What's cooking?

Siddiqua's show fetches a fan following
What's cooking?
Sadya Afreen Mallick

"Hunger is the best sauce," goes a saying. Any food buff will vouch for the truth of this statement. Everywhere one turns to -- cook books, TV, restaurants and households -- there is a growing niche for culinary delights. In a recent trend, most mothers, while buying ornaments and expensive apparel, make it a point to buy a recipe book for their soon to be married daughter. This coincides well with the popular saying "A hearty meal is the way to a man's heart."
Among the popular TV cook shows, Siddiqua Kabir's Recipe stands out. The author Siddiqua Kabir's recipe book is a must have gourmet collection for the Bangladeshis all across the globe. It was interesting to chat with her at a party recently. Here's an excerpt from our conversation:


"The show Siddiqua Kabir's Recipe currently running on ntv, has reached its 83rd episode. The spectators will watch the 100th episode sometime around August," says Siddiqua.


"Our culture is a melting pot and a conglomeration of Portuguese, English, French, Turkish and Iranian culture. Over the years we have developed a taste which is rich in ingredients and often spicy. I make it a point to collect recipes from all over the world, suitable for our palate and acknowledge it in my gourmet collection," she says, adding that the show is" surprisingly popular amongst the young and old."

Siddiqa cites an interesting anecdote in her career. As she says, "A five-year-old boy recently came over to me at a wedding party and introduced me to his mother. I was overwhelmed to learn that he often assists his mom in trying out new dishes, which he watches on the show. I often hear from the parents that young girls enact Sharmin(my assistant) and myself. The show has generated an interest in our culture, good housekeeping and nutritious eating habits, elements which are neglected quite often," she says.

Talking about the TV show, Siddiqua continues, "We often invite the spectators and try their recipes as well. At times we invite a few journalists and stars from the cultural field to join in and prepare newer varieties at the show. The varied taste and scrumptious meals make it even more interesting."

Siddiqua says that Kachchi biriyani and Lal Mohon are the most popular dishes and people repeatedly want these recipes.


"The pancake, however, still remains an all time favourite because it's easy to prepare and filling too. The fried garlic with spinach and noodles is a new addition in my book."

"How times have changed," says Siddiqa. "The nights have been transformed into days and vice versa. Previously several occasions, such as weddings, were held by day, while now everything begins late at night. People now sleep by day and work till late evening."There's more to look forward to from Siddiqua. "On Pahela Baishak we plan to make a few delectable dishes to appease the Bangalee palate," she says.


So for gourmets in Bangladesh, there's an array of mouth-watering menus to try out--and in the process titillate the taste buds of your dear ones.