Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, rich in spices and diverse in ingredients that offer something for every palate. Known for its bold, aromatic, and often spicy dishes, Indian food has a unique way of balancing savory, sweet, sour, and spicy elements. This complexity makes it a natural fit for the Filipino palate, which similarly enjoys a love for flavor-packed and diverse dishes.
Inspired by this, as well as the growing global focus on healthy eating, the culinary team at Lanson Place Mall of Asia created the Indian Weekend Menu at Cyan Modern Kitchen. One of the strongest influences of Indian cuisine is Ayurveda, an ancient system of health that considers food as the first line of treatment for achieving perfectly balanced health. Drawing from this wisdom, Chef Emmanuel Santos, Cyan Modern Kitchen’s Indian specialty chef, spearheaded the creation of a vibrant menu that offers a selection of authentic Indian dishes. These dishes not only delight the taste buds but also promote wellness from within.
“Apart from this,” explains Chef Emmanuel, “the culinary offerings for the Indian Weekend Cuisine were also inspired by India’s vast geography and its rich regional diversity, which contribute to the varied flavors, textures, and colors of its dishes.” He showcased a medley of both North Indian and South Indian cuisines, presenting robust, creamy curries and tandoori dishes from the North alongside spiced, coconut-rich stews from the South. The menu reflects the best of India’s culinary landscape, offering a flavorful journey across the subcontinent.
Chef Emmanuel places special emphasis on the use of yogurt, a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine that not only enhances the flavor of dishes but also adds a nutritious element. Known for its probiotic properties, yogurt supports digestion and balances the spices in Indian dishes.
“Beyond its health benefits, yogurt is also a fantastic meat tenderizer and a delightful souring agent, bringing depth to curries and marinades,” Chef Emmanuel adds. For the Indian Weekend Cuisine, the chef used the restaurant’s in-house yogurt, ensuring a fresh, wholesome touch to each dish.
In addition, Chef Emmanuel prepared a selection of dishes cooked in a traditional tandoor, a clay oven known for imparting intense flavors and inviting textures to food. Tandoor-cooked dishes provide a memorable sensory dining experience, with meats and breads emerging perfectly charred on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within. At Cyan Modern Kitchen, guests can savor authentic tandoori delights, such as seekh kebabs bursting with spiced aromas and freshly baked Indian flatbreads like naan, adding a rustic yet flavorful touch to the meal.
The Indian Weekend Menu also offers a fusion of tradition and innovation, reflecting the fascinating evolution of Indian cuisine. By blending traditional Indian flavors with contemporary techniques, the menu creates a symphony of tastes, aromas, and colors that captivates the senses. This creative approach highlights the culinary brilliance of the team behind Cyan Modern Kitchen, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
