The fetish for southern delights

Born and brought up in Guwahati, Assam; Debahuti Bhuyan and Ronmoy Kashyap moved to Bengaluru last year after their wedding. Since then, they have felt that the City is their second home.

“We shifted to Bengaluru to start our new venture together. We are restauranteurs and own an Assamese restaurant in the City called ‘Gam’s Delicacy’. We also have a catering kitchen that supplies food to IT companies,” says Debahuti.

Ever since they landed in  Bengaluru, the City embraced them with open arms. Talking about how the two cities are different, she says, “The climate is pleasant in Bengaluru all around the year, but in Guwahati we see extreme weather. However, I do miss the winters back home.”

 She adds, “Be it a small city or a metropolitan one, one’s hometown always remains close to the heart. But then, you come across a place that is special to one and all, and Bengaluru was that city for us. The green trees and the lung spaces made us fall in love with the City.”

While talking about the culture of the two cities, Ronmoy says Bengaluru
and Guwahati are similar when it comes to accepting people from different cultures and origins.

He explains, “Bengaluru, being a multi-cultural and commercial city, has always respected people from various facets of life. Guwahati, on the other hand, is a much smaller city. However, looking at the current scenario and the innate hospitality of Assamese, even Guwahati has started accommodating a huge number of people from all over India.”

The couple usually spend time on Brigade Road and Commercial Street. Debahuti says, “We also hang out at the food street in VV Puram, where we can be seen enjoying the food and satisfying our ‘chaat’ cravings.

 UB City, Orion Mall and Phoenix MarketCity are a shopper’s haven, so we go there too.” The couple also like going on long drives to Nandi Hills.

Being foodies, the couple love treating themselves to various types of ‘dosas’ and
filter coffee. ‘Meghana Foods’ and ‘Paradise Biryani’, ‘Chanakya Cafe’, ‘BonSouth’, ‘Sunny’s’ on Lavelle Road, ‘Bowl of Rice’, ‘Hard Rock Cafe’, ‘Shiro’ and ‘The Hole in the Wall’ are some of their favourite restaurants.

 “My husband and I love food. We have always had a weakness for South Indian food and 'filter kaapi'. So for us, every now and then, it's about trying a new type of ‘dosa’ and along with yummy and interesting ‘chutneys’. Bengaluru’s local food is very healthy and tasty, just like our Assamese food,” says Debahuti.

 However, they do miss their life back in Assam as well. “We miss our family, especially during festivals like ‘Bihu’. Celebrating ‘uruka’ and ‘Bihu’ with everyone is something that cannot be explained in words. There is also nothing like Assam tea,” says Ronmoy with a smile.

On a Sunday, they usually catch a movie, eat out or take a walk in Cubbon Park.

As for their perfect weekend getaway he says, “Since we are in the food business, our weekends are usually the busiest days. However, if we plan a trip, we usually go to Gokarna or Coorg.”

 Debahuti says, “People in Bengaluru are broad-minded, friendly and tolerant.”

 The couple feel that Bengalureans welcome people from all backgrounds, irrespective of their religion, faith and practices.

 “Bengaluru has an atmosphere where people from across the world can live without a hitch,” she adds.