60 acast.com fork the empire https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/fork-the-empire en fork the empire fork the empire We’re excited to share with you the launch of fork the empire, your new go-to podcast about fresh and spicy musings on food! 


The "fork" doesn't just convey the sheer joy of eating, it also means challenging the status quo. The "empire(s)" we’re referring to range anywhere from the historical empires that have shaped global cuisines to corporate food culture, as well as the trends, traditions, and power structures that uphold them. From street food to fine dining, we aim to unpack the stories behind the plates.


We’re your co-hosts, Kiran and Puninda - both of Indian background. Kiran is from Australia, and Puninda from Canada, and we're currently based in London, UK. We realized how much we enjoy talking about food. So, we decided to subject all of you to our reflections. 


Reach out at forktheempire@gmail.com (or to Kiran/Puninda personally) with your thoughts! Share the link to the pod with anyone who might appreciate it, and thanks for listening!


Music credits:


Eps 1-5: "Cloud Dancer " Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Eps 6 onwards: soderbhan


DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to the audio clips interspersed between segments throughout the show. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement is intended.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We’re excited to share with you the launch of fork the empire, your new go-to podcast about fresh and spicy musings on food! 


The "fork" doesn't just convey the sheer joy of eating, it also means challenging the status quo. The "empire(s)" we’re referring to range anywhere from the historical empires that have shaped global cuisines to corporate food culture, as well as the trends, traditions, and power structures that uphold them. From street food to fine dining, we aim to unpack the stories behind the plates.


We’re your co-hosts, Kiran and Puninda - both of Indian background. Kiran is from Australia, and Puninda from Canada, and we're currently based in London, UK. We realized how much we enjoy talking about food. So, we decided to subject all of you to our reflections. 


Reach out at forktheempire@gmail.com (or to Kiran/Puninda personally) with your thoughts! Share the link to the pod with anyone who might appreciate it, and thanks for listening!


Music credits:


Eps 1-5: "Cloud Dancer " Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Eps 6 onwards: soderbhan


DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to the audio clips interspersed between segments throughout the show. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement is intended.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false fork the empire info+6717c5acc054f539072818c5@mg-eu.acast.com 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 fork-the-empire episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1729611006745-4d0b06aa-5ab5-4b9c-bc13-7ab99fb036d5.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/fork-the-empire fork the empire The world has a coke addiction The world has a coke addiction Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:25:31 GMT 35:38 69ce27fbb601292a800d2152 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/69ce27fbb601292a800d2152 69ce27fbb601292a800d2152 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 15
  • Episode 15 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ec8R7j696bkdImHHTWDz1?si=lXqPIqi4TY6VXWCia4ex0Q
  • Cocacolonization: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocacolonization
  • Coca Cola and plastic waste: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/27/coca-cola-plastic-waste-in-oceans-expected-to-reach-602m-kilograms-a-year-by-2030
  • Coca Cola and water shortage: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2025/1/8/forgotten-how-one-mexican-city-struggles-against-big-industry-for-water
  • What Coca-Cola’s logo reveals about the history of writing in America https://www.vox.com/2015/5/29/8685619/coca-colas-

    • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>
  • Episode 15 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ec8R7j696bkdImHHTWDz1?si=lXqPIqi4TY6VXWCia4ex0Q
  • Cocacolonization: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocacolonization
  • Coca Cola and plastic waste: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/27/coca-cola-plastic-waste-in-oceans-expected-to-reach-602m-kilograms-a-year-by-2030
  • Coca Cola and water shortage: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2025/1/8/forgotten-how-one-mexican-city-struggles-against-big-industry-for-water
  • What Coca-Cola’s logo reveals about the history of writing in America https://www.vox.com/2015/5/29/8685619/coca-colas-

    • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         South Africa, Cacio e Pepe, Paneer South Africa, Cacio e Pepe, Paneer Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:49:05 GMT 47:15 6998908168ec8626d213e9d6 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/6998908168ec8626d213e9d6 6998908168ec8626d213e9d6 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 14 Andrew Garfield’s very wrong opinion: https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2024/10/andrew-garfield-ketchup-chips/


    District 6 Museum, Cape Town, South Africa

    https://www.districtsix.co.za/


    Braai

    https://thecommontable.eu/i-like-to-braai/ 


    Bunny Chow

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunny_chow


    Lamb Burger from: https://www.mimosa.co.za/

    Venison Tartare from: https://www.instagram.com/22churchstreet/?hl=en


    Black pepper from Diaspora Spice Co for cacio e pepe: https://www.diasporaco.com/products/aranya-black-pepper?variant=42725162483883

