A2B – Adyar Ananda Bhavan
Adyar Ananda Bhavan, or ‘A2B’ as it is locally known, 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. During dinner, owner Gayathri Aparajit will share the inspiration behind A2B, and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong will discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.
Program Information
Under 18s welcome if accompanied by an adult.
6pm Set menu dinner designed by A2B, Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong. The menu includes (but is not limited to):
- Crispy lentil dosa served with potato masala, chutney and ‘Sambhar’, a lentil-based stew.
- ‘Mini Ghee Podi Idli’, a steamed cake coated in a spicy, dry South Indian ground lentil condiment.
8pm Chai tasting, poetry performance and recipe sharing.
DIETARY
Only vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dietaries can be accommodated. The Chai Room serves traditional chai which is based on full-cream milk. For non-dairy drinkers, a black chai blend will be offered. Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking your ticket. A2B is a non-alcoholic restaurant, and a non-alcoholic beverage will be included with the meal.
SEATING
Guests will be seated at communal tables. If you would like to be seated as a group, please buy tickets under one name.
ACCESS
The post-dinner program will take place in the Chatkazz function room, which is above the Chatkazz restaurant only accessible via stairs. For accessibility queries, please contact us.
Featuring
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.
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.
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.
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.
