Chef Kunal Kapoor: “Exploring regional culinary options will gain popularity in 2022”

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

New Delhi, January 1 (IANSlife): As the pandemic enters its second year, the food industry has changed dramatically – a new cuisine emerging from home kitchens and take out restaurants has gained traction. Chef Kunal Kapoor believes that practicing food sustainability by growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables is something we should all be practicing to propel the food sustainability movement. Celebrity Chef talks exclusively to IANSlife about what to expect for the food industry in 2022:

Q: How do you contribute to sustainability?

Chef Kunal: My buying decisions are based on the taste and price of the food. It is important to note how the food is produced, packaged and consumed. I practice sustainability by reducing daily plastic and food waste use, eating locally grown vegetables, and eating seasonally. Since the pandemic, as people spend more time indoors, organic farming has grown in popularity. The most promising method of practicing food sustainability is to grow your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

Q: What are the food trends to watch in 2022?

Chef Kunal: The concept of cloud kitchens and take out has become very popular since the pandemic, as it gives you a selection of excellent food choices without the costs of service staff and restaurant rent; I believe it will continue to gain momentum. Practicing food sustainability, consuming healthy foods, exploring regional food options will gain more and more popularity.

Q: What about vegan food taking off in India?

Chef Kunal With changing lifestyles, people today have specific requirements for their daily diet and consumption of dairy products. Veganism is seen more as a way of life than a current trend in the food space. Through my cooking and recipes, I like to accommodate all kinds of audiences with different food preferences, which is why I have an ongoing list of vegan recipes for those who prefer to go vegan. Veganism is considered a sustainable and healthy way of life because it restricts meat, eggs, dairy, or any other animal product from your diet.

Q: What’s your favorite food to unwind after a long day?

Chef Kunal: I love good food. I love to try new dishes and am always curious about ingredients, experimenting with my evening snacks. I never get tired of cooking, so even after a long day at work, I always try to make a tasty dish that I can enjoy while watching my favorite TV show or reading a good book. If I’m looking for something quick to prepare, I go for my Saffola Masala Oats Classic Masala and cook it the way I like it.

Q: What new creations can we expect in 2022?

Chef Kunal: I always look inside to think about how I can change or what new things I can bring to the New Year. Things are constantly changing in the food world and I have to adapt to learn and stay relevant. 2022 will inaugurate new projects and businesses in and around food and nutrition. There are plenty of projects and we keep our fingers crossed that they will soon formalize.