Curry: A Tale of Cooks and Conquerors by Lizzie Collingham is a comprehensive history of Indian cuisine that explores the origins and evolution of the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make up this vibrant and diverse culinary tradition. The book takes a broad look at the influence of Indian food on world cuisine and culture, including its impact on trade, colonization, and the movement of people and ideas.
Lizzie Collingham is a historian and food writer who has dedicated her career to exploring the cultural, social, and political factors that have shaped food throughout history. With a Ph.D. in history from the University of Cambridge, she has extensive knowledge and expertise in this field, making her the ideal author to write such a comprehensive history of Indian cuisine. In Curry, Collingham draws on her extensive research and writing skills to create a fascinating and accessible account of the rich and complex history of Indian food.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from the earliest Indian food culture to present-day fusion cuisine, offering readers insight into the development of Indian cuisine. It also touches on the social and political aspects of food, exploring how food played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of India.
Curry: A Tale of Cooks and Conquerors has been widely acclaimed for its engaging narrative style. The author has conducted in-depth research to bring to life the rich history of Indian cuisine vividly and entertainingly. The book weaves stories and anecdotes to make the complex history of Indian food accessible to a general audience.
Reviewers have praised the book for its accessible writing style, which makes it easy to understand and follow. The book places Indian cuisine within its historical and cultural context, exploring its connections to trade, colonization, and migration. The book’s broad scope, from ancient Indian food culture to modern-day fusion cuisine, makes it a fascinating read that deepens readers’ appreciation for the cultural, social, and political factors that have influenced Indian food throughout history. However, the book has received some criticism for being overly dense and detailed in places and for downplaying the contributions of women and lower-caste cooks in developing Indian cuisine. Despite these critiques, Curry is still a valuable and informative read for those interested in the history and culture of food.