Kaapi Konversations & Anglo-Indian Cuisine with Bridget White Kumar

An exciting edition of Kaapi and Konversations was held on Sunday, May 17th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Grand Mercure, Koramangala, Bangalore, organised by the 3rd Block Koramangala Residents Association Book Club.

In the words of the organisers: "Our speaker is Bridget White Kumar — a celebrated authority on Anglo-Indian cuisine, with several books to her credit. She will take us through the history, trivia, traditions, and secrets of Anglo-Indian life and food. Come join us for what promises to be an enriching and delightful evening!"

It was an amazing experience. There were 45 guests who listened in rapt attention. The program was animated by Mr. Ashish Patel. He asked me questions beginning with who Anglo-Indians were and how we are different from other communities in regard to food, culture and traditions, and about my life as a young Anglo-Indian child growing up in the gold mining town of Kolar Gold Fields.

I highlighted the history and evolution of Anglo-Indian Cuisine and the two streams that emerged during the time of the British Raj. I spoke about the old Colonial dishes and the popular dishes prepared in every Anglo-Indian home.

I also spoke about Kolar Gold Fields, my hometown, and my life growing up there. I focused on the period between the 1950s and 1970s — the era of old colonial India giving way to the new emerging independent India — and highlighted the life of the miners and their descendants.

The last part of the session was thrown open to the guests, who asked many questions and shared nostalgic memories of their interactions with members of the Anglo-Indian community in Bangalore and elsewhere.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening of Coffee and Conversation at Grand Mercure, Koramangala, Bangalore.