In this episode of the Special Culinary Series, I’m joined by Chef Neha Mishra – the visionary behind Kinoya in Dubai and the woman many first knew as the “Ramen Girl” hosting intimate supper clubs before building one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.
On this episode, Neha takes us across continents through flavor, philosophy and deeply personal food memories – from Tokyo’s ramen counters to the Himalayas at 16,000 feet.
Destination Highlights & Culinary Insights:
1. Japan – The art of perfection.
Japan, for Neha, represents devotion – to craft, to ingredients and to doing one thing exceptionally well.
• Ramen culture and why simplicity equals mastery.
• How to explore Japan on a budget – eating where locals eat.
• Traditional Japanese breakfasts and bento spreads.
• Public transport in Japan makes exploration seamless.
• “Memory Lane” (Omoide Yokocho-style alleyways) for affordable eats.
2. India – Where food is a ‘love language’.
Neha talks about the diversity of India and how every region there is its own eco system with distinct culinary identities. A trip to India is a reminder that food isn’t about complexity, it’s about connection.
• The architecture and soul of South Bombay(South Mumbai).
• South Indian cuisine as one of the most underrated global food cultures.
• A transformative trip to Spiti Valley near Ladakh and mindful meals at 16,000 feet in the Himalayas.
• Single-ingredient cooking.
3. Italy – Slow living and Sacred tables.
• Produce-driven cooking: olives, olive oil, tomatoes.
• Landscape and longevity and how environment shapes cuisine.
4. Georgia – Unexpected beauty.
Beyond the food, it is the landscape and culture that linger. This is a destination where hospitality and history intertwine and is definitely a place that deserves far more global attention than it receives.
5. Vietnam, Thailand and Southeast Asia – The street food masters.
Southeast Asia is where street food becomes storytelling.
6. Brazil – Best street food.
• Sunday markets and neighbourhood food culture.
• Street discoveries that rival fine dining.
7. Mexico – Culinary immersion.
This special Culinary Series is brought to you by Emirates NBD Voyager Credit Cards.
Connect with Neha at:
https://www.instagram.com/astoryoffood/
Thank you all for tuning in today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button here, or on your favorite podcast platform. I’d love to hear from you! What destinations or journeys should we feature next? Drop a comment, leave a rating, or write a review – it truly makes a difference.
Stay connected with me on Instagram @moushtravels to find out who’s joining me next week. You can also explore all past episodes and destinations mentioned by our guests on www.moushtravels.com or in the episode show notes.
Thanks for listening! Until next time, safe travels and keep adventuring.
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