A taste sensation like no other

You could not ask for better guidance than that of Rajesh and his wife Bhugie Gopal.

The couple are owners of Nuts About Snacks and Exotic Spices, which is located at the Northmead Mall.

The business has been operating for a year-and-a-half and, in that time, the two have guided people to create tasty, healthy meals in the comfort of their own kitchen.

In spite of their short time in business, the pair share a lifetime of cooking experience.

Rajesh and his wife offer clients (some of whom have never cooked curry before) recipes, advice and, most importantly, service with a smile.

“We have the passion for cooking,” said Rajesh.

“When somebody walks in the passion and our products rub off on them.”

Although Nuts About Snacks and Exotic Spices is not a restaurant, I decided to take a leap down the spice route with my colleague, Logan Green.

I have never been one for hot food, which has mostly kept me away from experimenting with Indian food.

My ignorance has definitely cost me, as I soon learnt that there are 1 000s of tasty options and that Indian food is a whole new world of taste and flavour, instead of food so hot you cannot keep your eyes from drowning in tears.

Logan and I made our way to the Gopals’ Mackenzie Park home, recently, where they prepared a five-course meal with the spices they stock in their store.

Boy oh boy, were we in for a treat fit for a king.

The couple cooked a lamb curry, a butter chicken mix, a whole chick pea curry, prawn chutney curry, roast potatoes, patha leaves and, for dessert, we had sweet soji.

Logan and I were taught the traditional method of eating the tasty food, with naan and roti, which we broke off and used to scooped our food into.

All the dishes were cooked perfectly and led to a taste sensation of which we could not get enough.

I will definitely take Rajesh and his wife up on their offer to guide me through the rich variety of spices stocked at their store.

“We instil a lot of confidence in people when it comes to spices,” said Rajesh.

“A lot of people are sceptical of spicy food, but we show them that there is nothing to be scared of.”

“… We have instilled confidence that you can do this (cook Indian cuisine).”

“We have directed and guided our customers.”

The shop stocks banting products, samoosas, platters, curries for takeaways and gift baskets.

The husband and wife have opened a whole new world of food options – and I have them as mentors.

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