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Tag: Indian cuisine

The Qureshi Brothers: Upholding Five Generations of Culinary Excellence at Spice, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

The Qureshi Brothers

Ajaz and Asif Qureshi, members of the well-known Qureshi family of chefs, embody the culinary brilliance of Indian cuisine. Representing five generations of culinary excellence in Indian cuisine, the Qureshis are synonymous with the rich flavors of Mughlai and Awadhi delicacies. They are the current chefs in residence at Spice, the brilliant restaurant specializing in Indian cuisine at the Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives. Ajaz is a Chef De Cuisine, whereas Asif is an Executive Sous Chef at the resort – their ultimate goal is to promote Indian cuisine to a global audience and uphold the rich legacy of their family.

Fish dish

Q. Can you tell us about your early experiences with cooking and how you were introduced to the culinary world?

Ajaz: From a young age, our home was always filled with the aromas of rich spices and delicious dishes being prepared. Knowing that our grandfather, Haji Ishaq Qureshi, cooked for Queen Elizabeth in the royal kitchens of the Nawabs was incredibly inspiring. Our father, Ishtiaq Qureshi, and our uncles, Ismail and Yameen Qureshi, were our first mentors. They taught us the basics and the importance of passion and dedication in cooking.

Asif: Our introduction to cooking was very hands-on. We spent a lot of time in the kitchen, observing and helping our family prepare meals. It was an immersive experience that ingrained in us the traditions and techniques of Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine. Each generation had added something unique to our family’s culinary story, and we felt a strong desire to continue that tradition and uphold the high standards set by our ancestors.

2. What sets Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine apart, and how do you incorporate these traditions into the menu at Spice?

Ajaz: Mughlai and Awadhi cuisines are renowned for their intricate flavors and elaborate preparation methods. At Spice, we honor these traditions by sourcing the finest ingredients and adhering to authentic cooking methods that have been passed down through generations in our family.

Asif: We ensure that every dish reflects the essence of Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine—balancing flavors, textures, and aromas to create a dining experience that is both memorable and true to our roots. It’s about more than just food; it’s about celebrating a culinary legacy that spans centuries and continues to inspire us every day in the kitchen.

Q: What can guests anticipate from their dining experience at Spice, and how do you maintain authenticity in each dish?

Ajaz: At Spice, guests can anticipate an immersive dining experience that evokes the ambiance of the royal Mughal and Awadhi kitchens. From the moment they arrive, they’ll encounter a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the richness of our cuisine.

Asif: Our menu is meticulously curated to showcase the pinnacle of Mughlai and Awadhi delicacies, from the aromatic biryanis to the succulent kebabs. It’s a harmonious blend of history, flavor, and hospitality that we are honored to share with everyone who joins us at Spice.

Q: How do you adapt your culinary expertise to meet the varied tastes of guests at Kuda Villingili Resort?

Ajaz: At Kuda Villingili Resort, we approach catering to diverse palates with a blend of versatility and respect for our culinary heritage. Understanding that our guests come from various cultural backgrounds and preferences, we ensure our menu offers a wide range of choices while maintaining the authenticity of our dishes.

Asif: Our culinary expertise allows us to create dishes that appeal to different tastes without compromising on quality or authenticity. Whether it’s adapting traditional recipes to incorporate local ingredients or offering vegetarian and vegan options, we strive to exceed the expectations of every guest.

Dish 2

Q: As representatives of the esteemed Qureshi family, how do you maintain the tradition of culinary excellence in Indian cuisine at Kuda Villingili Resort?

Ajaz: As members of the Qureshi family, we carry a legacy of culinary excellence that spans generations. At Kuda Villingili Resort, we uphold this tradition by infusing every dish with the same dedication to quality and authenticity that our family is renowned for. In all the work we do, whether it’s preparing menus for our restaurants or events, we maintain the same level of commitment and passion that has defined our family’s reputation over generations.

Asif: Ultimately, our goal at Kuda Villingili Resort is to provide an unparalleled dining experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our guests, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines the Qureshi family legacy in Indian cuisine. We take pride in introducing the diverse and vibrant flavors of India to guests from around the world.

