From Bankstown Pressure Cooks to Bankstown Bites

I had never thought I would find fame in the land 'Downunder' which is so painfully far from my beloved home country. It's not like I have become some sort of a celebrity, but I am certainly proud of the fact that I was asked to do a cooking demonstration from the Pakistani culture in front of a live audience at a well atended local Annual event.                                                                  Bankstown Bites is an Annual event organised by the local council to promote the cultural diversity of this Sydney suburb that has a wonderful mix of people from all around the world. The event promotes Bankstown as the ultimate Food centre of Sydney. It gives a chance for local businesses to showcase their wares and delight people with the authentic and rich tastes of the predominantly Mediterranean and Asian cultures. The invitation from the lovely Cathy did not come much of a surprise to me. I had worked with Cathy in the Bankstown Pressure Cooks(BPC) event. Cathy now manages the Growing Communities Project at a very respectable NGO. Last month she invited me to present my views of my experience at the BPC with the staff of her organisation and at the same time asked me how I felt about doing a cooking demo on stage. Her argument was that, its a very unique form of food and not many people are aware of it. Also, the cook book with all the recipes from the BPC project will be launched the same day and it would be great to have one of the recipes deomostrated.

Now assisting in the background and acting as a Cultural Adviser with some share in the limelight as a judge is one thing, but actually doing a live cooking demo alongside some well known celebrity chefs is another. My heart fluttered for a while, but the strong patriotic spirit soon kicked in  to this wonderful opportunity to represent Pakistan in a positive manner  and I  accepted the honour.

Cathy was delighted. In an ensuing e-mail she wrote to me, "I've been liaising with the organisers of Bankstown Bites, they are very enthusiastic about you being on stage in your sari, preparing the Dahi Vade."

Now this is where I had to clarify, 'By the way, I won't be wearing a 'sari'... :) I will wear a Shalwar Kameez which is what I wore to the BPC sessions earlier. That is Pakistan's national dress. I know ppl often get confused with Indian and Pakistani culture and cuisine. The reason I agreed to become a Pakistani Cultural Adviser was to help dispel that misconception. I have nothing against India, but I would like to take this opportunity to promote the positive image of Pakistan. Not many people know about my country and they often mix it up with either India or the Muslim fanaticism in Afghanistan.."

I just thought I should clarify this so the organisers are also not under some misconception. Cathy was gracious enough to respond, " Thank you for letting me know the facts about the Shalwar Kameez - it's very important to me also, that we get the cultural nuances right."

This is just a case in point. Unfortunately, the only mention of Pakistan in the international media is related to unfortunate bomb attacks and most of the people actually think most of us are extreme fanatics who live in the 18th century...This is what saddens me most.

Yes, Our cricket team is popular too even though they have been constantly aced by the Aussies in recent matches... but that's a positive light too.

Australia has proven to be a country that absorbs different cultures and most of the people I have met are very helplful and friendly. Infact, its interesting to hear comments from Caucasian background  " I wish I had some ethnic background. I sound so boring.."

So on 31st of July, yours truly will try to win hearts of the general masses through the sumptuous preparation and sampling of the tasty Dahi baras.My dahi bara recipe has also been included in the Bankstown Pressure Cooks Cook book that will be launched the same day. So yes, it is an exciting day for me.

I get shivers of excitement as I think of it.

Will write more after the event. I am sure I will have lots to share then.


Cheers!