I fell in LOVE with INDIAN FOOD | CHEF KEITH SARASIN's story from western chef to meeting his mentor
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- čas přidán 26. 12. 2021
- I dipped a charred piece of bread into a rich gravy that soaked each crumb like a sponge. I raised it to my mouth and closed my eyes, and that is where my journey began.
I am a western chef. I grew up in a small city in New Hampshire in the United States where one wasn’t exposed to Indian food. Growing up in kitchens, I learned how to cook from many amazing western chefs. Each chef would impart the knowledge passed down to them by their mentors. It wasn’t until much later in life that I would try my first bite of Indian food. From the moment my mouth tasted the tangy and spicy gravy of chicken vindaloo, I became transformed. I wanted to know why the west didn’t embrace Indian food the way many other parts of the world did.
I cannot think of a cuisine that represents its country better than Indian food. It’s a passionate dance of fire, ever-changing and evolving with each bite. From spicy and sweet to sour and salty, Indian food, much like the country, is bold and full of life - its intensity amplifying as its unapologetic flavors barrage your sensations. To master the cuisine would take lifetimes but to fall in love with it, takes only one bite.
Since I began my journey with Indian food years ago, I knew that this cuisine was different. To define Indian food is like trying to define life, it changes based on the journey. From the rich curries of the north to the dosa, idli, and spices of the south, Indian food cannot be defined, it can only be experienced.
It all began in a small grocery store in the U.S. A friend of mine needed to buy some spices, so he dragged me along. The store was located in a small strip mall in my town, surrounded by independent restaurants serving various cuisines.
I walked into the dukaan (shop) on a cold fall day. The door opened and a wave of scents hit my nose. Spices lingered in the cool autumn air as I closed the door to a new world that awaited me. The smell of incense and toasted jeera (cumin) was intoxicating and a smile crept over my face as I walked down the aisles.
At the back of the store stood a short lady dressed in a kitchen apron chopping sabji (vegetables). My friend approached her and conversed in Hindi, as I gazed around in wonderment at the number of items in her store. From snacks like chivda to sweets like kaju pista rolls and gulab jamun, a world of possibilities was opening up to me.
The short lady in the apron must have seen me in this trance-like state because she smiled and said, “want to try something?” Not wanting to be disrespectful, I agreed. She went to the back of the kitchen, put some sabji in a small container, and handed me a plastic spoon.
“What is your name?” The short apron-clad woman said.
“My name is Keith.” I said.
“I am Indira, welcome.” She said.
This began a friendship that would change my life and help me discover my passion for Indian food and culture. Over the coming years, Indira would share her journey with me as we cooked together and became friends.
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About Me:
Chef Keith’s exciting take on Indian cuisine uses his passion for the spices and flavors of the Indian subcontinent with fresh, seasonal ingredients from New England farms to create a dining experience like no other.
Years ago, he dipped a charred piece of bread into a rich gravy that soaked each crumb like a sponge. He raised it to his mouth and closed his eyes, and that is where his journey began.
Chef Keith is a three-time author, restauranteur, and public speaker who grew up in a small city in New Hampshire in the United States. Growing up in kitchens, he learned how to cook from many amazing western chefs. Each chef would impart the knowledge passed down to them by their mentors. It wasn’t until much later in life that he would try his first bite of Indian food. He began learning under an Indian home cook and went on to study with food archeologists and historians from across India.
Keith is the co-host of the More Than Masala Podcast as well as the chef-owner of Aatma Restaurant & The Farmers Dinner. He is also the author of 4 best-selling cookbooks.
#indianfoodamerican #indiancuisine #chefkeithsarasin #indianinspired #indianinspiredamerican
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Please watch: "The BEST bite of Indian Food In Mumbai?!? Exploring O'Pedro in BKC"
• The BEST bite of India...
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What a lovely story Keith, loved the epiphanic beginning of your journey! Thank you for your kind mention :)
It makes just an honor to learn from you Kurush! Thank you for all your guidance and instruction. Look forward to many more years!
Omg one if the top food personalities of India here!