For more information, contact:

Shikha Mishra, India PR Representative, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
Email: IndiaPR@kudavillingili.com / shikhamishraPR@gmail.com
Mobile & WhatsApp: +9109871104464

India and Russia are closer than they seem: Indian Vibes in Moscow

Moscow is a multicultural city. It is home to 13 million people, and only about half of them are native Muscovites. The capital attracts residents of smaller Russian cities, as well as immigrants from CIS countries, Middle Asia, Europe, and even India, with its opportunities both for education and career development and for a rich cultural life. The Indian diaspora in Moscow numbers about 15,000 people. Many come to Moscow to get higher education and stay on, finding good jobs in their specialty, doing business, and building families.

Indian culture has taken root in modern Moscow

Muscovites are interested in Indian culture and are happy to adopt some of the festivals and traditions. In recent years, there have been numerous festivals of Indian culture in the capital, bright Holi celebrations are organized in parks, and young women often decorate themselves with mehendi. Muscovites who lead an active lifestyle have come to appreciate yoga and various forms of meditation as practices that help to harmonize themselves and fill their lives with joy and inspiration, to find a fulcrum within themselves. However, yoga with a Moscow accent may differ from the Indian tradition. Often Moscow yoga implies the presence of curious attributes, such as brightly colored leggings, a mat decorated with the phases of the moon, the use of incense palo santo. The decor of decent yoga clubs necessarily includes aged statues of Ganesha or Buddha’s head. It is also very desirable after practice to go to a trendy smoothie bar with a friend to chat about the finer things and signs the universe gives us.

India and Russia 4

Indian cuisine

In Moscow, you can find restaurants of almost every cuisine in the world. Muscovites are great gourmets and enjoy trying different flavors. As a rule, most people do not dine at home. Businessmen and office workers go to cafes and restaurants for lunch and meetings. There are many Japanese, Italian, Vietnamese, Georgian, and Chinese establishments in the city. And, of course, authentic Indian restaurants thrive in the capital, as well as small Indian corners in gastrocenters (former Soviet food markets or streetcar depots rebuilt in a modern style, which now house food outlets popular especially among young people). It is important that the chefs and owners of the establishments are Hindus. Therefore, their knowledge and skill in cooking Indian food can be trusted. In Moscow restaurants of Russian and European cuisine, as a rule, all taste preferences are treated with understanding – there is a choice of vegetarian dishes or you can always ask to exclude animal products from your order.

Spirituality

The most common religion in Russia is Orthodox Christianity. However, in addition to Orthodox churches, Moscow has several Catholic and Protestant churches, synagogues, mosques, and Hindu temples. Many modern Muscovites are atheists, but they study the history of different religions and beliefs with interest. Both Hindi living in Moscow and Muscovites visit the Sikh temple Gurudwara Sahib, as well as the temple of Lord Krishna, where services and lectures are regularly held. By the way, Krishna has many followers in Moscow: even just walking along one of the central streets in good weather, one can meet a group of people in brightly colored clothes and saris dancing and singing Hare Krishna.

Art

If you are interested in classical music, fine arts, and contemporary art, Moscow is ideal for a wide variety of cultural leisure activities. It would take more than one day to visit all the best Moscow museums and galleries; besides, expositions and exhibitions change quite often. Often there are temporary exhibitions related to the Indian tradition. For example, in the main art state museum – Tretyakov Gallery, in addition to the permanent exhibition, which showcases masterpieces of Russian art of the XI – early XX centuries, now (from October 10, 2023 to March 10, 2024) you can visit the exhibition of Nicholas Roerich. It presents vivid landscapes of the famous artist, philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and follower of Agni yoga. Roerich found inspiration for his works both in Russian and Indian culture – he made many trips and expeditions to India, and for the last 18 years of his life the artist worked in Naggar (Himachal Pradesh).

Conclusion

Thus, Indian culture is firmly embedded in the life of modern Moscow. Coming to another continent as a tourist, Hindi can not only get new impressions, see the famous Moscow sights, museums, theaters, parks, and estates, get acquainted with the rhythm of the city, but also be sure that even far from home you can meet something dear to your heart.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is provided by a third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our organization. We do not endorse or guarantee its accuracy.