Latest news with #JakeDryan
NDTV
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
UK Chef Makes Special Thepla Using Leftover Khichdi, Indian Foodies Approve
UK Chef Jake Dryan is currently on a mission to cook Indian delicacies with his personal touch. The ardent Indian food lover can be seen attempting the country's most loved dishes. His latest indulgence? Thepla, the Gujarati delight known to go well with a range of side dishes and the ability to be stored and carried during travel. Interestingly, Jake adds a unique twist to the authentic recipe of thepla. Alongside the common ingredients like whole wheat flour, chickpea flour (besan), and fenugreek leaves (methi), along with spices, he picks a bowl of khichdi. The chef says, "Thepla made with leftover Khichdi." He mixes the khichdi with chapati flour, chilli powder, turmeric powder, sesame seeds, ajwain seeds, yoghurt, chopped green chilli, chopped green onions, and kneads the dough perfectly with the addition of oil into it. Afterwards, he rolls the dough into thin flatbreads, while mentioning, "I'm out of practice." His key takeaway in the recipe - "The dough is more wet, so it's harder." Jake Dryan then cooks the thepla on a hot griddle (tawa) until both sides are cooked and slightly browned. He plates the delectable dish alongside kheera (cucumber) raita and mango pickle. His expressions upon savouring the theplas indicate they were mouth-watering. Take a look at his recipe here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by JAKE DRYAN (@plantfuture) Here's how foodies reacted in the comments section: A user said, "You are more Gujarati than us." Another added, "You are more Indian than most Indians, lol, I love it!!!!! Amazing food, please keep sharing!" Someone hilariously mentioned, "Leftover khichdi thepla. You have officially started thinking like an Indian Mom." Echoing the same sentiment, a foodie said, "You are OG housewife also, a new recipe with leftover food skill is acquired, you have passed this test with distinction." "You must have been Desi in your last lifetime. Nailed it," read a comment. When a user asked, "Wow!! Thanks for sharing. Never knew leftover khichdi could be turned into thepla. Where did you learn this recipe?" The chef replied, "I wanted something to use my leftover Khichdi for, I was thinking a paratha, but then I just looked if anyone had made a khichdi thepla before, and some people have! Recipe, I just winged it." A person even mentioned, "We'll need the khichdi recipe tooooo." What did you think of this viral recipe? Let us know in the comments below.
Hindustan Times
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
UK chef shares love for Indian cuisine in viral video, says Gujarati friends inspired him at age 12
A British chef has won hearts online after sharing the story behind his deep-rooted love for Indian cuisine. Jake Dryan, a UK-based chef and content creator, recently took to Instagram to post a video showcasing a series of Indian dishes he had cooked. A UK chef shared his journey of falling in love with Indian cuisine.(Instagram/plantfuture) (Also read: UK chef makes Mathura Ke Dubki Wale Aloo in viral video, netizens say 'start a restaurant in India') In the caption accompanying the clip, Dryan opened up about his culinary journey and how Indian food became a passion. 'I get asked every day why do you cook so much Indian food? It goes way back to when I was 12, playing in a band with two Gujarati friends,' he wrote. 'Their family would cook for us, shaak, thepla, dhokla. I was obsessed.' From hotel kitchens to cultural appreciation Dryan recalled how his professional training further deepened his connection to Indian food. 'Then I trained as a chef and worked in a hotel kitchen. Most of my colleagues were Indian, and I'd cook for them too. They'd say it tasted like their mum's, that meant everything.' He added that his journey has been a continuous process of learning. 'Since then I've kept learning, cooking, and asking questions. I even did a whole series cooking five dishes from almost every state. But I'm still just scratching the surface.' Take a look here at the post: Internet reacts The video has gone viral with over 2.5 million views and a flood of comments from Indian food lovers, who praised not just his cooking skills but also the genuine respect and sincerity he shows towards Indian cuisine. One user commented, 'The way you honour the food and culture is just beautiful. You're not just cooking, you're preserving memories.' Another wrote, 'Your food looks better than what I've had in some Indian restaurants in London.' A viewer chimed in, 'I'm Gujarati and this made me emotional. Thepla and shaak were my mum's way of showing love.' A fourth said, 'Respect. You took the time to learn not just the recipes but the soul behind them.' Some also admired his dedication to authenticity. 'The masala balance, the plating, everything is on point,' read a comment. Another added, 'You've clearly done your homework. This isn't fusion, this is celebration.'
