Spot Idli after my first brush with this dish in Hyderabad. This was a dish that originated on the streets of Hyderabad where it's also called Tawa Idli.

    • Dining Out In Chennai? Here Are 12 Restaurants Perfect For Family Bonding

      Looking for the perfect spot for Sunday brunch with the family? Check out these 10 Chennai restaurants that cater to kids and parents, alike.

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    Ashwin Rajagopalan - Food Wizard

    I am the proverbial slashie - a Content architect, writer, speaker and cultural intelligence coach. School lunch boxes are usually the beginning of our culinary discoveries. That curiosity hasn’t waned. It’s only got stronger as I’ve explored culinary cultures, street food and fine dining restaurants in some of the world’s most remote corners. From fresh seafood in Hokkaido, Japan to Pub crawls in European beer capitals like Munich and Prague, I’ve discovered cultures and destinations through culinary motifs.

    During my stint with NDTV Food, I've enjoyed sharing recipes, stories, international food trends and culinary discoveries from across the world, as well as deep diving into southern India's rich culinary heritage. I am equally passionate about writing on consumer tech and travel.