@@chefKeithSarasin Plz do watch the movie THE MISTRESS OF SPICES... its a beautiful movie by Aishwariya Rai Bachchan
Indian..subscribed...u r so genuine
@@Rr77184 Thank you so much! You are amazing.
Yes bro! Thank you for making this video you are amazing
You are!!! You always inspire me my friend. I mean that!
@David, I think all the Indian fans are thankful to you for introducing us to such a wonderful person as Kieth.
Kieth, in the first video with David, you gave us a hint on your passion for Indian cuisine. Thereafter, I say you other videos which confirmed the same.
But, today after seeing this video. Man!!! You are much deeper than it appears. Love your story and the way brought it out to us, it literally touched our Aatma. Thank you.
Please, continue to dive deep and describe our culture to the world. You are going to the greatest western chef of Indian Cuisine. Mark my word.
David I love ur shows. They are simply marvellous!!😍
David too is a Aatma of Indian food
@@shadesshadows10I agree. The way David describes the Indian food and eats it, I feel so divinely tempted to eat all those items again. I mostly see his videos while having my meals, bcos my mouth waters so much that I can eat my meal better....😂
This wasn't a video, it was a poem, a love letter to Indian cuisine.
It kinda was
So so apt
I'm 48 years old born as a vegetarian in the USA and raised a Hindu. Your video feels like home,I felt my whole life.
Oh wow. I’m so glad. Thank you for watching.
😂😂😂 vegetarian it's an hindu, it's myths..!
In hindu itself in India, only 3% people only veg, rest Non veg. 😂
@@praveencad1
You've got the data wrong. It's around 30%.
@praveencad1 nope, you are wrong 30%+
@@praveencad1 Wrong brother get your fact check its 34%
This was probably one of the best things I heard from a non Indian in a long time.. Understanding Indian culture is a Massive thing (which most Indians still out) for a foreigner. This speech came from your own AATMA.. I would love to see you cook Indian food in the future.. All the best and trust me this will take you places in future. Love from an Indian ❤️👍🏼
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this comment. It really is a challenge but it’s my passion. Can’t wait to show you more!
Indian cuisine is not just a world, it's a universe in its own. You can keep on traversing for years and still not discover the entire spectrum of it.
Soooo true
I am at loss of words for your respect towards the lady and her culture, our culture and it's food.
Thanks for such a nice gesture by naming your business "Aatma"
I have this fire and passion for it that means so much.
Mind-blowing name for a food business. My sister would agree.
Indian food did not evolve like Western food in last 200 years! Indian food took thousands of years to evolve and its the passion of many people. Do you know the most important ingredient of Indian food is? - LOVE. You should love to cook, love to feed family, friends and others is very important and I had seen that in you in last 10 minutes.... You have that Love in you now, you can win the hearts of many Indian and American food lovers with your knowledge & cooking skills.
How do you know western food evolved only 200 yrs ago?
@@vicky8919or maybe 400 years ago that's it that too Europe, no one uses spices as we do even now.
@@namednpc you have no idea what you are talking about.
@@namednpcSouth Asian countries uses spices my boy... Vietnam, Philippines, china, pak, Myanmar, bhutaan nepal, Bangladesh sri Lanka (daal chini sri lanka ka world class hai Bhai we come second just fyi n this is coming From a mallu we cultivate most of our own spice yet should give respect where it's due ) to name a few😂😂😂
@@CreativeReaper90s eastern cultures and subcontinent people always improved their cooking through spices, no doubt about it, the op was speaking about western food.
Keith appreciate your humility and your love for Indian food. You treat Indira ji like a revered guru which she is for your culinary expertise. Hats off to that. BTW, most accomplished Indian housewives would be great cooks in their tradition. Ask Indira ji if she can show you how to cook Undhiyu. This is a Gujarati dish and is cooked in the winters in Gujarat.
Yes!! She would make that dish often during winter and I learned it
You are a beautiful soul (aatma) brother... Only a beautiful aatma could understand all these things and could narrate it so beaitifully... Lots of love to you❤
Wow, thank you
I'm absolutely in love with Indian food as well. It's just perfect + there's so much you can explore. The northern, southern & different regional foods are so unique. The spice & the ingredients are just fantastic. The depth of flavour is just unimaginable & incredible.
