What was the 'Forgotten Feasts' walk at Humayun's Tomb about?

It was a culinary journey exploring the food and dining habits of the early Mughal era, featuring historical recipes and anecdotes.

What kind of food was served at the Mughal feast?

The feast served early Mughal dishes prepared without modern ingredients like chilies, tomatoes, and potatoes, including spiced dals and colorful raitas.

Who curated the 'Forgotten Feasts' dining experience?

The dining experience was curated by Soity Banerjee, a consultant with Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and prepared by Zaika-e-Nizamuddin.

Home / Lifestyle / Taste History: Early Mughal Cuisine Revealed

Taste History: Early Mughal Cuisine Revealed

6 Dec

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Summary

A unique walk explored early Mughal culinary traditions.
Diners experienced vegetarian dishes without modern staples.
The event recreated historical Mughal flavors and ambiance.

Taste History: Early Mughal Cuisine Revealed

A distinctive 'Forgotten Feasts' walk held at the Humayun's Tomb World Heritage Site Museum provided an immersive culinary exploration of the early Mughal period. Storyteller Parvati Sharma captivated participants with tales of Mughal dining habits, tracing culinary evolution from Emperor Babur's preferences to Emperor Akbar's embrace of vegetarianism.

The dining experience, set in a serene atmosphere at Sunder Nursery with traditional rabab music, was meticulously curated by Soity Banerjee. Local homechefs from Zaika-e-Nizamuddin prepared a menu inspired by historical texts, offering authentic tastes of the 16th century. This initiative aimed to satisfy curiosity about the diet of the early Mughals.

Attendees savored dishes prepared without contemporary ingredients like chilies, tomatoes, and potatoes, reflecting Akbar's era when vegetarian alternatives to meat dishes became prominent. The meal featured items such as dal-e-mirch and khush rang raita, showcasing a rich culinary heritage preserved and presented to a modern audience.