Anita Chaudhuri, a seasoned food and travel writer, reflects on her globe-trotting adventures and reveals her favourite city for dining

Anita Chaudhuri’s career has been a testament to the adage that food is a universal language. From her early days as an internal auditor at BT, where business travels allowed her to explore culinary delights across cities like Atlanta, Amsterdam, New Delhi, and Leeds, to her transition into a full-time food, drink, and travel writer in 2004, Chaudhuri has amassed a wealth of gastronomic experiences. Over two decades, she has sampled the finest cuisines in more than 100 cities worldwide, chronicling her adventures in newspapers and magazines.

Chaudhuri reminisces about Paris, where dining beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower at L’Oiseau Blanc in The Peninsula Hotel was nothing short of magical. The juxtaposition of the illuminated landmark with sculptural chocolate desserts epitomized the city’s haute cuisine charm. In San Sebastian, Spain, she embraced the lively tradition of pintxo bars, where locals and food enthusiasts alike gather to sample delicacies like brochette de gambas and experience dining as a communal event.

A whirlwind gastronomic tour awaited Chaudhuri in Lima, Peru, where she dove into the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From tasting fried guinea pig and multiple variations of ceviche to sipping pisco sours at the historic Huaca Pucllana, nestled within a fifth-century adobe-and-clay pyramid, each meal was a testament to Lima’s rich culinary heritage. At Malabar and El Mercado, she indulged in innovative dishes like giant Amazonian sea snail and wood-grilled octopus, each leaving an indelible mark on her palate.

Chaudhuri’s culinary odyssey extended to Berlin’s Ernst, where a marathon 39-course meal challenged her taste buds with dishes like charcoal-grilled spring onions and Mangalitsa pork fat doughnuts. In California, the 21-course extravaganza at Manresa showcased the intricacy of modern dining with dishes such as confit of suckling pig and braised shoulder.

While each city offered its own unique flavours and dining experiences, Chaudhuri’s fondest memories reside closer to home in London. Reflecting on her first transformative dining experience at Le Pont de la Tour, she recalls how the combination of impeccable service, elegant design, and delectable food opened her eyes to London’s evolving culinary landscape. Today, London continues to captivate her with its dynamic dining scene, where new restaurants like Josephine Bouchon in Fulham and Kolae in Borough Market redefine culinary excellence with their diverse offerings.

Analysis:

Political Perspective: The global culinary journey described by Chaudhuri reflects broader cultural exchanges facilitated by globalization. It underscores how food diplomacy can bridge cultural gaps and promote international understanding through shared gastronomic experiences.

Social Perspective: Chaudhuri’s experiences highlight the social aspect of dining as a communal activity that transcends borders. The popularity of pintxo bars in San Sebastian and Lima’s bustling restaurant scene illustrates how food serves as a social catalyst, bringing people together to celebrate local flavours and traditions.

Racial Perspective: While not explicitly racial, Chaudhuri’s exploration of diverse cuisines in cities like Bangkok, Lucknow, and Buffalo sheds light on how food can embody cultural identity and heritage. These culinary experiences underscore the importance of preserving and celebrating culinary diversity in a globalized world.

Gender Perspective: Chaudhuri’s career as a prominent food and travel writer challenges traditional gender roles in the culinary world. Her journey demonstrates how women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields like food journalism, influencing perceptions of gastronomy and travel through their unique perspectives.

Economic Perspective: The proliferation of fine dining establishments and the rapid turnover of restaurants in London reflect the city’s vibrant economy. Chaudhuri’s observations highlight how culinary innovation and consumer demand contribute to London’s reputation as a global epicentre for dining, attracting both local patrons and international visitors.