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Andrew Garfield’s very wrong opinion: https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2024/10/andrew-garfield-ketchup-chips/


    District 6 Museum, Cape Town, South Africa

    https://www.districtsix.co.za/


    Braai

    https://thecommontable.eu/i-like-to-braai/ 


    Bunny Chow

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunny_chow


    Lamb Burger from: https://www.mimosa.co.za/

    Venison Tartare from: https://www.instagram.com/22churchstreet/?hl=en


    Black pepper from Diaspora Spice Co for cacio e pepe: https://www.diasporaco.com/products/aranya-black-pepper?variant=42725162483883

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Back to the motherland Back to the motherland Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:05:06 GMT 56:40 696fc3d25e25e3a6c0d1e296 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/696fc3d25e25e3a6c0d1e296 696fc3d25e25e3a6c0d1e296 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 13 We each headed to India over the holiday period!


    Shownotes


    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forktheempire 

    Bourdain’s Perfect Day in Amritsar: https://explorepartsunknown.com/punjab/amritsar-perfect-day-india/

    Puri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puri_(food)

    Amritsari Kulcha: https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/families-in-food-bread-better-5660258/ 

    Langar “community kitchen:” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langar_(Sikhism) 

    Partition Museum: https://www.partitionmuseum.org/

    Episode playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4AVq9lDACGviiG3HYkBDLF?si=0d993a4b90804199

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     We each headed to India over the holiday period!


    Shownotes


    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forktheempire 

    Bourdain’s Perfect Day in Amritsar: https://explorepartsunknown.com/punjab/amritsar-perfect-day-india/

    Puri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puri_(food)

    Amritsari Kulcha: https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/families-in-food-bread-better-5660258/ 

    Langar “community kitchen:” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langar_(Sikhism) 

    Partition Museum: https://www.partitionmuseum.org/

    Episode playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4AVq9lDACGviiG3HYkBDLF?si=0d993a4b90804199

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Coffee, the magical beverage Coffee, the magical beverage Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:10:51 GMT 55:16 690a096cb09b38bcaa82ad49 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/690a096cb09b38bcaa82ad49 690a096cb09b38bcaa82ad49 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 12 Show notes:


    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/what-climate-change-means-for-future-of-coffee-cashew-avocado

    https://www.conservation.org/news/we-re-just-trying-to-adapt-coffee-farmers-face-down-climate-change

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Show notes:


    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/what-climate-change-means-for-future-of-coffee-cashew-avocado

    https://www.conservation.org/news/we-re-just-trying-to-adapt-coffee-farmers-face-down-climate-change

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Leftovers for Breakfast! Leftovers for Breakfast! Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:31:50 GMT 26:24 68a5f87773bf5b62980ee445 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/68a5f87773bf5b62980ee445 68a5f87773bf5b62980ee445 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 11 Show notes


    Adai: https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/adai-recipe-adai-dosa/

    Chilaquiles: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilaquiles


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Show notes


    Adai: https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/adai-recipe-adai-dosa/

    Chilaquiles: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilaquiles


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Breakfast of Comrades Breakfast of Comrades Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:50:45 GMT 50:50 6895e4437f93fda8b238566b true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/6895e4437f93fda8b238566b 6895e4437f93fda8b238566b 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 10 Shownotes: 


    New Ho King, Toronto, Canada:

    https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/kendrick-lamar-drake-new-ho-king-b2543813.html


    Great interview with three friends who came together to start Tutto Panino, Toronto’s new sando shop: https://torontolife.com/food/tutto-panino-italian-sandwiches-roncesvalles-charlotte-day-wilson/


    Edward Bernays and Big Breakfast: https://www.newsmuseum.pt/en/spin-wall/bacon-affair


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_flakes#History

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Shownotes: 


    New Ho King, Toronto, Canada:

    https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/kendrick-lamar-drake-new-ho-king-b2543813.html


    Great interview with three friends who came together to start Tutto Panino, Toronto’s new sando shop: https://torontolife.com/food/tutto-panino-italian-sandwiches-roncesvalles-charlotte-day-wilson/


    Edward Bernays and Big Breakfast: https://www.newsmuseum.pt/en/spin-wall/bacon-affair


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_flakes#History

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Dip-lomatic Relations Dip-lomatic Relations Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:02:26 GMT 1:08:27 683ed6430d2b3bac3e69dff8 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/683ed6430d2b3bac3e69dff8 683ed6430d2b3bac3e69dff8 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 9 Shownotes


    Donate to Gaza:

    https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal/

    https://chuffed.org/project/115245-dahnoun-mutual-aid 


    Palestinian Food:

    https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-palestine-food-colonial-conquest-target-how 


    "Big" food:

    https://www.businessinsider.com/10-companies-control-the-food-industry-2016-9 


    Grey Poupon x Rap: https://www.vox.com/videos/2016/10/12/13250360/grey-poupon-in-hip-hop

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Shownotes


    Donate to Gaza:

    https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal/

    https://chuffed.org/project/115245-dahnoun-mutual-aid 


    Palestinian Food:

    https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-palestine-food-colonial-conquest-target-how 


    "Big" food:

    https://www.businessinsider.com/10-companies-control-the-food-industry-2016-9 


    Grey Poupon x Rap: https://www.vox.com/videos/2016/10/12/13250360/grey-poupon-in-hip-hop

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         The Falafel Spreadsheet The Falafel Spreadsheet Fri, 02 May 2025 08:19:57 GMT 31:19 6814802e9704d99f84e9ae51 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/6814802e9704d99f84e9ae51 6814802e9704d99f84e9ae51 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 ...with special guest Noi! full 1 8

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         East West Fusion: Colonialism Gone Right? East West Fusion: Colonialism Gone Right? Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:36:21 GMT 22:13 67f534666f439a1351f4c76f true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/67f534666f439a1351f4c76f 67f534666f439a1351f4c76f 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY53YU-Uq8I&t=147s

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY53YU-Uq8I&t=147s

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         2Pac, Henry Kissinger, and Vada Pav 2Pac, Henry Kissinger, and Vada Pav Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:34:45 GMT 47:24 67e127367cf166247abab811 false https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/67e127367cf166247abab811 67e127367cf166247abab811 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 6 Shownotes:


    Will Bowlby interview: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/five-minutes-with-krickets-head-chef-will-bowlby/

    The trial of Henry Kissinger: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Trial_of_Henry_Kissinger

    Poutine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine

    Vada Pav: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vada_pav


    New intro music credits: soderbhan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Shownotes:


    Will Bowlby interview: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/five-minutes-with-krickets-head-chef-will-bowlby/

    The trial of Henry Kissinger: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Trial_of_Henry_Kissinger

    Poutine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine

    Vada Pav: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vada_pav


    New intro music credits: soderbhan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Kolonized via Kricket (again) Kolonized via Kricket (again) Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:02:35 GMT 47:16 67af0b96120ca8a7685d1d92 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/67af0b96120ca8a7685d1d92 67af0b96120ca8a7685d1d92 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 plus: back to Masala Zone full 1 5
  • Interview with Will Bowlby: https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/food-and-drink/interview-will-bowlby/#
  • KP mango: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensington_Pride
  • Sambar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_(dish)
  • Rasam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasam_(dish)

    • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>
  • Interview with Will Bowlby: https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/food-and-drink/interview-will-bowlby/#
  • KP mango: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensington_Pride
  • Sambar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_(dish)
  • Rasam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasam_(dish)

    • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Vegetarianism, and the Papadam Incident Vegetarianism, and the Papadam Incident Sat, 11 Jan 2025 09:40:57 GMT 26:09 678221282d4090d8afc82340 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/678221282d4090d8afc82340 678221282d4090d8afc82340 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 4
  • Gandhi - a controversial vegetarian; more on his complex legacy 
  • Bourdain in Punjab, India
  • Plant-based diets and climate change
  • Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 2013 22-day vegan challenge
  • Book recommendation: The Vegetarian by Han Kang
  • Sam Niell dances for red meat

    • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>
  • Gandhi - a controversial vegetarian; more on his complex legacy 
  • Bourdain in Punjab, India
  • Plant-based diets and climate change
  • Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 2013 22-day vegan challenge
  • Book recommendation: The Vegetarian by Han Kang
  • Sam Niell dances for red meat

    • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Pro-Car, Pro-Europe, Propaganda: The Michelin Star System Pro-Car, Pro-Europe, Propaganda: The Michelin Star System Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:41:55 GMT 41:36 67571dd4e417dbfb21154cf9 true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/67571dd4e417dbfb21154cf9 67571dd4e417dbfb21154cf9 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 plus: Spicy Spice Girls and Food@COP full 1 3 Some controversies around Michelin Stars:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_Guide#Controversies


    Masala Zone:

    https://www.masalazone.com/


    What in the world is COP29 - UN Climate Conference:

    https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop29


    Global Call to Transform Food Systems:

    https://shorturl.at/ZcMzE


    True Cost of Food Report:

    https://openknowledge.fao.org/bitstreams/b1c41474-95de-44d3-97b6-a7321dc46cdd/download


    Meat And Dairy Products Mislabeled As Vegan And Vegetarian At COP29:

    https://shorturl.at/mfw1B

    https://shorturl.at/DBmFN


    Gaggan Anand “bad boy of Indian haute cuisine” Interview: 

    https://www.thehindu.com/food/features/chef-gaggan-anand-wants-to-bring-equality-to-the-table-what-does-that-mean-for-fine-dining/article68681382.ece

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Some controversies around Michelin Stars:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_Guide#Controversies


    Masala Zone:

    https://www.masalazone.com/


    What in the world is COP29 - UN Climate Conference:

    https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop29


    Global Call to Transform Food Systems:

    https://shorturl.at/ZcMzE


    True Cost of Food Report:

    https://openknowledge.fao.org/bitstreams/b1c41474-95de-44d3-97b6-a7321dc46cdd/download


    Meat And Dairy Products Mislabeled As Vegan And Vegetarian At COP29:

    https://shorturl.at/mfw1B

    https://shorturl.at/DBmFN


    Gaggan Anand “bad boy of Indian haute cuisine” Interview: 

    https://www.thehindu.com/food/features/chef-gaggan-anand-wants-to-bring-equality-to-the-table-what-does-that-mean-for-fine-dining/article68681382.ece

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Don't vegetarians deserve the privilege of eating rice?]]> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:05:03 GMT 32:11 673230e09395568d278ae9bf true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/673230e09395568d278ae9bf 673230e09395568d278ae9bf 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 2 Show notes:



    DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to the audio clips interspersed between segments throughout the show. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement is intended.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     Show notes:



    DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to the audio clips interspersed between segments throughout the show. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement is intended.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>         Dishoom, Soho House, and the India-Pakistan partition Dishoom, Soho House, and the India-Pakistan partition Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:35:58 GMT 35:29 6717e27e07c991f25915b0cf true https://shows.acast.com/fork-the-empire/episodes/6717e27e07c991f25915b0cf 6717e27e07c991f25915b0cf 6717c5acc054f539072818c5 full 1 1 How people are learning to cook Indian food


    Dosas

    • Kiran is planning to host a dosa brunch, so we dig into how popular we think dosas are!
    • What are dosas? A type of savory crepe from South India, made mainly from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. Dosas are typically paired with chutneys (e.g. coconut and/or tomato) and a lentil soup/stew called sambar.
    • Soho House is an elitist club in London.


    "Your Indian friends [approve/disapprove] of..."

    We give you our hottake on one of the most popular Indian restaurants in London, Dishoom.


    Read Kitchen Confidential Puninda's red hot book recommendation


    "Keeping up with Kiran in the kitchen"

    • Some insider tips to elevate your kitchen game, like Kendall Jenner’s expert cutting of cucumbers.
    • This episode, Kiran gives you the 101 on bhel puri, a form of chaat (Bombay street food).

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>     How people are learning to cook Indian food


    Dosas

    • Kiran is planning to host a dosa brunch, so we dig into how popular we think dosas are!
    • What are dosas? A type of savory crepe from South India, made mainly from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. Dosas are typically paired with chutneys (e.g. coconut and/or tomato) and a lentil soup/stew called sambar.
    • Soho House is an elitist club in London.


    "Your Indian friends [approve/disapprove] of..."

    We give you our hottake on one of the most popular Indian restaurants in London, Dishoom.


    Read Kitchen Confidential Puninda's red hot book recommendation


    "Keeping up with Kiran in the kitchen"

    • Some insider tips to elevate your kitchen game, like Kendall Jenner’s expert cutting of cucumbers.
    • This episode, Kiran gives you the 101 on bhel puri, a form of chaat (Bombay street food).

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ]]>