Chinar Shah

In collaboration with Nihaal Faizal 

Every major city in the world probably has a restaurant called 'Taste of India'. Serving Indian food, these restaurants promise to deliver the essence of India through select menu items, wall hangings and softly audible classical music. A consumable brand offering India on its plate, these restaurants extend themselves as souvenirs. As markers of experience, they summarize an imagination of India consolidating it as take away ‘naan bread’ or tabletop pictures of Taj Mahal.

Drawing from these restaurants, ‘The Real Taste of India’ is a commentary on homogenized national identity and the commercialization of culture.

The work is made possible with the generous support of Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation and Mumbai Art Room. Initially, the work was collaboration between Nihaal Faizal, Chinar Shah and Aileen Blaney for a show at Taste of India restaurant in Bangalore, curated by Gavati Wad, 2016.

https://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-event-exhibition-showcases-indian-restaurants-from-around-the-world/18611169

https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/naan-sense-see-what-connects-indian-eateries-abroad-to-the-idea-of-home/story-PADKWkwrGVkjS0Cwsiq0BK.html

https://www.pressreader.com/india/mid-day/20170827/281595240662548

http://temporaryartreview.com/taste-of-india-at-taste-of-india/