Absolutely. Thanks for watching
AD, Have you considered the effectiveness of UNDERstatement? Try it sometime 😂
You indeed have a good Aatma and I can tell you are a good Chef. Love from India.
Thank you so much my friend
The main ingredient in the indian food is mother’s love.❤❤❤
Now that's what I call a podcast style production... This is beyond food... It's an amalgamation of two truly diverse cultures, it's a great and a very fascinating story of how people connect over so humble of an offering of nature called "Food".
Yesss!!!
Indian civilization encompasses food,dances,music, musical instruments, languages, dialects,dresses, house construction, temple construction and many more. Civilization is merged with nature . The more you know about indian civilization the more you will love and worship nature.
Your video is one of the best video .
Hopefully you achieve everything in harmony with nature.
Namaste
What a beautiful story I’m so happy you have a channel! Can’t wait to see more videos on Indian cuisine !
Thank you so much for being a part of our growing channel :)
Wow you're so beautiful
Thanks 🙏 KEITH ❤I AM FROM INDIA AND AM 75,I AN A CHEMIST AND ALSO THE FAMILY COOK,YES INDIAN FOOD VEG OR NON VEG IS AMAZING.YOU MADE ME HAPPY ❤❤❤❤THIS CHRISTMAS I COOKED AND HAD MY PASTORS OVER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS OVER.FUNNY I DID NOT EAT AS I WAS SO TIRED COOKING FOR A WEEK,IT IS HEARTENING TO SEE PEOPLE ENJOYING MY FOOD.
When you said AATMA you just nailed it
Can not be described more accurately in a single word. Love from India, don't know if you ever visited this country but if you get a chance you will find more varieties of food existing in rest of world combined.
Thank you. Plan to visit this year
True.....
To be honest, Kudos to this guy ! Indian food is not easy to cook for even most Indian folks. Indian cuisine is one of the hardest to master and so under rated ! Some of the dishes even take 12-15 hours to cook on slow flame !
Absolutely. It’s an incredible cuisine
You really made me cry... living in US without my Mom’s India home cooked food is very tough... miss my mother🥺
Very fortunate to be Indian😍😍!
Sorry to hear that. She sounds like a wonderful lady :)
@@chefKeithSarasin she is very wonderful lady and amazing cook!😍
The way you narrated your story is impeccable - I put my mobile aside and was just hearing your story on my ear bud with that amazing voice tone.
Must do a collab with David in India, do explore Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi, Jammu as this place are heaven for NoN veg lovers
Thank you so much for these kind words and for watching/listening :)
I chanced upon your video and I just loved it!! I'm Indian or Bharatiya and I'm half Parsi (Zoroastrian) and half Hindu Brahmin and I enjoy a delightful mixture of culture, food, language, prayers, beliefs, customs, etc. of both religions and I thank God for that!! Both sides of our family, the Parsi and the Hindu, are intense, extreme foodies and food lovers with a repertoire of dishes, meals, snacks, sweets, munchies, desserts, after-meal mouth freshners....you name it and both my grandmas were excellent cooks and caterers, catering to really large, extended families and even supplying tiffin services. It was so refreshing and meaningful to watch the experience of a non-Indian or a westerner talk about Indian culture and Indian food with so much affection and feeling!! Your experience and passion for Indian food was so moving, I shed tears of happiness!! Thanks for sharing🙏😍
Thank you my friend. You should check out my video about lonavala and Parsi food!
@@chefKeithSarasinoh lovely, will definitely do that!! We just returned from Lonavala last month after a wonderful break!!
@@chefKeithSarasinI just subscribed to your channel. All good wishes from India
So much heart in your talk, and in the Indian way of life they say, when you make food with Love, it carries a flavor like no other.
I feel the big heart in you.
God bless.
