Kanak Mathur hails from a Kayasth family of great food enthusiasts, who have their roots in the ancient havelis of Old Delhi. Traditional recipes and cooking methods have for long been a hidden treasure among the Mathur Kayasths. Their foods were meant only for family dining tables and royal banquets. Not being entrepreneurial by nature, their precious recipes remained within Kayasth kitchens for centuries and were never marketed commercially. In recent years, some books have been written on the virtues of the Kayasth Cuisine, however the food remained largely at home.
Kanak Mathur brings this traditional cuisine and cooking heritage into the commercial space, to keep alive some of these ancient recipes, mix of spices and cooking methods.
Who are Kayasths and why is their food special ?
Kayasths have historically been courtiers and ministers in royal palaces, infamous for their love for food and drink as much as for their intellect. Kayasth cuisine is unique because it is a blend of traditional Indian food and Mughal food. Hence in this cuisine, you have the best of both worlds. Kanak has taken these recipes and given them her own interpretation, just as a musician does to a raga.
