Food has a way of bringing people together. Food is culture, and culture can be explored, discovered and experienced through food. The act of sharing, with friends and loved ones unites us all. WEST sees the intertwined interrelationship between travel (exploration), food and culture as corner stones of a modern society, of acceptance, of appreciation and something of great beauty. We all fall in love with another culture, through food.
Western Sydney's ‘Little India’, in Harris Park, is one such place. We are collectively incredibly lucky to have diverse cultures to be found in our own backyard. Authentic, time-honoured traditional food and tantalising modern takes on age-old recipes keep the past alive and celebrate the future of Indian cuisine.
Hosted by founder of The Modern Desi Co Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong, ‘Powerhouse Food: Little India’ is a dinner series celebrating Indian food culture and the restaurants that reflect the local Indian community within Little India. The series invites guests on a culinary journey to explore the bold and diverse flavours, distinctive cooking styles and regional specialities from across India.
Starting on Wednesday 19 February 2025, the series of dinners, held every second month over the course of a year, will offer guests curated dining experiences that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of this distinctive cultural precinct. Diners will taste the authentic traditional street food at Chatkazz, indulge in comforting home-style Chennai vegetarian dishes from South Indian eatery Adyar Ananda Bhavan, locally known as A2B, enjoy rustic Punjabi fare inspired by ‘dhaba’ or vibrant North Indian roadside eateries when they dine at Mitran Da Dhaba and savour the unique blend of Mughlai and Persian influences at Hyderabadi restaurant IndoChainese.
After each dinner, guests will enjoy a program at the Chatkazz Function Centre featuring a traditional chai tasting with Fatema Khanbhai, founder of The Chai Room; a cultural performance by Western Sydney poet Anisha Krishnasamy; and the gift of an Indo-Chinese recipe specially created by Kylie Kwong and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar that celebrates their cross-cultural friendship and collaboration.
Powerhouse Food examines food within the context of history and how its connectedness draws us together. The Little India dinner series provides a glimpse into Indian culture, proving that Harris Park is more than just a food destination, but a dynamic community and cultural precinct.
Kylie Kwong:
‘Food is not just a way to connect with different cultures but is also about bringing communities together; sharing stories to deepen our understanding of one another. Collaborating with Bhavna on this project has been an incredible learning experience for me. Powerhouse Food: Little India perfectly embodies this spirit, highlighting the transformative power of food in uniting us all.’
WEST is excited to see the launch of the Powerhouse Food: Little India dinner series, which is testament to the incredible diversity and cultural richness of Western Sydney. Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah has always had an inclusive vision and appreciation for Western Sydney. This program, open to all, will expand the understanding of Indian regional cultures and food traditions.
Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar:
‘Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity and flavour, telling the story of centuries of culture, history, and innovation. It’s far more than just ‘spicy curries’. It’s a rich blend of regional ingredients, seasonal cooking, time-honoured techniques and modern twists. These dinners are a gateway to the diverse cuisine I call my own. ’
Bustling with locals during the day, and positively buzzing at night, Harris Park is well worth a visit, at any time. A place of huge significance to many in the South Asian community of Sydney, Harris Park is quickly becoming a destination for people to experience an authentic taste of India and Indian culture.
There is a wonderful vision in play to create an ‘India Gate’, just like that seen in Delhi or Mumbai, that spiritually connects and welcomes visitors to India through our Australian-Indian Communities. WEST cannot wait to visit this incredible country in the future, but for now, the Powerhouse Food- Little India dinner series is your personal invitation to discover the beauty of Indian culture, Australian-Indian people, authentic food and the community of Harris Park. Make sure you do it and Join the Waitlist now.
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