I'm an Indian, living in Canada, and this moved me to tears pretty easily. I have seen your entire Indian tour video, and the love, compassion and the respect that you have could easily be seen at every second. You have a very kind soul, sir. Wish you nothing but peace and happiness! 🕊❣
Ty for your kindness
Congrats and wishing success in your passion to impart your knowledge and curiosity in Indian culinary cooking and spices. I enjoy Indian food although I am not Indian.
Thanks so much. Don’t worry, I’m not either :)
Absolutely amazing!!! Cooking from your soul or"atma" is so true. Tears in my eyes.
Thank you :)
Your love, and journey with Indian culture, and food is inspiring. I believe that if one has to understand a culture, he/she must have their food first. Food is really the "Aatma" of any culture! I couldn't agree more with you when you said that, "Indian food is so much connected to their cultures, that without understanding their culture, your can't cook Indian food." All the best Keith!
Thank you for your kind words and for watching!
This is one of the most honest, humble and beautiful life story ive heard.
Wow. Thank you so much
Man, you have such a soothing voice and amazing story telling capability. Without any video footage, I was fully immersed into what you were saying. Your pronunciations were spot on. May the soul of your mother rest in peace. God bless you and Indra aunty. India is very huge and it would take a lifetime discovering places and uncovering dishes. Hope you teach us all many more things. Love to hear more from you.
I will second that.
This is so warm Keith ! I got to know about you from David's video.
I am from India and after watching this I really pray that my first ever meal in US should be only and only at your restaurant 'Aatma'.
You have found the best connection to food which is like feeding not only someone's stomach but the human soul ! .
More power to you my man ❤️.
This was so touching. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. It’s an honor
Oh my my!!! Never have I been so intrigued by someone whose understanding of Indian food and culture is so immense. Truly admire the way how you didn’t only learn about spices and Indian dishes, but also got to learn to cook with all your heart. That’s what Indian cooking is all about. It’s people like you who make Indians proud of their how rich and varied their legacy in the culinary history is. Thumbs up 👍 and Godspeed Sir😊😊
Thank you Sumanji
This is such a heart-warming story Chef Keith. I found you through David and been inspired by your knowledge and articulation on Indian food and culture. Most of all, your eyes speak of humility and an eagerness to understand different cultures which is a rare quality. If you haven't already, please visit our country, we'll welcome you with open arms.
Thank you! I hope to be there this year.
So proud to know that Indian Cuisine is loved by the people outside the country. Came to know about this video from one of my close friend, made me enjoy the way you shared your experience. This really makes me happy to have Indian Cuisine as my base cuisine, Chef. 🙏
My friend for cooking Indian food you have the most important ingredient "soul". I am excited to be part of your journey
So excited you’re here
You walked into that store and connected with your aatma. You’re a great storyteller, and what a beautiful, romantic story it is, to find your aatma purpose. 🙏🏾
Food can inspire love and friendship irrespective of culture, creed , religion !!
Yes!
With wet eyes, I thank you for narrating this! Not because I am Indian. But because you have evoked a deep seating spiritual connection between food and love. Felt as if you are narrating about my mother. Mother for me, is god talking through food. You have epitomised this feeling
This is beautiful cherish you time with your mother. I miss mine everyday
CZcams brought me to this video. I listened and felt so much love, kindness and patience in him. Love the story ...
Wow! Thank you SO much! I really really am thankful for this comment and for you being here!
I have heard so many Americans talk about India. You are one of the few who truly understood the cuisine and culture with humility.
Ty my friend
I wouldn't even describe my lover the way he described our food! lol! cheers man,hope you explore more,there is no end to indian cuisine.
What a journey you have embarked on, Keith ! Your conviction to be all in is absolutely inspiring. Correcting the narrative about Indian food was long due and necessary. Wishing you the best for what’s to come :)
I appreciate your support on this journey
You've got an Amazing journey...You are a westerner but truely an Indian from your AATMAA..Your inner soul♥️♥️🌷🌷🌷🌷All the best to you👍😊
Awww this means so much. Thank you!
Indian cooking doesn't have measurements simply because Mom always knows what her child wants. She knows what quantity of individual ingredient will effect her childs health. When he needs more salt, more sugar, more chilli or more turmeric.
