Feast India is a lush, colourful and fascinating glimpse into Indian culture, food and customs, presented by English-born chef, Barry Vera. Barry savours the surprising delights of simple street food and the amazing variety of tantalizing regional cuisine, and immerses himself in the diverse cultural influences that make each area of India so distinct. From a Sikh temple kitchen in Delhi, where up to 70,000 meals are served each day, to life in a tribal desert village in Rajasthan; from vibrant markets and spice bazaars, to a traditional village wedding; a heady cardamom auction, to the chaotic buzz of Mumbai’s beach carnivals, and the eerie silence of a salt mine and of course, much, much, more. Episode 1 - Village Wedding, Jaisalmer, Pushkar
Ghanerao, a small town in central Rajasthan bursts into life for a classic Hindu wedding. Jaisalmer, the magical sand castle fortress where a family of sweet makers have been pounding out local delicacies for ten generations, and the mystical holy city of Pushkar, home of the famous annual Camel Fair.
Episode 2 - Jodphur, Salt Mines, Bishnoi Village Life
The busy bazaars of Jodphur dazzle with vividly clad Rajasthani tribal women haggling for bangles. In the quiet back streets of the old city is the serene coolness of the blue houses. The salt mines of Baap Rin are a stark, silent, white expanse in the desolate Thar Desert. Learn about the strength of a community and take part in a traditional opium ceremony in a Bishnoi village.
Episode 3 - Old Delhi
The beating heart of Delhi is Old Delhi with impressive Mughal architecture and delicious Muslim food served in an atmosphere of friendly chaos. The highly pungent labyrinth of one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia beckons the soul of a chef and a glimpse into the spirit of a compassionate religion in the communal kitchens of a Sikh temple.
Episode 4 - Kochi, The Backwaters
On the Keralan coast the famous Chinese fishing nets operate as they have for over 600 years. In Kochi the delicious street food, anonymous fish and strange vegetables vie for attention in the local markets. The lively Snake Boat races burst with pride and glorious colour.
Episode 5 - Spice
The Malabar Coast is home to essential ingredients in every Indian meal. Black pepper, cardamom, ginger and tea plantations flourish in the wet, green mountains of the Western Ghats. Kumily, the town that is the centre for spice production in the South is one of the most fragrant places in the world.
Episode 6 - Mumbai
The chaos and hum of this great commercial city is seductive. From an early morning session at a 'laughter club' to herbal remedy shops and famous Muslim sweet stalls. Where famed Dabbawallahs perform the daily ritual of delivering thousands of home-cooked meals, and the Dhobbiwallahs, who seem to wash the clothes of the entire city in a gigantic open laundry.
Episode 7 - Diwali
Diwali is India's mega New Year celebration - a five-day festival that ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky across the length and breadth of India. Huge quantities of sweets are consumed, tools and account books are prayed over, houses are festooned with colourful lanterns to guide passing Gods and millions of gifts are exchanged...it's an explosion of divine fun.
Episode 8 - Indian Offerings
Inspired by the people and the food of India Barry applies his imaginative touch to a selection of simple, tasty dishes that are deeply Indian at heart.
