No Forks Given

About No Forks Given

Freewheeling conversations intended to unpack the complex layers that make up social identities using food as a metaphor.

Publisher

Neha Lamba Grover

Category

history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Jan 2026

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   A Conversation with Olivier Flosse

   In this conversation, chef and sommelier Olivier Flosse shares his journey through food and wine, emphasizing the deep connection between culinary experiences and personal identity. He discusses the importance of authenticity, the influence of immigrant cultures on cuisine, and the evolving perceptions of French culinary traditions in a global context. Takeaways Food and identity connection Authenticity in cuisine debate Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culinary Identity 02:09 The Role of Memory in Cooking 05:53 French Culinary Techniques and Heritage 09:51 Authenticity and Cultural Influence 13:53 The Concept of Terroir in Wine 17:49 Hierarchies in Cuisine and Dining Experiences 21:49 Social Identity and Food Choices 26:12 The Impact of Wine on Dining 29:59 Nostalgia and Culinary Memories

2. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Of Castes and Kitchens: a conversation with Devdutt Pattnaik

   The conversation with Devdutt Pattnaik delves into the central role of food in Hinduism and the evolution of vegetarianism within the religion. It explores the foundational connection between Hinduism and food, as well as the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the practice of vegetarianism within the Hindu community. The conversation delves into the influence of caste hierarchy and purity in Indian society, the impact of vegetarianism on Indian culture and identity, the rituals and significance of eating with hands, and the impact of modern lifestyles on the kitchen and home. Takeaways Food as a central aspect of Hinduism The evolution of vegetarianism in Hinduism Caste hierarchy and purity are deeply ingrained in Indian society The concept of vegetarianism and its impact on Indian culture and identity Chapters 00:00 Food as the Foundation of Hinduism 01:56 The Evolution of Vegetarianism in Hinduism 27:03 Caste Hierarchy and Purity 30:04 Vegetarianism and Identity 49:25 The Rituals and Significance of Eating with Hands 54:40 The Impact of Modern Lifestyles on Kitchen and Home

3. 

   9 Aug 2026

   The WineIndian Girl

   The conversation explores Mohona's journey from Delhi to Burgundy, her experiences in the wine industry, and the intersection of social identity and food. It delves into the rigidity of the wine industry in Bourgogne, the challenges of language and cultural assimilation, and the evolving landscape of wine culture globally. Takeaways Social identity and food intersect in Mohona's journey from Delhi to Burgundy. The rigidity of the wine industry in Bourgogne presents challenges for cultural assimilation and acceptance. Chapters 00:00 Journey from Delhi to Burgundy 02:50 Challenges of Cultural Assimilation 06:05 The Evolution of Wine Culture 08:51 Myth Busting in the Wine Industry 12:10 Global Impact of Climate Change on Wine 13:02 Cultural Appropriation and Wine Identity 21:50 Exploring Non-French Wines 32:00 Wine Clichés and Myth Busting

4. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Episode 10: Fermenting Wisdom with Dr Julia Skinner

   The conversation delves into the fascinating world of food history, fermentation, and the cultural significance of fermented foods. Dr. Julia Skinner shares insights on the evolution of table etiquette, the revival of ancient recipes, and the importance of food preservation. The discussion also explores the concepts of cultural exchange, appropriation, and the evolving definition of home food and identity. Takeaways Food history and fermentation Cultural significance of fermented foods Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Food History 01:16 Recreating Ancient Recipes 02:04 Taste Evolution and Acquired Tastes 03:07 Unique Discoveries in Ancient Textbooks 04:24 Evolution of Table Etiquette 05:21 Tea Drinking Etiquette 08:19 Fermentation and Cultural Significance 11:12 Fermented Foods and Bacteria Misconceptions 19:54 Food Waste and Food Preservation 18:18 Cultural Exchange vs. Appropriation 22:22 Home Food and Identity 25:22 Historical Preservation Techniques 21:24 Fermented Foods and Cultural Identity

5. 

   22 Jun 2026

   A Migrant's Kitchen: the impact of food on social identities

   The conversation delves into the journey of Dr. Krishnendu Ray into food studies, the exploration of Bengali American households, the impact of language and hierarchy on food, the changing landscape of Indian cuisine in New York, the rise of regional cuisines and authenticity, the concept of authenticity and its political motivation, and the role of soft power in cultural influence. The conversation delves into the dynamics of immigrants in restaurant kitchens, the role of immigrants in shaping American cuisine, the significance of street foods and migration, the influence of celebrity chef culture, the personal and professional aspects of cooking, the political nature of food, the cultural significance of eating with hands, current research topics in food studies, and the need to change American perspectives on food. Takeaways Food studies as a lens for understanding culture Rise of regional cuisines and the concept of authenticity The impact of immigrants on American cuisine The political and social aspects of food Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Food Studies 05:25 Language, Food, and Hierarchy 13:41 Rise of Regional Cuisines and Authenticity 22:45 Authenticity and Political Motivation 30:01 The Dynamics of Immigrants in Restaurant Kitchens 35:17 Celebrity Chef Culture 44:32 The Political Nature of Food 51:42 Food Studies Research Topics

6. 

   30 May 2026

   What's your beef? Cuisine as a political tool

   The conversation delves into the use of cuisine as a political tool and its impact on political narratives. It explores the intersection of food and politics, highlighting the role of cuisine in shaping political events and discourse. The discussion also touches on the regional identities and the impact of culinary traditions on societal dynamics. Takeaways Cuisine as a political tool Impact of cuisine on political narratives Chapters 00:00 Cuisine as a Political Tool

7. 

