Global Flavors Unite: Our Culinary Adventure at IDBA
This past summer, our culinary club had the incredible opportunity to study and teach abroad at the Indore Deaf Bilingual Academy (IDBA) in India, a unique school that serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, teaching them in both spoken and signed languages. We didn’t just go there to share our knowledge of the U.S. food scene, though—we learned so much in return. In fact, one of the most exciting parts of our time at IDBA was discovering how food and art can bridge cultures, communicate across language barriers, and spark creativity. Let me tell you all about it!
Art with a Twist: Drawing Our Favorite Places in India
We kicked off the day with a fun, artistic activity for the younger students. We asked them to draw a picture of their favorite place in India and label it in Indian Sign Language (ISL). The response was amazing! From the beaches of Goa to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, and even bustling cities like Mumbai, our new friends captured the vibrant diversity of India through their drawings [image below!]. Each picture had its own charm, and seeing the variety of landscapes and places that mean so much to these students gave us a deeper connection to the country. It was like taking a tour across India—through their eyes!
Cross-Cultural Cuisine: A Creative Culinary Challenge with 11th Graders
But the real magic happened when we stepped into the kitchen (or at least, the chalkboard version of it) with the 11th graders. We asked the students to write their favorite foods on the board, and the variety was staggering: samosas, biryani, mango lassi, paratha, paneer tikka, and more. We looked at each other, and an idea sparked—could we create a dish that combined everyone’s favorites into one insane, cross-cultural feast?
Challenge accepted.
First up: we took the idea of a mango lassi, usually a refreshing yogurt-based drink, and turned it into a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. Yes, you heard that right. We imagined it drizzled over a savory dish like a tangy chutney, bringing a zesty balance to something hearty.
Next, we took the samosa filling—you know, that mouth-watering blend of spiced potatoes and peas—and decided to stuff it inside a crispy paratha, a traditional layered flatbread. The result? A fusion mashup that we think could be the next street food craze!
We didn’t stop there. Imagine mixing chunks of juicy paneer tikka (grilled Indian cheese) into a sizzling biryani bowl and topping it off with that same mango lassi sauce. The explosion of flavors was nothing short of a global culinary masterpiece!
A Global Culinary Exchange
What made this experience so special wasn’t just the innovative dishes we dreamed up, but the cross-cultural exchange that happened naturally along the way. This wasn’t just about food; it was a celebration of how food brings us together, no matter where we’re from or how we communicate. The students at IDBA introduced us to their favorite foods, and we brought our knowledge from growing up in the U.S. Together, we learned that when cultures collide in the kitchen, something beautiful—and delicious—always happens.
It was also a powerful reminder that food is a universal language. Even though some of us didn’t speak the same verbal language, we connected through ISL and shared our culinary passions, proving that food has a magical way of transcending words. It’s a bridge that can bring together different cultures, perspectives, and flavors to create something completely new and exciting.
Inspired by India: The Mango Lassi Connection
Our time at IDBA left us inspired to bring a piece of that vibrant culinary experience back home. The mango lassi, a refreshing yogurt-based drink we encountered, quickly became a favorite among our club members. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile sparked creativity in our kitchen, prompting us to experiment with different variations.
We started blending ripe mangoes with creamy yogurt and a hint of cardamom, but we didn’t stop there! Inspired by our fusion dish ideas, we began adding unique twists, like a splash of coconut milk or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. This simple yet delicious drink became a symbol of our connection to the students in India, reminding us that food is a powerful way to celebrate culture and friendship. Now, every time we whip up a mango lassi, we’re not just enjoying a tasty treat—we’re honoring the creativity and spirit of collaboration we experienced during our culinary adventure!
What’s Next?
After our time at IDBA, we’re inspired to keep experimenting in the kitchen with new, cross-cultural fusion dishes. The creativity of the students sparked something in us that we’re excited to bring back to our culinary club. Whether it’s reimagining a traditional dish or dreaming up a new way to use familiar ingredients, we’re ready to keep exploring the endless possibilities that food offers.
Stay tuned to the blog for more updates as we bring more international flavors into our own kitchens!
