Jain Food cannot be limited to only Indian, there are vast global dishes converted into it.
Jain food is gaining momentum all across India and people want new Jain dishes besides regular one. To know more about Non-Indian Jain delicacies, Senior Journalist in Mewati Sitaram in tête-à-tête with Chef Dinesh Joshi, Executive Chef, Taj Vivanta Navi Mumbai. In a brief conversation he explained minutely about Jain delicacies. So, now on there are no limitations of Non-Indian Jain delicacies, if you are willing to relish.
What is Jain food?
Jain Food or Jain Diet is based on Jain Religion’s Principle of “Non-Violence” and “Non-Injuring”. Hence, Poultry, Eggs, Seafood, Meat are not consumed by them. They practice “Lacto-Vegetarian” food. Apart from this, under the “Principle of Non-Injuring” even root and underground vegetables are excluded from their diet. This is to extricate small insects, microorganisms and uprooting & killing of entire plants.
Beside Indian Jain food, are there any dishes that can be converted to Jain dishes as Non – Indian Jain food?
Yes, certainly, there are a vast collection of global dishes that can be cooked as Jain delicacies. Many talented chefs have evolved global cuisine to Jain Platters. Indeed, there will be certain limitations to convert it to ethnic or authentic recipes from across the globe to custom-make it to Jain food. Jain Food cannot be limited to only Indian food. A particular international recipe converted to Jain Pattern considering the exclusion of few ingredients will not taste the same but as skills and expertise of chefs will come into play, to make the recipe more finer n tastier and close hand in hand with taste, appearance & presentation.
How popular is Non – Indian Jain food in India?
Majorly Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune), Rajasthan, Gujarat and West Bengal are the pick states that have the maximum demand for Jain Food. Here, guests proactively ask for global recipes to be a part of their events especially in residential weddings where multiple events take place at one hotel. Incorporation of globally acclaimed and popular dishes in these events have become a basic expectation from guests at this day and age. Eventually with the increasing exposure and awareness, restaurants now are having sizable Jain food offerings in their menus on a day to day basis in both buffet and A la carte.
How many dishes from starter, main course to desserts can be made?
If a Chef is creative then Sky is the limit. There are hundreds of dishes that can be converted into Non-Indian Jain delicacies. Chefs’ imagination will add to this and can have all courses ready to serve into Jain options.
In your career as a chef, have you ever made Non-Indian Jain food?
Yes, Many a times. As I mentioned earlier, most of the banquet events plus quite a few regular and repeat guests plan their visit to restaurants to have exclusive and niche Jain recipes.
As a chef, I ensure that they do not get only the regular fare of jain delicacies. I always keep challenging myself to prepare and surprise the guests with varied Jain food options. I have had the pleasure of interacting and meeting many guests with families and friends who absolutely relish trying and experiencing nouvelle food. Also we cater to a number of Private dinner guests who celebrate their special occasions where out of the box Jain food is very much appreciated.
What’s your opinion about innovating new delicacies for jain food?
I personally feel that the entire market for Jain food is tired of trying and testing common recipes like Paneer, Dal and vegetables. They now are eagerly wanting to explore new options of Jain food. Even for the hotel, having a variety of Jain food is emerging as a key differential offering in an ultra-competitive market. Whenever there is any event for Jain’s we ensure that we should serve them new and innovative delicacies.
In Vivanta Navi Mumbai has served exclusive Non-Indian Jain food?
We at Vivanta in Navi Mumbai known as a market leader in curating out of the box Jain delicacies and it is well appreciated by guests. We make Jain delicacies Quite often! Because most of the time the guests are pure Jains and especially during the weddings and rituals, there is a mandatory requirement for pure Jain Food.
What’s the Future of Non-Indian Jain food in India?
More than 5 million of the world’s population follow Jain religion. More and more people are eating out and the spending capacity of the people has increased. People travel extensively, social media has really opened up the knowledge of the people. This is no different with Jain guests as well. They know that they need not worry about stepping out and only having to settle for basic Indian food, but are quite aware that they can explore international food options as well in line with their religious practices. I personally believe that our industry needs to be more proactive and be inventive when it comes to catering to the International Jain food requirements because otherwise, eventually the demand will be more than the supply.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
