2024. Styling traditional small plates and large plates and deliciousness in between for Chef Ruchira Hoon’s Dakshin Canteen in South Delhi’s Amar Colony recently was the most satisfying project. I loved using my extensive set of props from Karaikudi to bring out the simple, rustic, traditional yet rich feel of South Indian cuisine for her canteen style restaurant that has a mix of quintessential South Indian & Sri Lankan canteen food and home style staples. The images are a reflection of what I enjoy doing most - playing with rich colours, textures, vintage props, accents and rustic elements. It reminded me of everything I loved when I visited Karaikudi in 2016.

Freshly made podis from Dakshin Canteen sat well in my vintage wooden measuring jars and spice box, an old coconut grater & brass pestle & mortar , cast iron woks / kadhais, a vintage slotted frying spoon … everything fitted in beautifully. I carried bunches of fresh young delicate curry leaves from my curry patta tree for a hint of freshness that was accentuated by elements like whole red chillies, tamarind, onion rings and lime, coffee beans too!

Styling only : Deeba Rajpal