Ep 2. Don't Call It Curry

In Ugly Delicious season 2 episode 2, titled Don't Call It Curry, host David Chang delves into the world of Indian cuisine and its many complexities and nuances. The episode explores the nuances of Indian food and how it is often misunderstood and misrepresented in the West.

David begins by discussing the term "curry", which is often used to lump together a variety of Indian dishes that are vastly different in taste and preparation. He speaks with Indian-American chef Gita Bhashkar, who explains how the word curry was created by British colonizers as a catch-all term for the diverse range of Indian dishes they encountered during their rule.

David then travels to London, which has become one of the most diverse and exciting food cities in the world due to the influx of immigrants from all corners of the globe. He meets with chef Asma Khan, who runs the popular Darjeeling Express restaurant, which specializes in traditional Indian cooking from Khan's hometown of Kolkata. David helps Asma prepare some of her signature dishes, including the melt-in-the-mouth beef kosha mangsho and her famous eggs with mustard oil and curry leaves.

David also visits Brick Lane, which has become a hub for British curry houses since the 1970s. He speaks with British Bangladeshi food writer Syed Ahmed, who explains how the British curry houses initially started as a way for immigrants to make a living by serving cheap, filling food to factory workers. However, over the years, these restaurants have become synonymous with "curry" and have led to the widespread misconceptions about Indian food.

David goes on to explore the regional diversity of Indian cuisine and how its flavors and techniques have been influenced by geography, climate, and history. He meets with chef Manish Mehrotra of Indian Accent, which is known for its inventive cuisine that combines classic Indian flavors with modern techniques. David tries Manish's famous galawat kebab, which is made from ground lamb and spices and is so tender that it melts in your mouth.

The episode also delves into India's vibrant street food scene, which is a cornerstone of the country's culinary culture. David visits the bustling streets of Mumbai with Indian food journalist Rashmi Uday Singh and tries some of the city's most iconic street foods, including vada pav, pani puri, and bhelpuri.

Don't Call It Curry is a fascinating exploration of Indian cuisine and the way it has been misrepresented and misunderstood in the West. David Chang's unique perspective and his love for food make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cooking and its global impact.