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"I Was Obsessed": Chef Jake Dryan On Why He Cooks So Much Indian Food
Jake Dryan, a UK-based chef and content creator, is well-known among Indian foodies on social media. Over the past few years, many of his recipe videos featuring regional Indian delicacies have gone viral. He is often applauded for his attention to detail and his use of proper methods/ingredients while cooking elaborate Indian dishes. Such a respectful approach is not frequently followed among foreign vloggers attempting to cook Indian food. Moreover, people have also appreciated the fact that Jake goes beyond the stereotypical Indian dishes and spotlights lesser-known recipes from different parts of the country. This does beg the question: what made him decide to focus on Indian cuisine and continue to cook it over the years? Jake recently shared a video on Instagram in which he revealed what made him first fall in love with Indian food. He explained that he holds cherished childhood memories associated with Gujarati food specifically. When he was 12 years old, he was in a rock band with two Gujarati friends in school. During band practices at their houses, Jake got the opportunity to try homemade Gujarati dishes including sabzis, thepla and dhokla (which he calls his "all-time favourite"). He noted, "That sparked my love for home cooking, which I already had, thanks to my Italian grandfather." Jake Dryan went on to become a chef later in life. While working at a busy hotel kitchen, he found many colleagues who were Indian. He ended up cooking dishes like dal, aloo gobi, etc. for them. They were full of praise for Jake's creations, even declaring that they tasted like their own mothers' cooking. This compliment meant a lot to Jake. He proceeded to explain that he always tried his best to ask questions and notice the important details like "order of the tempering, how much oil [and] which pan to use." He added, "Over time I've learnt dishes from all over the world. But Indian food rose to the top of my knowledge base." He recalled that the first-ever video he shared on his Instagram page featured aloo matar. In the caption, Jake summarised, "I get asked every day. Why do you cook so much Indian food? It goes way back to when I was 12, playing in a band with two Gujarati friends. Their family would cook for us, shaak, thepla, dhokla. I was obsessed. Then I trained as a chef and worked in a hotel kitchen. Most of my colleagues were Indian, and I'd cook for them too. They'd say it tasted like their mum's, that meant everything. Since then I've kept learning, cooking, and asking questions. I even did a whole series cooking five dishes from almost every state. But I'm still just scratching the surface. If there's a dish you grew up with, comment below, I'd love to cook it." View this post on Instagram A post shared by JAKE DRYAN (@plantfuture) The comment section was full of love for Jake and his videos. Many people shared positive remarks and expressed their appreciation for his efforts. They also shared suggestions for different kinds of Indian dishes he should try making next. Read some of the reactions here: "Dude, you are the BEST. You literally ace all the recipes!! Good luck going ahead." "There's no paucity of people cooking and sharing recipes on Instagram, but what's catching is the authenticity and simplicity you're endeavouring to do it. Brings out the urge and hunger for your curiosity to know the cuisine well, and through it, tells the masses about it. The hunger for knowledge evokes a similar feeling in people watching and trying it for themselves. Kudos to you." "At this point, you are actually making a big contribution in spreading knowledge about how varied and diverse Indian food is, and making people aware that there is a world beyond butter chicken, naan bread, chicken tikki masala, and mango laasi." "Really enjoy your recipes. Authentic, simple and to the point, easy to follow. Thank you, and wishing u joy in your cooking journey." "Your videos are really inspiring. Although I have lived in five states in India. I still feel that the way you presented is much better than what I have experienced."
NDTV
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Viral Now: UK Chef Makes "Aloo Gobi Pizza," Indian Foodies Have A Lot To Say
Fusion foods have never ceased to captivate us with their unique blend of two completely contrasting ingredients. From ramen burgers, Coca-Cola omelettes to Gulab Jamun cheesecake and butter chicken momos, foodie enthusiasts time and again showcase how creativity in foods knows no bounds. The latest innovation? A delicious aloo gobi pizza prepared by a UK-based chef, Jake Dryan. In a video shared by him on Instagram, the chef can be heard saying, 'I've been a bad, bad boy. I've made an aloo gobi pizza,' while posing with a delectable plate of the unique dish. Also Read: American Influencer Dips Pizza In Butter Chicken, Calls It 'Insanely Good' Jake Dryan then gives a virtual tour of his recipe, which begins with him preparing a spicy, thick paste. Seemingly prepared from mashed tomatoes, onions, green chillies and coriander leaves, the gravy itself looks every bit mouthwatering. He then sets aside a portion of the gravy in a small bowl. Meanwhile, he adds chopped potatoes and cauliflower, alongside a few more coriander leaves, and gives it a proper cook. On the other hand, he takes '48-hour fermented pizza dough' and kneads it perfectly to prepare a soft and smooth base. Then, oil the dough with the gravy, followed by the addition of cheddar cheese and the cooked aloo gobi sabji on top. That's it, Jake then leaves the pizza to bake in the oven. Finally, before savouring a juicy, smooth piece of it, he oils the sides with butter. Undoubtedly, as he dives into the delectable pizza, his expression reveals his honest feelings about the same. 'I'm sure there are a lot of sceptics out there, but just think aloo gobi sandwich, but better,' he concludes. Take a look at the aloo gobi pizza recipe here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by JAKE DRYAN (@plantfuture) This aloo gobi pizza recipe video has received a lot of interest online. One person said, 'Oh my days, awesome, I might have to make this weekend.' Another food creator dropped three fire emojis. One user added, 'I'm in!!! This is my dream pizza.' 'Leftover aloo Gobi sabzi on a pizza is such a good hack,' mentioned one more social media user. A fan of the aloo gobi pizza recipe stated, 'I do this weekly.' 'Indian moms when child refused to eat roti sabzi,' read a hilarious comment. Another person on the internet added, 'Damn! That's a nice one. Next up in my kitchen.' Someone called it a 'Brilliant idea.' 'That's creative. Looks scrumptious,' wrote one more social media user.