Absolutely
thank you Keith for telling wonderful story about Indian - because their is lot of negativity towards or remarks outright insulting
but hearing wonderful words from you felt joy there is some people are nice like you
Thank you my friend for watching!
What a start! An Indian angle touched you and the course of your life was changed! The tiny little crack in your voice and that wet eye you tried to wipe off stood as the finest testimony I've heard in years. I'm not crying kind, but that validation did choke me a bit. Me wishing you to succeed would just be the words. With this attitude, Keith you're destined to reach heights.Take care of that grateful soul, It's a rare gift to be born with.
Thank you so much for these heartfelt words
Honestly Chef, I was a bit hesitant about watching your video. But your story and the words made real sense about Indian Cuisine which in itself is so very diverse and its ain't just about spices and tablespoons. Its more about Love Passion and Aatma... Congrats Chef for your rendezvous with your soul. 🙏
I appreciate that more than you know. Thank you my friend.
Yupp that's the true love that India gets from all over the world and You Mr. Keith are filled with life
👌
❤️
Thank you so much!
Hello Keith, best of luck for your new beginning, i got introduced to you from davids videos, you are very genuine soul and passionate chef and may you get all the success ❤❤💯 love from India
Thank you so much bhai!
Brother when you open a restaurant hire a chef from these places in India and Nepal
Uttrakhand
South India
And
Nepal as these guys know what they are doing✌
as an indian i cant imagine my life without species I often travel to the west and around asia no cuisine can match indian food ....indian food is on a very different level ...
The respect you have for Indira is just amazing. WOW....she must be a rare, special human being.
My atma is just crying listening you , so much emotional connection to culture and food. I stay in foreign country and you have to always explain about food, culture but sometimes it’s very difficult to share the feeling or connection
Ooh God Keith !! .. that was actually from the heart & i was in tears to watch this video till the end 👏👏👏.. Yeah that us what India in its true colors is, U got to experience it to learn it !! God bless U !! 🙏🙏
Thank you so much for watching.
Hearing of your journey, I perceive that you've learned something of even greater importance than mere food-for you've detected and grasped at our civilizational ethos. I'm Indian-today, I've learned something about us from you-something priceless. Thank you chéf. You've honoured us.
Wow thank you. I hope to continue to just bring love and respect
Hi Keith.
That was a very interesting journey with Indra and Indian Food. Thank you for being so honest. I am a home cook and serve the Less Fortunate people in NYC with simple vegetarian dishes . God Bless.
Can you message me on instagram. I’d love to learn more
Beautiful beautiful beautiful👍🌸🌸🌸
With Joy.. from India 🇮🇳💪🙏💕
Thank you
Devotional words of the inspirational story Keith. I wonder why we Indians in the west don't teach our kids these Aatmic stories. The soul is the heart of every action one takes. I am your subscriber for life buddy.
♥️Ty my friend. Appreciate you
Agreed
This really is a love letter to indian food..❤
Ma Annapurna has blessed you both. May everything you cook be an offering to her grace.
Oh man you hit the soft spot - I remember my mom back in India sitting and cooking with her. Daal and Chawal, some ghee and some pickle
- heaven on earth!!
🙏🏻♥️
What a beautiful story! Kudos to Indra ji and kudos to you ! I have travelled the world love world cuisine but the kind of wholeness I feel when I eat Indian food has not been surpassed till now.
Thank you for your kindness
Thank you for sharing your experience.🙏🏻🇮🇳🙏🏻
Thank you for watching!
Wow.... Just wow......🤗
Touched very much
A wonderful short story. Needs to be written down in much detail for readers to enjoy and feel exactly the same feelings.
Love listening to your story Keith. Can’t wait to hear more
Thank you so much for listening and watching!!
I literally wept looking at the interview.I am a proud Indian and Indian food is an emotion .Very grateful
Thank you so much for watching
This warms my heart ❣️
I never felt so connected to a food story...you are a great story teller
Wow thank you!
So beautifully explained. Because when u cook with soul your Prasad/food is always tasty.
