Exploring the culinary landscape of Australia

In an attempt to explore the diverse cuisines, wine and coffee culture of Australia, celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani is on his expedition to the land with his new show Taste Down Under. To be aired on Living Foodz channel, the show explores Australia’s landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, ancient tropical rainforests, café culture and multicultural culinary experience.

Alongside, the chef will also visit the globally renowned, Michelin-starred restaurant Noma Australia. From dining at popular hotspots like Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, Tetsuya, Melbourne’s premier Greek restaurant Gazi to tasting finest Australian wines at vineyards in Melbourne and Gold Coast, the show is going to offer everything Australia is known for.

Read on as the chef tells Metrolife more about the show and the food scene in Australia.
Excerpts:

Which Australian cuisines have you covered through the show?

Australia is a melting pot of different cultures and we have explored the culinary delights of Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Adelaide. We have created interesting delicacies inspired by local produce and ingredients. I have also experimented with innovative dishes such as the ‘Sydney Rock Lobster’, ‘Salmon Wrapped on a Paperbark’, ‘Prawn and Tomato Cocktail’ and many others.

How is the show going to interest Indian audience?

Indian travellers are constantly scouring for new destinations and unique experiences and Australia fits the bill.

Australia has emerged as a must-do destination on every Indian traveller’s list, owing to its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera house, Bondi Beach, Adelaide
Oval Cricket Ground, Melbourne’s cafes and Kangaroo Island. Food and travel have become an innate part of the urban Indian lifestyle and this show will strongly resonate with foodies and travellers alike.

How has culinary travel grown in the recent years?

Exploring the local cuisine of a destination is essential to get an authentic travelling and cultural experience. Food helps in shaping your journey and defining your memories while you travel. Today, travellers are choosing their destinations based on their desire to find new culinary hot-spots. Along with history and architecture, they like to expand their knowledge and appreciation for local cuisine. Owing to this, culinary travel has also grown rapidly in recent years.

How is the food scene in Australia?

Australia is a great food and wine destination. Home to a myriad of cultures, its gastronomical offerings are also a mix of flavours and styles. The food scene is vibrant and progressive. Australians have their own interpretation of continental food. I particularly enjoyed the vast variety of cuisine that the country had to offer, especially the seafood. The Greek food in Melbourne was quite delectable as well.

What memories you will be taking back from the show?

I am going to take back several memories like visiting the pop-up restaurant of the globally renowned Noma Australia, barbecuing in Burleigh Heads, discovering the coffee culture at quaint cafés in Melbourne, going on an aboriginal heritage tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and many more unforgettable experiences.Taste Down Under airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 pm on Living Foodz channel.