Ep 1. Cheeses of India

Cheese Slices Season 6 Episode 1: Cheeses of India

In this episode of Cheese Slices, host Will Studd takes us on a gastronomical journey through India, exploring the diverse world of Indian cheese-making traditions. From the coast to the heartland, the episode delves into the intricacies of Indian cheese, which is often overlooked in Western cuisine.

The episode begins with a visit to the city of Goa on the west coast of India, famous for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. Here, Studd meets food writer and culinary expert Odette Mascarenhas, who takes him on a tour of the popular farmer's market, Mapusa. The market is an insight into the local food culture, and Studd samples some of the unique cheeses on offer, such as the world-renowned Goa cheese. He converses with the vendors to learn about the history behind these cheeses and how they are incorporated into the local cuisine.

Next up, Studd ventures into the untapped hinterlands of India and travels to the state of Rajasthan, where he explores some of the rarest cheese recipes in the country. In the remote village of Badi, he meets with Sunita Jain, who is keeping the tradition of making raw, unpasteurized buffalo milk cheese alive. Jain shares the process of making this cheese that dates back centuries, and Studd can't help but be marveled by the intricate process of making such a delicate cheese.

From Rajasthan, Studd heads north to the Himalayan foothills, where he visits the isolated town of Leh, located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. Here, he meets one of the most well-known cheese makers in the region, Tsering Angmo. With a few goats and a rudimentary dairy in her backyard, she churns out a cheese that has never been documented before. Studd spends time with her and her family, learning about the unique challenges of making cheese in this harsh Himalayan climate.

Further down south in the state of Maharashtra, Studd ventures into the bustling city of Mumbai and visits the city's most iconic cheesemaker – The Britannia & Co. Established in 1923, Britannia & Co is famous for its in-house cheese, Freny's Feta. The restaurant's owner, Boman Kohinoor, takes Studd into the kitchen, where they cook up some delicious dishes using this famous cheese.

Finally, Studd travels to the mystical city of Udaipur in Rajasthan, where he discovers the little-known cheese of the region – Panner. He meets Ripu Daman Singh, who is preserving the dying art of making this cheese that dates back to the time of the Rajputs. Studd joins in as Singh demonstrates the ancient art of cheese making that has been passed down through generations.

Overall, this episode of Cheese Slices takes us on a cultural journey across India, exploring the vast range of cheeses the country has to offer and discovering the unique traditions behind each cheese. From remote Himalayan villages to bustling city markets, this episode offers rare insights into the complexities of Indian cheese making.