Continuing my culinary journey from my last newsletter, I want to take you back to 1997 when I met my wife Vidhya, who was my next-door neighbor at the time. Our friendship blossomed into love, and we got married in 2004—a romantic story I'll share at my supper club! During these years, I was also growing professionally, enjoying a successful career in sales within the banking and financial services industry. I have sold everything from cars and life insurance to corporate accounts and unsecured business loans.

A New Journey Begins in Singapore

In 2006, I embarked on a life-changing journey with Vidhya, my partner and the love of my life, as we moved to Singapore. This move not only introduced us to a new way of life but also to the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Southeast Asia. The region, known for its rich and complex flavors, quickly became a gastronomic playground for us. I also began my entrepreneurial journey here was selling Mobile applications & Solutions in Global Markets.

Discovering Southeast Asian Cuisine

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this beautifully. From the spicy, aromatic dishes of Thailand to the savory, complex flavors of Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine, I found myself immersed in a culinary wonderland. The delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in these dishes introduced me to a new dimension of taste and cooking techniques

Our first taste of Southeast Asian cuisine was in the bustling hawker centers of Singapore. The aroma of Hainanese chicken rice, with its tender poached chicken and fragrant rice, filled the air. Each bite was a revelation, a delicate balance of flavors that we had never experienced before. Sharing this dish with Vidhya, we both realized that our culinary horizons were expanding in ways we hadn’t imagined

We were introduced to Laksa, a spicy noodle soup with a rich coconut milk base, and otah, a fragrant grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves. These dishes, with their bold and aromatic flavors, quickly became favorites. Sharing a steaming bowl of laksa or a bite of Otah with Vidhya was a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Our adventures didn’t stop there. We traveled to Malaysia, where we were captivated by the bold and spicy flavors of Penang’s street food. Char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, Chinese sausage, and a hint of smokiness from the wok, quickly became a favorite. The complex layers of flavor in every mouthful were a testament to the skill of the local cooks, and sharing this dish with Vidhya made it even more special.

In Thailand, we were enchanted by the vibrancy of dishes like pad thai and green curry. The perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in these dishes was a sensory overload in the best possible way.

Indonesia introduced us to Nasi Goreng, a flavorful fried rice dish topped with a fried egg, and rendang, a slow-cooked beef stew with a rich and aromatic spice blend. Each dish told a story of tradition and heritage, and sharing these meals with Vidhya deepened our appreciation for the culinary arts of Southeast Asia.

Back in Singapore, we couldn’t resist the allure of iconic seafood dishes like Chili crab and Pepper crab. The sweet, spicy, and tangy chili sauce of the chili crab, and the bold, peppery flavors of the pepper crab were irresistible. Digging into these messy, delicious dishes with Vidhya was an adventure in itself, and each bite was a celebration of flavor and love.

We also discovered the comforting and aromatic Bak Kut Teh, a pork rib soup seasoned with a complex blend of herbs and spices. This dish quickly became a comfort food for us, especially on rainy days. Sharing a bowl of bak kut teh, with its soothing and warming properties, was like sharing a hug in a bowl.

During our time in Singapore, Vidhya and I were fortunate to travel to many countries and continents, including Europe and Africa. Each destination added a new layer of understanding to my appreciation of global cuisine. However, it was the rich and diverse flavors of Asian cuisine that left the most significant mark on me. The freshness of ingredients, the intricate spices, and the unique cooking methods inspired me deeply.

The flavors of Southeast Asia became a part of our story, a testament to our love for each other and our love for discovering the world together

Bridging cultures through food & birth of idea of a Supperclub

My time in Singapore and the travels that followed fundamentally changed my perspective on food and cuisine. I learned that food is not just about sustenance; it's a universal language that can bring people together, bridge cultural gaps, and create lasting memories. The fusion of flavors I experimented with became a symbol of this belief and as it evolved seeded the idea of Supperclub.

Our journey through Southeast Asia & half the Globe has been more than just a series of meals; it was a celebration of love, discovery, and the profound impact that food can have on our lives. Each dish we tasted and shared became a cherished memory, a reminder of the beauty of experiencing the world together, one bite at a time

Looking Ahead

As I continue this culinary journey, I am grateful for the experiences and friendships that have shaped my path. The supper club is not just about serving delicious food; it's about celebrating the diversity of flavors and the joy of sharing a meal with others. I look forward to many more years of culinary exploration, experimentation, and, most importantly, connection through food.

I hope to host my next Supper Club in September 2024 stay tuned for date announcement on my instagram swaadbynitin & website

Thank you so much for reading my newsletters, every acknowledgement, completement makes me tremendously grateful & happy 🙂 Please write to me if you have questions, suggestions, feedback would love to hear them all.

Nitin