Aromatic spices and heartfelt memories converged as three Indian students—Shaily Tandekar, Niruppama Senthilkumar, and Samyuktha Kandasamy, affectionately known as the Spice Girls—crafted a unique chutney blending flavors of their homeland with the essence of Nova Scotia in Dalhousie University’s Truro Campus lab.
Under the banner of the Cultiv8 Chef program, an immersive eight-week experiential initiative, the Spice Girls embarked on a culinary journey that led to the creation of Spice Girl Chutney. This program, spearheaded by Chef Reinier Boermans and Jason Grant from Cultiv8, introduces students to kitchen fundamentals, food security, preservation techniques, and the development of value-added food products.
Spice Girl Chutney, the brainchild of these students, emerged as a flavorful fusion at Dal’s Food Lab and was showcased at the Scholarship Banquet on campus in November. Chutney, synonymous with the rich cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, symbolized a connection to their roots while intertwining with the regional essence of Nova Scotia.
The Cultiv8 CHEF program serves as a platform for students to explore culinary creativity, exchange ideas, and experiment with new dishes within a supportive environment.
Jason Grant highlighted the program’s structure, explaining how students progress from following recipes to crafting their own value-added food products, engaging in iterative development guided by customer feedback.
Shaily Tandekar, a recent graduate from the Faculty of Agriculture, expressed fondness for the collaborative sessions where they evaluated and appreciated each other’s culinary creations. Despite commencing her M.Sc. Plant Science at the University of Saskatchewan, Shaily expressed a desire to return and partake in the Cultiv8 CHEF program once more.
Niruppama Senthilkumar, driven by a passion for sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, found resonance in Cultiv8 CHEF’s ethos and sought avenues to address food insecurity.
Samyuktha Kandasamy, with a deep-rooted connection to agricultural traditions, discovered a newfound aspiration for culinary exploration through her Cultiv8 CHEF experience, despite not initially harboring a strong passion for cooking.
The Spice Girls’ collaborative effort in crafting Spice Girl Chutney stands as a testament to the program’s ability to inspire cross-cultural culinary innovation, fostering a blend of tradition and innovation within Nova Scotia’s vibrant culinary landscape.
