Indian cuisine has been making waves around the world in recent years, with its vibrant and diverse flavors capturing the attention of food enthusiasts everywhere. As a result, Indian restaurants have sprung up in numerous cities worldwide, allowing people to experience the flavors and spices of India without having to travel to the country itself.
One individual who has been instrumental in bringing a particular Indian dish to the attention of the world is British chef Angus Denoon. Denoon first encountered jhalmuri, a popular Bengali street food, during a visit to Kolkata several years ago. The dish is made with puffed rice, spices, and sauce, and is similar in appearance to the popular snack bhel puri.
Ravi Nair, the President of the US-India Importers’ Council (USIIC) and CEO of the Rich Minds Centre of Excellence, spotted the stall and shared a video of Denoon making jhalmuri, on LinkedIn.
He wrote in the caption, “Loved seeing this Foreigner selling the most popular ‘Indian Bhelpuri’ on the streets in the United Kingdom.”
And added,”For my Non-Indian friends – Bhelpuri is a savoury snack originating from India, and is also a type of chaat. It is made of puffed rice, vegetables and a tangy tamarind sauce, and has a crunchy texture.”
Denoon was immediately smitten with the flavors of jhalmuri and decided to start selling it himself. He opened his own jhalmuri food stall in London, which he named Jhalmuri Express. The stall quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors alike, as Denoon’s passion for the dish was infectious.
Recently, Ravi Nair, President of the US-India Importers’ Council (USIIC) and CEO of the Rich Minds Centre of Excellence, spotted Denoon’s stall and was impressed by his dedication to the dish. Nair shared a video of Denoon making jhalmuri, which has helped to raise the dish’s profile even further.
Denoon’s love for jhalmuri was also on display in 2019 when he sold the dish to cricket fans during the India vs. Australia World Cup match in London. Using the traditional method of serving jhalmuri in a paper cone made from torn magazine pages, Denoon captured the hearts of many with his dedication to the dish and its culture.
Angus Denoon’s passion for jhalmuri has helped to bring this popular Bengali street food to the attention of people around the world. His efforts to promote the dish have not only helped to showcase the flavors of India, but they have also helped to highlight the importance of cultural exchange and the power of food to bring people together.
