A Taste of India: FND 24th January 2025

Last week’s Friday Night Dinner was a truly special evening, filled with connection, community and the irresistible aroma of delicious plant-based Indian cuisine, prepared by the talented Chef Nishma of Shambhu’s . Guests gathered to enjoy a delightful feast that showcased the rich flavours of North Indian and Gujarati dishes, creating a wonderful sense of togetherness. The menu featured a variety of hearty dishes, including a beautifully spiced roasted aubergine curry, a comforting bowl of toor dal, and fresh, warm rotis that were the perfect accompaniment. Each dish was lovingly prepared, reflecting Nishma’s deep connection to the cuisine of her Jain Indian heritage, which she brought to life with skill and passion. With nearly two decades of experience running her vegan catering business, Nishma crafted an unforgettable dining experience that was both authentic and nourishing, leaving everyone inspired by the possibilities of plant-based cooking. The evening was not just about the food, but also about coming together, sharing stories, and embracing the warmth of Shabbat in the company of friends old and new. Dessert was a delightful surprise, featuring a traditional Indian sweet that provided the perfect ending to an already satisfying meal, leaving guests eager to recreate some of the dishes at home. The joy of the evening lingered long after the last bite, as conversations flowed and new friendships were made. We also had a special guest speaker, Steve Derby. He spoke about his trips to India and the Jewish community there. Steve Derby is a Jewish interfaith activist and, as Director of Interfaith Matters for over a decade, was responsible for developing inter-religious initiatives between Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and other faith groups. Steven also has a special interest in India and recently returned from his twelfth visit. In addition to making a trip to the birth place of the Hindu deity, Lord Swaminarayan, in Uttar Pradesh, Steve joined the few remaining members of Kolkata’s Jewish community in their sukkah. Picture: among Steve’s interfaith initiatives was organising a kosher tea party in parish vicarage in London’s Stamford Hill. For those who missed it, there’s good news—Chef Nishma will be sharing one of her delicious recipes soon, so be sure to watch this space for an opportunity to bring a taste of this wonderful evening into your own kitchen. We can’t wait to welcome everyone again for our next community FND and continue exploring the rich diversity of plant-based cuisine together.