There's no piece of novelty in the claim that Indian food is diverse. But this writer hunts for new plaudits every time she witnesses the factors that contribute to the diversity. Apart from the cultures, ethnic groups, and occupations that come together with their differences, the country’s dissimilar topography (and the subsequent climate) whips up its myriad food choices. Mumbai to Mangalore, an ongoing food festival, pays tribute to a section of this sentiment. The festival that curates dishes from Margao, Kundapura, Udupi, Mangaluru and Mumbai, focuses on local ingredients.

Bangda rawa fry