Media Release
Powerhouse Launches New 'Little India' Program
Powerhouse today announces Powerhouse Food: Little India, a new dinner series spotlighting the vibrant Indian food culture in Western Sydney’s Harris Park.
Curated by acclaimed chef and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong and founder of The Modern Desi Co Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar, this series invites guests on a culinary journey to explore the bold and diverse flavours, distinctive cooking styles and regional specialities from across India.
Starting on Wednesday 19 February 2025, the series of dinners, held every second month over the course of a year, will offer guests curated dining experiences that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of this distinctive cultural precinct.
Diners will taste the fresh authentic traditional street food at Chatkazz, indulge in comforting home-style Chennai vegetarian dishes from South Indian eatery Adyar Ananda Bhavan, locally known as A2B, enjoy rustic Punjabi fare inspired by ‘dhaba’ or vibrant North Indian roadside eateries when they dine at Mitran Da Dhaba and savour the unique blend of Mughlai and Persian influences at Hyderabadi restaurant IndoChainese.
After each dinner, guests will enjoy a program at the Chatkazz Function Centre featuring a traditional chai tasting with Fatema Khanbhai, founder of The Chai Room; a cultural performance by Western Sydney poet Anisha Krishnasamy; and the gift of an Indo-Chinese recipe specially created by Kylie Kwong and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar that celebrates their cross-cultural friendship and collaboration.
Powerhouse Food: Little India is the first program curated and developed by Powerhouse Associate, Kylie Kwong, which will use food as a catalyst for positive social impact and cultural exchange. The other key projects will see Kylie Kwong explore dynamic Chinese communities of Western Sydney and develop a food education program for years 7-12 students.
Powerhouse Food features projects including the development of the Australian Culinary Archive which is collecting the archives of Australia’s great chefs and producers and the establishment of the Vitocco Kitchen at Powerhouse Parramatta, a 200-seat production kitchen that connects audiences with the culture and science of food.
Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong said, ‘Food is not just a way to connect with different cultures but is also about bringing communities together; sharing stories to deepen our understanding of one another. Collaborating with Bhavna on this project has been an incredible learning experience for me. Powerhouse Food: Little India perfectly embodies this spirit, highlighting the transformative power of food in uniting us all.’
The Modern Desi Co. Founder Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar said, ‘Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity and flavour, telling the story of centuries of culture, history, and innovation. It’s far more than just ‘spicy curries’. It’s a rich blend of regional ingredients, seasonal cooking, time-honoured techniques and modern twists. These dinners are a gateway to the diverse cuisine I call my own.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘We are excited to launch the Powerhouse Food: Little India dinner series, which is testament to the incredible diversity and cultural richness of Western Sydney. Kylie and Bhavna’s collaboration will expand our understanding of Indian regional cultures and food traditions.’
For more information about Powerhouse Food: Little India, visit https://ph.au/3BrFsML
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.
About Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar
Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar is a Mumbai-born, Sydney-based entrepreneur with 12 years of experience in the food industry, focusing on Indian cuisine and cultural immersion. Bhavna is the founder and CEO of The Modern Desi Co, an Indian food venture in Australia that merges traditional culinary techniques with modern business strategies. Bhavna is known for designing distinctive Indian cooking classes and food tours that provide cultural insights and challenge misconceptions about Indian food.
About Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong is a Powerhouse Associate working on programs encompassing food, learning and residencies. Kylie is an Australian-Chinese chef who uses food as a catalyst for positive social impact and cultural exchange. In collaboration with artisans, growers, creatives, changemakers and community, she develops initiatives that empower people to rethink food through the lens of sustainability, First Nations traditions and interconnectedness.
About Fatema Khanbhai
Fatema Khanbhai founded The Chai Room in 2014 and is celebrated for her exceptional tea craftsmanship. She skilfully blends traditional chai with global ingredients, creating unique mixtures that nourish both the body and soul. Fatema believes that spice can teach us about tolerance and culture by illustrating how elements come together to form a harmonious blend.
About Anisha Krishnasamy
Anisha Krishnasamy is a poet/singer-songwriter based in Western Sydney who discovered her passion for performing and sharing her art after joining the 4ESydney community in Bankstown in 2018. This led her to engage with Bankstown Poetry Slam, a nurturing community platform empowering people to express themselves through spoken-word poetry.
About A2B - Adyar Ananda Bhavan
A2B - Adyar Ananda Bhavan is a South Indian eatery that celebrates comforting, home-style vegetarian cuisine. Focusing on the rich culinary heritage of Chennai, eating at A2B is like eating at the home of your favourite South Indian aunty.
About Chatkazz
Chatkazz is a local institution that features a casual, home-style menu highlighting the restaurant’s delicious traditional street food, which emphasises the fresh, authentic flavours and textures of Indian street carts.
About IndoChainese
IndoChainese specialises in Hyderabadi cuisine, which has a rich and diverse tapestry of flavours, renowned for its unique blend of Mughlai and Persian influences, as well as local spices and ingredients.
About Mitran Da Dhaba
Mitran Da Dhaba is a restaurant that seeks to bring a North Indian essence to Western Sydney. The term ‘dhaba’ describes a roadside eatery, typically found in North India and celebrated for its flavourful dishes and vibrant atmosphere.