4 minute read
Shrishti Desai - Food Content Creator
In a world where the pandemic has reshaped how we connect with our cultures and traditions, Shrishti Prabhu Desai, a M. Pharm professional turned food content creator, is on a mission to preserve and promote the rich culinary heritage of Goa. Her journey, which began amid the global lockdown in 2020, has transformed from cooking cravings to becoming a beacon for Goan cuisine on social media.
A Culinary Journey Born from Lockdown
Shrishti’s adventure into the realm of food content creation was ignited by the global pandemic. With the world locked down and the usual hustle and bustle of life brought to a standstill, she found solace and expression in cooking. From recreating street food favorites at home to keeping up with trends like the Dalgona coffee craze, Shrishti began sharing her culinary exploits on social media. The overwhelming response from her audience encouraged her to take her passion a step further, leading her to share her recipes and culinary stories more broadly.
Celebrating Goan Cuisine
Shrishti's love for Goan cuisine is palpable in her work. She finds joy in cooking and featuring iconic dishes such as Prawns Curry, Chicken Xacuti, and Chicken Cafreal, alongside street food staples like Ros Omelette and Cutlet Pao. These dishes, she believes, embody the 'Susegad' lifestyle — a term that captures the laid-back, leisurely pace of life in Goa. Through her content, Shrishti aims to not just share recipes but to invoke the warmth and comfort that Goan cuisine brings to the table.
Unearthing Lost Recipes
One of Shrishti’s goals is to shine a spotlight on lesser-known Goan dishes that have been overshadowed by the popularity of mainstream cuisine. She explores and shares traditional recipes such as Tavsali (Cucumber Cake), Dhonas (Jackfruit Cake), and Kuvalycho Vadiyo (Ash Gourd Dumplings). Her content serves as a bridge, connecting newer generations to the rich tapestry of Goan culinary traditions that risk being forgotten in the fast-paced modern world.
Sourcing and Sustainability
When it comes to ingredients, Shrishti is a staunch supporter of local sourcing. She frequents Sunday to Friday markets, choosing local vendors for everything from the specific red chilies used in Goan curries to seasonal vegetables. This practice not only ensures the authenticity of her dishes but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainability within her community.
Culinary Inspirations
Shrishti’s greatest culinary inspiration comes from her late grandmother, a master of Goan cuisine who believed in creating everything from scratch — from masalas to coconut oil. This inheritance of skill and passion for Goan food is what Shrishti aims to carry forward through her content.
Overcoming Challenges
The path of a food content creator is not without its hurdles. For Shrishti, one of the biggest challenges lies in unearthing authentic recipes in an age where hybrid content is rampant. Her dedication to providing her audience with genuine Goan recipes has made her platform a trusted source for those seeking authenticity in their culinary ventures.
Preserving Goan Culinary Heritage
Shrishti’s content is more than just recipes; it’s a homage to the Goan way of life. By promoting authentic recipes learned from locals, elders, and community figures, she plays a pivotal role in preserving Goan culinary heritage. Her efforts extend to documenting seasonal and festival recipes, rituals, and soon, she plans to create a documentary to further this cause.
Looking to the Future
While her roots are firmly planted in Goan soil, Shrishti has plans to expand her culinary explorations beyond Goa. This expansion aims to bring the same depth of exploration and preservation to other cuisines, broadening her mission to celebrate and safeguard regional culinary traditions.
Shrishti Prabhu Desai represents the new age of food content creators who are not just about creating appealing content but are invested in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Through her dedication to Goan cuisine, she ensures that the flavors, stories, and traditions of Goa continue to inspire and nourish souls worldwide. Her journey is a testament to the power of food as a medium of cultural expression and preservation, inviting us all to explore the depths of our culinary roots and share them with the world.
