What do you think?
Rate this book
Barkat: The Inspiration and the Story Behind One of World’s Largest Food Drives FEED INDIA
"This chef has a Michelin star and a feeding millions in India's lockdown." — New York Times
'Barkat' means abundance. An abundance of blessings and auspiciousness. Where there is no dearth and there is no scarcity, that's Barkat. It's a much bigger word than can be translated in English.
This is the story of one of the most beloved chefs from India, Vikas Khanna. From the small town of Amritsar, he grew to be an international chef and fulfilled his dream of getting a Michelin Star. He narrates how his grandmother infused in him the values of sharing food, while the langars of the Golden Temple showed him that community kitchens are perhaps the only way to ensure no one goes hungry.
From these values developed around food, he got the goal and the grit to build one of the world's largest food drives called 'Feed India' during the COVID-19 lockdown.
This deeply personal and heart-touching narrative is a testimony of one man's vision to showcase Indian culture and the intrinsic value of sharing food to the world.
'Barkat' means abundance. An abundance of blessings and auspiciousness. Where there is no dearth and there is no scarcity, that's Barkat. It's a much bigger word than can be translated in English.
This is the story of one of the most beloved chefs from India, Vikas Khanna. From the small town of Amritsar, he grew to be an international chef and fulfilled his dream of getting a Michelin Star. He narrates how his grandmother infused in him the values of sharing food, while the langars of the Golden Temple showed him that community kitchens are perhaps the only way to ensure no one goes hungry.
From these values developed around food, he got the goal and the grit to build one of the world's largest food drives called 'Feed India' during the COVID-19 lockdown.
This deeply personal and heart-touching narrative is a testimony of one man's vision to showcase Indian culture and the intrinsic value of sharing food to the world.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 30, 2022
I read this book as part of Food club reading for this month. I have watched a few shows by Vikas Khanna. I was also intrigued by Feed India food drive; I myself participated in humble ways in such drives during the lock-down in India- 5 masala poories+ pickle in aluminum foils, oh yes!.
The book leaves one with warm feelings for kind person that Vikas Khanna is - his ideas of the sacredness of food, importance of sharing it, and the whole philosphy of langars (no one must go hungry). It is also inspiring to read how he struggled to reach where he is today. Most important is how he always remembered to return the favors, for example fasting a day in the Ramzan month to remember the family that protected him in riots. I must watch more of his shows
The book itself is easy read; though the oozing kindness is saturating at times. I also found it lacking a good editor - there are repetitive sentences, the chapters are a bit disconnected and not leading to the theme of the food drive etc.
The book leaves one with warm feelings for kind person that Vikas Khanna is - his ideas of the sacredness of food, importance of sharing it, and the whole philosphy of langars (no one must go hungry). It is also inspiring to read how he struggled to reach where he is today. Most important is how he always remembered to return the favors, for example fasting a day in the Ramzan month to remember the family that protected him in riots. I must watch more of his shows
The book itself is easy read; though the oozing kindness is saturating at times. I also found it lacking a good editor - there are repetitive sentences, the chapters are a bit disconnected and not leading to the theme of the food drive etc.
February 15, 2022
Inspiring read written from the heart. The struggles and success of the chef , with a beautiful supportive family , showcasing the Indian ethos and finally the great humanitarian feats of feeding so many is a treat to read. Loved all the pictures as well.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews