Book Review: ‘An Invitation to Feast’ by Sona Bahadur

Book Title: An Invitation to Feast: A Deep Dive into India’s Culinary Treasures
Author: Sona Bahadur
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-9365236538
Date Published: Jun. 10, 2025
Price: INR 617

Book Review

Sona Bahadur’s “An Invitation to Feast” is a vivid and delectable journey through the culinary heritage of India, seen through the lens of its most beloved dishes. Sparked by a moment of professional uncertainty after the closure of a food magazine, Bahadur dives deep into the vibrant world of Indian cuisine, fueled by both curiosity and a growing global appetite for regional Indian flavors. What begins as a personal quest soon transforms into a sweeping exploration of how food becomes a mirror of culture, history, and identity. From dosai in Tamil kitchens to biryani in bustling eateries, Bahadur brings each dish alive with anecdotes, insights, and the nuanced flavors of its origins.

As Bahadur travels across India, she immerses herself in kitchens both grand and humble, listening to the stories of chefs, home cooks, and food artisans whose lives are woven into the recipes they preserve. Each interaction reveals a layer of complexity in Indian cooking—from the finesse of spice blends to the regional techniques that elevate everyday dishes into expressions of artistry. The book pushes back against reductive views of Indian cuisine, instead celebrating its diversity and intricacy. Bahadur’s narrative doesn’t just document tastes and textures—it amplifies voices, challenges stereotypes, and argues for Indian food to be globally acknowledged for its sophistication and depth.

Among the most compelling sections is her exploration of biryani’s many avatars. She visits Kolkata, where Manzilat Fatima revives the legacy of Awadhi biryani with delicate aromas and the debated presence of potatoes. In Ambur, she discovers a pared-down yet profound version, while in Dindigul, she tastes a robust blend of bold spices. Each region offers a unique interpretation of the dish, influenced by trade, migration, and local produce. Whether it’s the Arabic-tinged Thalassery biryani or the tech-savvy rise of dark kitchens, Bahadur captures biryani not just as a meal, but as a canvas for innovation, nostalgia, and regional pride.

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Equally evocative is her deep dive into dosai and its many regional avatars. Through conversations with experts like Chef Nat and food storytellers like Kamalika Krishmy, the book uncovers the emotional resonance of dosai—how the fermenting batter carries memories, traditions, and a sense of belonging. From ancient grains to grinding techniques, Bahadur highlights how this simple dish becomes a symbol of resilience, care, and continuity across generations. “An Invitation to Feast” is not just about food—it’s about identity, memory, and the unspoken stories simmering behind every meal. A deeply satisfying read, it leaves readers both informed and inspired to explore the stories on their own plates.

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