It’s Foodie Files time again and this month I am chatting to the delightful Dhanya, aka The Spice Adventuress! I’ve been following her blog since I met her at an event a few years back and it never fails to leave me feeling hungry and inspired. Her photos are gorgeous and the food always sounds so enticing! If you’re not already following her I highly recommend you start now!
Do you have a philosophy towards food?
I do have a few food philosophies that I hold on to very strongly, the most important being ‘cooking from scratch’. I think the biggest problem we face these days is our unnecessary dependence on processed and packaged food. Time is often showcased as an enemy and every marketing campaign wants to thrust a packaged food at us saying that we have no time to cook. It does not have to be elaborate meals everyday but cooking fresh from seasonal ingredients grown locally is the best and only route to good health.
The other food philosophy I believe in strongly is the fact that food can be a great medium to bridge differences be it cultural, racial or geographical. Sitting down to a shared meal is one of the best ways to open our hearts and embrace the differences.
What’s your favourite food memory?
That would be a hard one to answer; I have so many fond memories when it comes to food. But a priceless experience would be learning to cook from my dad. He is not at all into cooking and was forced to learn a few dishes from my mom while living alone in Dubai. I was visiting him during my long school holidays and he taught me those dishes that he had learnt; precisely three dishes. It was hilarious and a rather experimentative time in the kitchen…
Do you have a go-to food of choice?
Not really; I have quite a versatile palate and enjoy all kinds of foods, cuisines and flavours but Middle Eastern cuisine is the closest to my heart.
What’s your favourite meal of the day?
Dinner! That’s the only time when the whole family is present for a sit down meal. Since I work from home most of the days, I wait so eagerly for dinner time to be able to spend time with my hubby and son chatting away to each other about our day and of course, good food on the table always helps the conversation.
What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten (and would you eat it again?!)
Frog’s legs! At that time I thought it was really strange but later realised that it is quite common in many countries especially the Asian subcontinent. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to have it again.
If you were showing a visitor around town for a weekend where would be your must-eat destinations?
Now living in Melbourne, where would I start? There are so many options that choosing a few would be terribly difficult. But I would definitely like to take my guests to the local Afghan cuisine restaurants in Dandenong, especially Al Rahimi and Pamir. Spectacular dining establishments to experience a taste of Afghan cuisine and hospitality.
Where can people follow your food (and other!) adventures?
My blog of course ‘The Spice Adventuress’ which I refer to as my creative space. But I am also present on many social media platforms especially Facebook and Instagram (which I love the most!)
Blog: https://thespiceadventuress.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/thespiceadventuress
Instagram: instagram.com/the_spice_adventuress
I hope you enjoyed my chat with Dhanya, hop on over and check out The Spice Adventuress today!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Dhanya Samuel
February 4, 2017 at 2:55 pm (8 years ago)Thanks again Liz; truly a wonderful opportunity for me.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
February 24, 2017 at 6:57 pm (8 years ago)It was lovely to have you as part of the series!
merilyn
February 5, 2017 at 3:27 pm (8 years ago)thanks liz and dhanya!
I love middle eastern food too!
deliciousness!
much love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
February 24, 2017 at 6:58 pm (8 years ago)Isn’t Dhanya fantastic!