   11 May 2026

   Who owns a culture..really?

   The conversation delves into the intersection of cultural identity and food, exploring the immigrant experience, the representation of Indian culture, regional cuisines, and the responsibility of passing down culture. It also addresses the baggage of food and identity, highlighting the layers and complexities of the topic. Takeaways Cultural Identity Food and Immigrant Experience Chapters 00:00 The Lunchbox Metaphor 06:02 Representation of Indian Culture 12:00 Responsibility of Passing Down Culture 17:57 Conclusion

8. 

   22 Apr 2026

   The Lunch Box

   The conversation explores the themes of cultural identity, struggle, representation, and the impact of food on cultural acceptance. It delves into the significance of regional cuisines, the impact of smell and memory, and the complexities of cultural appropriation and representation. The discussion also highlights the journey of the film 'The Lunchbox' and its cultural impact. Takeaways Cultural identity is shaped by the struggle of straddling two cultures. Food plays a significant role in cultural acceptance and representation. Chapters 00:00 Inspiration for The Lunchbox 05:43 Cultural Struggle in Parenting (Contd.) 13:48 Representation and Cultural Acceptance 19:21 Representation and Identity 26:52 Impact of Food on Identity 32:23 Film Journey and Cultural Impact

9. 

   21 Mar 2026

   Sugar in my milk

   The conversation delves into the history and cultural influence of the Parsi community in India, the evolution of Parsi cuisine, and the significance of Iranian cafes in Bombay. It also explores the distinct attributes of Parsi food and the challenges of finding authentic Parsi food. The conversation delves into the significance of food in cultural identity, the evolution of culinary traditions, and the diverse approaches to cooking across different communities. It also highlights the role of food in memory and travel experiences, as well as the challenges and preferences related to vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Takeaways Parsi cuisine is a blend of Persian and Indian influences The decline of Iranian cafes in Bombay is a loss for the city's identity Authentic Akuri is difficult to find outside of home-cooked Parsi meals Culinary traditions are deeply intertwined with cultural identity and evolve over time. Food plays a central role in memory, travel experiences, and the expression of identity. The conversation explores the challenges and preferences related to vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Chapters 00:00 The History and Influence of the Parsi Community in India 33:07 Culinary Traditions and Cultural Identity 41:16 Challenges and Preferences in Diet

10. 

    4 Mar 2026

    A Fractured cultural identity?

    The conversation delves into the cultural identity and integration of Indo-Fijians, the influence of Polynesian cuisine on Indian dishes, the Indian hand in cooking, and the cultural experiences in Australia and the UK. It also explores the connection to India and ancestry, the sense of belonging and fluid cultural identity, perception and acceptance in different countries, the integration of Indo-Fijian cuisine, the UK's relationship with Indian food, the global evolution of Indian cuisine, the distinct flavor of Fiji and Indian cuisine, core values of Indian cooking, regionalism, and identity evolution, and the South Asian adaptation of Hamlet. Takeaways Cultural identity Evolution of Indian cuisine Chapters 00:00 South Asian Adaptation of Hamlet

11. 

    15 Feb 2026

    The 100 day journey

    The conversation delves into the diverse and complex nature of Indian cuisine, exploring its relationship with identity, culture, and history. It highlights the regional, cultural, and religious influences that shape Indian culinary traditions, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions while celebrating the rich diversity of flavors and recipes. The concept and philosophy of Musafir, as well as the complexity of meat consumption in India, are also discussed, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of Indian cuisine and its deep-rooted connection to identity. The conversation delves into the cultural evolution of Indian cuisine, the concept of identity and authenticity, the role of women in the culinary industry, and the future of Musafir and culinary projects. It explores the impact of geography and history on food, the evolving nature of Indian cuisine, and the influence of external cultures on traditional recipes. Additionally, it discusses the changing role of women in the culinary industry and the expansion of culinary projects globally. Takeaways Indian cuisine is diverse and complex, influenced by geography, religion, and history. The relationship between food and identity is multifaceted, with regional, cultural, and religious factors playing a significant role. Cultural Evolution Identity and Authenticity Chapters 00:00 Exploring Indian Cuisine and Identity 06:32 Stereotypes and Misconceptions in Indian Cuisine 17:05 The Complexity of Meat Consumption in India 25:01 Cultural Evolution 39:27 Women in the Culinary Industry

12. 

    29 Jan 2026

    Curry: What's in a name?

    The conversation delves into the evolution of Indian cuisine, exploring the origin of curry, regional diversity, the influence of British colonialism, the adaptability and flexibility of Indian cuisine, and the cultural significance of vegetarianism in India. The conversation delves into the role of food in shaping identity and integration, exploring the evolution of Indian cuisine in different regions, the influence of the caste system on food practices, the cultural impact of tea, and the resurgence of Indian food in the diaspora. Takeaways Evolution of Indian cuisine Influence of colonialism on Indian food Food as a tool for identity and integration Evolution of Indian cuisine in different regions Chapters 00:00 The Origin of Curry 06:46 The Influence of British Colonialism on Indian Food 12:14 Adaptability and Flexibility of Indian Cuisine 25:15 The Cultural Significance of Vegetarianism in India 31:27 Food and Identity 46:12 Tea and Cultural Influence 57:11 Indian Food in the Diaspora

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings