Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
Organised every year in Stockholm after the Nobel Prize ceremony, the Nobel Banquet is among the most prestigious dining events in the world. Chef Mark Phoenix and Chef Fredrik Forsell who are in-charge of the Nobel Banquet were in India recently to promote Swedish cuisine. Talking about the culinary highlights of the Nobel Banquet, Chef Phoenix and Chef Forsell stated, “The Nobel Banquet is an intimate affair for only 1300 select guests and has been held since 1934. During the first decade ‘consommés’ or clear soup like ‘torture claire’ were common starters. But today we get back to Swedish roots of food with components like salmon, lobster, shellfish and game.” They acknowledged that what gives them the greatest pride as chefs for this exclusive dinner is the fact that it is one of the finest, biggest and most prestigious culinary events in the world. “We love how the gala dinner raises much curiosity as the menu is kept secret until the big day,” said Chef Forsell who had been working with the Nobel Banquet for several years.
Both chefs were in India recently to replicate the Nobel Banquet at the Swedish Embassy in New Delhi. “We are trying to replicate it in the closest possible way but we are also using ingredients and spices that we can source locally,” acknowledged Chef Phoenix. They also gave a live demonstration of the iconic Swedish Kanelbullar at the Swedish consul general’s residence in Mumbai. Conceding that Swedish cuisine’s popularity is on the rise internationally, the chefs informed that they were in India to increase awareness and give India a taste of Sweden. “Swedish spices and Indian spices are very different but we think Indians will enjoy the seafood a lot,” said Chef Forsell, adding that, some efforts have been made to promote Swedish cuisine in India. For instance, Fredrika Ornbrant, consul general of Sweden in Mumbai hosts Swedish food events at her residence often to increase awareness and give India a taste of Sweden. Talking about the growing popularity of Indian food in Sweden, Chef Phoenix remarked, “A lot of Swedes like Indian food, especially the varied flavours, but unfortunately Indian food in Sweden is not as authentic as it should be.” The chefs would be happy to see young Indian and Swedish chefs coming together on a culinary exchange platform. “It would be very interesting to see this fusion of culture and cuisines,” they quipped.
