Popular Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor says cuisines sometimes are the cause of regional divides – so in an attempt to unite everyone, he wants to evolve a "Bharat ka masala" (India's spice).
"We take pride in our regional food... The food that we have grown up eating. But somehow, without realising it, we create regional divides through food," said Kapoor, whose New Year started on a high as he was named recipient of the Padma Shri, India’'s fourth-highest civilian honour.
"Maybe it is the right time to look at things that unite us... Probably by creating one spice powder which is India's spice – 'Bharat ka masala'... Something that can be enjoyed by a Gujarati or a Bengali or a Punjabi," Kapoor said.
Kapoor, who was the chef flown to Abu Dhabi to specially prepare a vegetarian meal for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2015, believes it is time to start thinking about how food can bring people together.
And he is succeeding to an extent, at least on social media, as foodies of all varieties are united by his Twitter account.
With over a million followers on the micro-blogging site, the chef tempts them with recipes.
Kapoor feels happy that a lot of Indian chefs are being recognised for their work in the country. But does he feel threatened by their popularity?
"No. I always consider that making anything is better (as there will be more variety)," said the chef, who recently revealed the goodness of basmati rice along with the US-based chef Joseph 'JJ' Johnson. – IANS