Chef Ranveer Brar set to trace Indian culinary secrets with new cooking show ‘The Family Table’

Indian chef Ranveer Brar is now onto carving a distinct niche in the world of culinaire. In his latest venture, ‘The Family Table,' he embarks on an exciting exploration of Indian cuisine, promising a feast for both the senses and the soul.

Set to redefine the reality cooking-show genre, Brar's distinctive approach shines as he delves into the heart of Indian kitchens, sharing not only recipes but also the cultural significance of diverse cooking practices that shape them.

From his tenure as a MasterChef judge to dishing quirky YouTube tutorials, Brar has been captivating audiences with a unique blend of traditional recipes backed with historical context. With a penchant for unravelling the gastronomic lineage of dishes, he now takes viewers on a journey, tracing each recipe's roots to its native land.

Midday.com had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with the gourmet maestro, gaining insight into the inspiration behind his new endeavour and the cooking adventures that lie ahead.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:

What's the idea behind the show The Family Table?

Ranveer Brar: As I envision it, The Family Table is not just a cooking competition; it's a high-energy game show infused with excitement and a sense of urgency. I want it to be a source of entertainment and fun, where contestants not only demonstrate their culinary skills but also share the cherished secrets passed down through generations. These recipes, often whispered by grandmothers and steeped in tradition, serve as the backbone of India's familial bonds, enriching the show with layers of cultural beauty.

The idea behind the reality show is to showcase the beauty of family recipes that embody the essence of our culinary heritage and the dynamics within our families. I'm passionate about delving deep into the rich food philosophies and diverse cuisines that originate from the nuanced corners of India. Through this show, I aim to offer viewers a captivating journey into the heart of our culinary traditions.

What will be the deciding factor for the winning family?

Ranveer Brar: The format of The Family Table is carefully structured to engage audiences and participants alike. With six episodes in total, each featuring two rounds and a concise runtime of 22 minutes per episode, the aim is to keep the competition dynamic and fast-paced.

Every episode will showcase the culinary talents of two families, bringing their unique flavours and traditions to the forefront. And when it comes to judging, we'll be considering both the time taken to cook and the taste of the final dishes, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of each contestant's culinary prowess.

In round 1, you'll witness the energy as two families compete against one another, getting their hands messy and becoming teammates in the kitchen. As the show host, I have the pleasure of interacting with each family during the cook-off, having fun while learning about their dishes, their significance to the family and their unique interpersonal dynamics. It's all about proving that they are the better cooks, and may the best family emerge victorious.

Each episode features different families hailing from various parts of the country, each bringing their own distinctive dynamics to the table. "You will witness a mother-daughter duo or a father-son duo. Sometimes siblings will compete, so different family dynamics trying to craft a meal together."

Expect to see matchups like Singhs vs Iyers and other intriguing family rivalries as they compete against each other on designated dishes.

In the second round, the competition heats up even more as a celebrity guest enters with her family dish. The challenge? Recreate the dish and impress both the guest and myself with how closely they hit the mark. This final frontier will ultimately determine the winner of the episode.

As for the celebrity guests expected to make appearances on the show, viewers can look forward to seeing the likes of Tejasswi Prakash, Shweta Tiwari, Karishma Tanna, Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and Fatima Sana Sheikh, adding an extra layer of star power to the culinary showdown.

Take us through the lineup of families

Ranveer Brar: In Family Table, we're taking the audience on a treat across India, showcasing the rich diversity of regional cuisines through our selection of participating families. From the northern plains to the southern coast, and from the eastern deltas to the western hills, we've curated a truly pan-Indian lineup.

One of the families on the lineup is Mongolian, infusing their recipes with flavours from distant lands. Then, immerse yourself in the coastal delights of Goa with a Goan family, as they share the secrets of their vibrant cuisine, steeped in the flavours of the sea and spices.

Venture further eastward and discover the aromatic treasures of Bengal via a Bengali family, whose mastery of Bangla food promises to get your taste buds raining. Meanwhile, the hearty fare of Punjab takes center stage with the Bhasin family, offering a soulful journey through the comforting dishes that define Punjabi cuisine.

But the diversity doesn't end there. With a carefully curated selection of 12 families from different regions, The Family Table traverses through diverse Indian lands, showcasing the culinary heritage of states spanning the length and breadth of our country.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of the Andaman Islands, each family brings a piece of their unique culture and culinary tradition to the table, creating a symphony of flavours that reflects the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

What are the dishes set to feature on the show?

Ranveer Brar: Many of the recipes featured on the show are traditional favourites with a unique twist - a reflection of the ever-evolving nature of family traditions and the blending of diverse culinary influences over time.

As families come together to showcase their cooking prowess, they bring forth dishes that bear the imprints of their ancestors' culinary legacies, often incorporating heirloom recipes passed down through generations. These recipes, sourced from family memoirs or meticulously maintained recipe diaries, offer a glimpse into the cherished traditions that have shaped each family's culinary identity.

Take, for example, the Mongolian and Punjabi family, who seamlessly blend flavours from their respective backgrounds to create a Mangalorean fish curry and Punjabi chole. Meanwhile, families from the northeastern state of Assam share their unique take on keeranand with dum aloo, in a bid to pay homage to their roots.

Similarly, the Punjabi family also presents a mouthwatering mutton curry paired with lachha paratha, a classic combination that speaks to the heartiness of Punjabi cuisine.

But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. From a Bengali family's inventive jackfruit biryani with fish head cooked in moong dal to the comforting flavours of Gujarati dabeli and dal dhoklis, each dish tells a story of cultural heritage and familial love.

How do culinary secrets help carry forward a family's legacy?

Ranveer Brar: Culinary secrets play a pivotal role in preserving and perpetuating a family's legacy by serving as vessels for storytelling, cultural significance and familial pride. These cherished recipes encapsulate not just the ingredients and techniques but also the stories and memories passed down through generations.

Each dish becomes a tangible link to the past, carrying with it the essence of family gatherings, shared meals and cherished traditions. Through the act of preparing and sharing these recipes, families keep their heritage alive, instilling a sense of continuity and belonging for future generations. Ultimately, culinary secrets become more than just recipes - they become living monuments to the resilience, creativity and love that define a family's identity and history.