On June 17, 2025, I had the privilege of hosting a one-day Anglo-Indian Cuisine Pop-Up at the Marriott Renaissance, Race Course Road, Bangalore. It was a delightful experience to curate a menu that showcased the rich flavors and fascinating history of Anglo-Indian cuisine, a unique blend of Indian and British culinary traditions. The event was not only about food but also about sharing the stories and evolution of this lesser-known cuisine, which I am passionate about preserving.
The menu featured a carefully selected array of dishes, spanning starters, soups, main courses, rice, accompaniments, and desserts. It included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, reflecting the diversity of Anglo-Indian home cooking and colonial influences. The guests thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the flavors, and I was thrilled to see their enthusiasm for this nostalgic culinary journey.
Here’s a glimpse of the menu that brought the essence of Anglo-Indian cuisine to life:
Soup
Colonial Mulligatawny Soup (Veg & Non-Veg): A robust, flavorful soup with a hint of mint, born in the 18th century Madras Presidency. This East-meets-West concoction, served with crostini, was the perfect start to the meal.
Starters
Non-Vegetarian:
Colonial Anglo-Indian Black Pepper Chicken Bites: Succulent boneless chicken infused with garlic and freshly ground black pepper, offering a bold yet balanced flavor.
Bengal Lancer’s Temperado Prawns: Fresh prawns cooked in a sweet-sharp, slightly spicy gravy, a legacy of army camp cooking from the colonial era.
Vegetarian:
Railway Vegetable Cutlets: Lightly spiced, crumb-fried mixed vegetable cutlets, evoking nostalgic memories of train journeys during the colonial period.
Crispy Cheesy Potato and Spinach Rissoles: Herb-seasoned potato and spinach rissoles with a gooey cheesy center, crispy on the outside and soft within.
Main Course
Non-Vegetarian:
Anglo-Indian Mutton Meatball Ball Curry (Mutton Kofta Curry): Tender mutton mince meatballs simmered in a mildly spiced coconut-based curry, fondly known as “Bad Word Curry” due to its cheeky colonial nickname. Paired with Anglo-Indian Saffron Coconut Rice and Devil Chutney.
Anglo-Indian Tangy Fish Curry: Fresh fish fillets cooked in a lightly spiced tomato, coconut, and tamarind gravy, a classic Anglo-Indian preparation.
Vegetarian:
Anglo-Indian Mixed Vegetable Brown Stew: A colonial favorite with earthy vegetables and whole spices, served with garlic bread for a soul-satisfying experience.
Anglo-Indian Aubergine and Potato Vindaloo: Baby aubergines and potatoes in a spicy, tangy vinegar sauce, a vegetarian twist on the Portuguese-influenced vindaloo.
Butter Cauliflower and Peppers: Cauliflower florets and colorful peppers sautéed in butter, seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs for a simple yet flavorful dish.
Rice Dish
Anglo-Indian Saffron Coconut Rice: A fragrant, golden-yellow rice cooked in coconut milk, saffron, and whole spices. This timeless dish pairs perfectly with the Mutton Meatball Curry and Devil Chutney.
Accompaniments
Devil Chutney Relish: A sweet-sour, slightly pungent relish with a vivid color, also known as “Hell’s Flame Chutney” or “Fiery Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Chutney.” A must-have with Anglo-Indian meals.
Onion, Tomato, Vinegar, Beetroot Salad: A refreshing salad of boiled beetroot, onion rings, tomatoes, and coriander in a sweet vinaigrette dressing.
Desserts
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Ice Cream: A comforting British classic with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, served with creamy ice cream.
Anglo-Indian Plantain and Apple Fritters with Vanilla Ice Cream: Golden-fried slices of ripe bananas and juicy apples coated in a vanilla-flavored batter, paired with vanilla ice cream for a sweet finale.
The event was a celebration of Anglo-Indian heritage, bringing together food lovers to savor dishes that have been passed down through generations. I shared insights into the cuisine’s colonial roots and its evolution in Anglo-Indian homes, highlighting my mission to keep this culinary legacy alive. The warm response from the guests made it a truly memorable day.
If you’re curious about Anglo-Indian cuisine or want to recreate these dishes at home, stay tuned for more recipes and stories from this vibrant culinary tradition!
Thank you, Marriott Renaissance, Bangalore, for hosting this special event!
