THE EXCLUSIVE

The Expert: From raiding the homes of the rich and famous as an Income Tax officer to raiding the larders of the city’s best restaurants, Rashmi Uday Singh is a self- proclaimed foodie. With 32 book titles under her belt she’s one of India’s most prolific food writers. Singh is also credited with the first city restaurant guide which she wrote while exploring Mumbai. Ask her about the unusual change of pace from tax lady to ardent foodie and she says, “Both my grandmothers were excellent and meticulous cooks. I have good food in my blood.” Her latest book A Vegetarian In Paris is a comprehensive look at how French cuisine can be made interesting beyond frogs legs and escargot.

The Mantra: “A few things have happened simultaneously with food in India. The economic boom when the middle class began to spend money and two income families, who couldn’t afford household help and had to eat out. The foodie wave that came to India in the 90s, was about experimenting, reading and writing about food that’s not necessarily gourmet,” says Singh. Her columns are always rich with the art and culture of the city she’s eating in.

The Dish: Crepes Suzette, a Sunday brunch favourite is what Singh would celebrate with. “It has a lucious, velvety texture and is rich in both flavour and history,” she claims. The iconic dish was invented at The Ritz in Paris, where Michelin star chef Michel Roth recreated it for her book from the original recipe. “It marries sweet with tangy within crisp folds of the crepe,” she adds.