One thing that London is full of is so many different cultures that your taste palette can have a field day. The Alchemy Festival is a ten-day festival that celebrates South Asia’s lavish culture, with a line-up featuring music, dance, literature, film, fashion and of course FOOD. Back for a seventh year in 2016, its programme will once again showcase talent from the UK and the Indian subcontinent along with a lively section of street food venders.
It started with a quick stop at Chaatit for us. She pulled us in with a sample of some delectable Masala Chips made with her own homemade seasoning which she also sells, which you know after tasting that I HAD to buy some to take home. I grabbed myself a Cheesy Masala Chip Wrap —
Hello delicious carbs! My inner fat kid was super happy.
— and my partner in crime for the day had what Meera told us was what she deemed “Heaven in a bowl”. Before you head to the festivities, as we did next, by all means stop by there booth and grab either dish to begin your day at the Festival.
Due to some technical issues, I was unable to get more photos and videos that I had wished for but that certainly did not keep me from enjoying the culture that was shown and embraced around me. From intricate dances performances, to teaching the audiences how to play traditional songs, to artists doing participation art.The Alchemy Festival is bursting with experiences to relish in South Asia’s culture right smack in the middle of London. But as with all festivals, my favorite part is the cuisine.
If you watched the video above, you saw some of the different stands and food available before my Bloggie decided it wanted to throw a hissy fit. As my partners in crime for the day each went to a different venders having Biryani and Curry Chips, I chose to check out the lovely Anna Mae’s whose menu changes based on the event they are attending. At this event I tried the Macwari Naan, which was naan stuffed with mac&cheese, spinach and yumminess packed to the brim.
After a bit more walking around, I ended with a stop at the Crumble Shack for my dessert of Crumble, Apples & Cinnamon and Vanilla Custard. It was quite a filling dessert that to this day I seriously can’t wait to hit their stall again for more. I Finished the day with a Passion Fruit Martini before heading home.
If you ever find your self in Southbank, London while this free event is going on, check it out. I promise it is worth it not just the entertainment but the food chooses will tantalize your sense.
Looks fun! I wish they did that in America.
Love festivals 🙂 great way to learn about cultures. Interesting name
This looks amazing and the fact that its free is even more enticing!
This look awesome and the fact that it’s free is even more enticing!
Looks like such a fun festival!!I wouldn’t have expected to see Mac & Cheese there, but it’s my favorite food for sure! Looks like you ended the day on a nice note too. That Martini looked fab.
My mouth was legit watering when I saw the food. I can see how many people fall in love with India. The dancing and their colorful clothes make the country super lovely!
Oh my gosh the masala chip wrap looks amazing! I’d never heard of the Alchemy festival, but it sounds like an amazing even to attend–full of culture, food and lots of fun! Would love to coordinate a London trip around it!
Food party + Festivals = Fun! Great way to taste other culture’s cuisine that are not always availble in the city.
What an interesting festival full of what looks like yummy food!!
Oh wow, how have I not heard of this festival when I live in the UK?! It sounds great. I love the thought of your inner fat kid jumping up and down in delight!!
It seems to be a rich and diverse experience and sounds very tasty indeed. Thanks for your advice to check free events in London!