🙏
words of soul! touching and felt at heart
Thank you for making this video 🙏
You have found the ultimate secret of cooking the Indian food my friend. There are more important things than just following a recipe. This video can be used in culinary schools in India too.
Thank you my friend. I hope you stick around and join our community we are building :)
Absolutely love this story! My heart just sinks with the way you tell it. So much love for you brother. No matter what, keep going!
Wow thank you soooo much!! This comment was amazing to read!
Such a lovely story.Loved it
One of the rarest of rare who wud understand the soul of the food , now fill this soul with love and passion , that wud be ur nirwana ( salvation )
Straight from the heart bro!! Aatma!! I don’t even know I… saw u first time here and I bet You must be so successful and if not then it’s just around the corner. Nothing can stop you. You have patients and presentation along with perseverance to make a good Indian food. The point that you were not discouraged by indira no letting you cook speaks volume. May God Bless you in ur endeavour..🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you so much for your kind remarks. Working hard at building a community here
The way he explained it and the bgm makes it one of the most soulful videos on CZcams ❤️
Awww I appreciate that
What a lovely story!
You're a good guy.
God bless you...... love from India
my whole family loved your story it made me respect my cuisine in a very different way Thank you
Thank you so much. Tell your family I said hi and thank you for watching
I appreciate the passion you have , you correctly said aatma is important in cooking everything. The love for others the desire to make them happy with the food you cook makes you the best chef . God bless
Thank you so much for watching this and being a part of our community here!
I love your story, loving food is good and it’s good your mother introduced you to the food industry, it’s kind of cute you know. Sending you love.
So eloquently you put it across.Food connects in the most beautiful way, it has a language
This is so beautiful. Thank you.
The soul is what elevates the taste of food. My cousins and I often complain how our food, or food cooked by Mom or my aunties never seems to taste like Grandma's despite following the same recipe. And that's because the food she cooks for us has her soul in it... And that's what gives it a unique taste.
You are so welcome
What a beautiful and inspirational story! You are a great storyteller. Wishing you all the success in the world! Looking forward to more videos. 🙏
Thank you!! Appreciate you
Excellent! (in Only word)
Your story is awesome and inspiring. 👍
Beautiful words!
I hope many would realize what you have realized. The food's soul is intertwined with culture, passion, love. Good luck on the next part of this journey!
Thank you so much!
This is one of the best narration I have seen, right from the heart.. God bless
Thanks. I just sat down and talked.
An ode to the flavours and the scent of the spices 👌
Thank you so much Keith , your knowledge on Indian food and philosophy is impeccable, and when you said to David that guest is God (Athithi Devo Bhavo) you have understood the Indian food philosophy. Your story and connection with Indian food is truly inspiring . Stay blessed. You know more about Indian food history than the average Indian.You are a Legend Sir. Love from India.
Thank you for your kindness and support bhai.
OMG. That was a beautiful story. Keep up the good work Chef Keith. ❤️
Thank you so much! So appreciate you!
Keith, we INDIANS are emotional people.I loved your video & the picture of your Indian mentor & your journey into INDIAN COOKING & YOUR LOVE for lt. Thank's. Please DO VISIT INDIA & ENJOY THE SPLENDOR OF INDIA.
You should see my videos! I was just in Mumbai! Ty my friend
I subscribed within 10 seconds of playing the video. What a story and what a beautiful Aatma you have. You are a noble soul, Sir.
This is by far one of the most honest story I have heard.... Sending ❤ and welcome #keithsarasin
Thank you so much for watching, my friend.
Loved the way you tell your story it's inspirational, emotional and the love for the Indian food. Hope I could learn something from you that I am unaware about. Thankyou chef
Thank you so much for watching! :)
Good luck to you. Your sincerety will flavour any food
It's just hardship million face everyday ..... We thank god for every little simple meal we afford....
Absolutely
Anything made with authenticity, hard work and love will always be a success. Good wishes to you on your new journey as a youtuber. May your channel reach never ending success.
Dhanyvaadji I have a lot to learn haha.