Himanshi M Luharh

‘Foodie Porch Thoughts’

Being the predominant cook in our home, I am always on the lookout to create something different to tantalise our children’s taste buds; whilst providing the essential nutrients ideal for their growing bodies with visual appeal that fits within our weekly budget.

IMAGE: Himanshi Munshaw Luhar/Facebook

While watching CH7’s My Kitchen Rules as I cook, I have lifted my game by stepping out of our children’s dinner-time comfort zone (and mine), opting to prepare mains such as ‘Sous Vide Scotch Fillet with Glazed Carrots, Potato Purée and Mushroom Jus’ (thanks for the recipe Josh and Danielle) instead my mundane Wednesday meat and three vegetables for example.

Although the two program judges - Manu Feildel and Pete Evans are not guests at our dinner table (phew!), I am scoring high with our children by opting to introduce a variety of multicultural cuisines - at least twice a week.

Through researching various websites for ideas and new recipes, I stumbled across Melbourne’s Foodie Trails, where on foot, I can explore and taste authentic flavours, experience different cultures and learn more about regions of other countries such as India, Turkey and Africa – right here in Melbourne.

With Melbourne being considered to be Australia’s most culturally diverse city with our population made up of individuals from over 140 nations with traditional food eateries from Indian to Italian, Greek to Mexican, Turkish to Asian and everything in between, I couldn’t wait to book a personal 4 hour tour in Dandenong to experience ‘Little India’ located in Foster Street.

I joined founder and tour guide - Indian born Himanshi M Luhar who explained on her Foodie Porch that her cultural food tours are ideal for people like me, who are curious about different international foods but unsure of what to order when wanting to try new cuisine around Melbourne.

What inspired you to create Foodie Tours around Melbourne four years ago?

It began when I was thinking of interesting ways of showcasing our International Masala Trails tours. I wanted to offer people a glimpse of what the vastness of Indian cuisine is and the flavours that come together across the country. I started by inviting people to come and experience Indian food with me. Word quickly spread and that led to a demand for people wanting to bring friends along. It grew from there and became a business.

Why are you so passionate about food?

I come from a family who love food. My mother was always re-creating things we’d eat at restaurants at home when we were kids. My older sister, Rushina Ghildiyal is the author of a cook book titled “A pinch of this, a handful of that” and runs her own cook studio in Mumbai. My brother and I were the avid eaters and my younger sister took after my mum in the baking section. After moving to Melbourne 10 years ago I had to re-create my family meals myself. I started taking cooking seriously. Now I cook and teach people how to cook with my family’s passion for food.

Who enjoys Foodie Trails around Melbourne?

Foodie Trials are for ideal for anyone slightly adventurous and curious about international food. It’s a great way to learn about different cultures and cuisines in Melbourne and makes anyone more confident to try new flavours and traditional restaurants. We’ve even celebrated birthdays, reunions and ladies lunches as part of our tour service.

What suburbs around Melbourne do Foodie Trails explore?

We’re in ‘Little India’ located in Dandenong for our Indian Gourmet Masala Trail today. We also offer a similar Indian trail in Melbourne’s CBD. The African community and culture is based in Footscray and our Turkish trails are conducted along the streets of Brunswick.

How many tours do you conduct a year?

We run 4 tours per month and 2-3 cooking classes per month. This number is steadily growing which is pleasing, as Melburnians have a desire to experience new dishes and also learn how to prepare many international cuisines for family meals and their special occasions. We cater up to 12 people per tour.

So, what will we experience on the Masala Tour in Little India in Dandenong?

We will be walking through the streets that are similar to walking through a market in India. You will experience strong fragrances of fresh food, enjoy the background Bollywood music and see the beautifully made up windows dressed with Indian outfits and colourful hand embroidered fabrics and jewellery. Our aim is to transport guests to India by learning about the history of India, the types of traditional food and spices found in India’s different regions, enjoy an authentic morning tea with a history lesson, meet local members of Melbourne’s Indian community, visit grocery markets and learn to try on cultural clothing before experiencing a beautiful 3 course Indian lunch. All Foodie Trails are different but run to a similar format.

What typically happens at one of your cooking classes?

Our cooking classes are hands-on and plenty of fun. The cooking is done in a small group environment as it would be at home with everyone helping out. We prepare a 3 course meal and provide tips and tricks for understanding of how to achieve the authentic flavours of other cultures.

Who attends your overseas tours?

Our overseas tours are generally attended by all food lovers whom have a keen interest of travelling overseas to experience a unique cultural and local journey by being involved with community members, work on projects and attend events in places that are not generally promoted. Our international tours are not just sightseeing tours.

You will be hosting your ‘Enchanting India with Himanshi Luhar 12- day tour in January 2015. What will guests experience on this food tour and trail?

This is where I will be showing everyone “my” India - where I grew up, travelling through Delhi, AR Garah. I grew up in a boarding school in Rajasthan, so we will explore that way of life in depth before travelling to Mumbai, which is also known Bollywood Town. My uncle is a Bollywood film producer. Tour guests will really get to explore the nightlife and discover the interesting facets of the different faces of Mumbai, and for those travelling who are a little more adventurous; we’re added on a big fat Indian wedding at the end the trip.

The population of India is 1.2 billion people. Is the bride and groom any relation of your perhaps?

Yes, it’s my cousin’s wedding so I’ve got permission to invite a few people from my tour to experience a traditional Indian wedding and join in those celebrations. It will be an unforgettable experience.

What is your Porch Thought for the Day?

“My happy times started around a table with a bowl full of food.”