Culinary Expert Lekshmi Nair Shares Her Journey in Promoting Kerala Cuisine

Dr. Lekshmi Nair is a multifaceted personality with over three decades of experience in law, serving as the Director at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies in Thiruvananthapuram. Despite her successful legal career, cooking has always been her passion, which she expresses as a culinary expert through TV shows, books, and her advocacy for Kerala’s rich food heritage. Being deeply rooted in Kerala, Dr. Nair has always been captivated by the state’s culinary traditions. The vibrant use of spices and the cultural history embedded in every dish have driven her to promote Kerala cuisine globally. Through her shows and books, she aims to celebrate the flavours and techniques passed down through generations, showcasing how Kerala food tells a story of trade, history, and unity.

Personal Connection to Kerala Cuisine 

“One of my most cherished memories that deepened my connection with Kerala’s traditional food is tied to Onam, the festival that brings families together in the most beautiful way," says Lekshmi in an interaction with Local Samosa. Watching her elders prepare intricate meals on banana leaves for the festival of Onam strengthens her appreciation for Kerala’s culinary rituals. For her, there’s something truly magical about how every dish - whether it’s the tangy pullissery, the rich avial, or the sweet payasam, these dishes awaken a distinct taste sensation, offering a perfect balance of flavours. 

Promoting Kerala cuisine through shows 

She feels the skilful use of spices like black pepper, cardamom, and coconut makes Kerala cuisine stand out globally. To promote it on this level, Nair has been running Kerala’s longest-running cooking show - “Magic Oven” on Kairali TV. “I’ve been hosting Magic Oven since 1999 and being part of this show has allowed me to connect with the people of Kerala on a personal level - whether it’s introducing new dishes or showcasing traditional recipes in a different light,” says the culinary expert. 

Along with this show, she has also been the host of “Flavours of India” a show on travel and cooking. Travelling across the country for this show enriched her understanding of food, deepening her appreciation for the unique characteristics of each region’s culinary traditions. This experience shaped her approach to promoting Kerala’s cuisine as part of India’s broader gastronomic tapestry. "As a celebrity judge on Kitchen Magic, a cookery reality show, I have observed a growing passion for traditional Kerala cuisine among young chefs and home cooks. Many are blending tradition with innovation, putting their own unique spin to age-old recipes,” she says. Sharing a memorable experience from this show, Lekshmi reminisces about her childhood, “I have seen young children support their mothers as they competed. This experience often takes me back to my own childhood."

Along with her television presence, Dr. Nair has also authored several cookbooks that highlight both traditional and contemporary Kerala recipes. These books such as “Magic Oven Pachakavidhika”,  not only offer recipes but also provide insights into the cultural significance of Kerala’s food, aiming to preserve and promote the region’s culinary heritage, but the problem with heritage is that it gets lost in this modern world. 

In today’s fast-paced food industry, the biggest challenge is maintaining the authenticity of Kerala cuisine while adapting to modern trends. Traditional Kerala recipes often require time and precision, which can conflict with the demand for quick meals. However, Dr. Nair sees this as an opportunity to showcase Kerala’s rich history and unique flavours to the world.

She believes Kerala cuisine will continue to evolve while staying rooted in tradition. “Younger generations are showing more interest in revisiting traditional recipes while incorporating modern techniques. This balance between innovation and tradition will help Kerala cuisine thrive in the future, the expert adds.