But she is a big foodie. Malini Aikat is particular about food. As long as it is simple. Heston Blumenthal and his cute presentations don’t impress her in the least. In conversation with Explocity.

Are you a foodie?

Yeah, for sure.

Do you have Valentine’s Day plans?

Nope, I don’t do Valentine’s Day for all sorts of Hallmark reasons.

What’s your favourite cuisine?

Japanese.

Do you think masala Sushi is a travesty?

I don’t know what that is. It sounds awful. I wish Indians would stop doing the Tandoori Pizzas and making everything Tandoori.

What’s the last restaurant you really enjoyed? What did you eat there?

Siam Trading Company. I had one of the rice bowls with pork. It was bland and had a subtle flavour which I liked. My friends ordered heavy stuff that made up for it. I’m suspicious of novelty cuisine so not big on gourmet food. I prefer street food and home food. Maybe it’s me being unadventurous but I don’t like the Heston Blumenthal stuff. I like salads, micro greens, organic greens and cheeses. I love that we have cheeses in India now. I go to FoodHall to check it out.

What’s your favourite dish of all time and where did you eat it?

Sashimi, Sushi and Miso Soup. Put me on a desert island with that and I’ll be happy.

What is your least favourite dish?

Indianized pizzas and shit. I won’t go near that stuff.  What I truly hate is gentrified street food served in twee jars and aluminium containers. Seriously sucks.

What restaurant would you recommend to our readers?

Toscano. It’s alfresco. I like the comfort of it. The mood more than anything. The thing I look for most in India is authenticity and they work that well. I wouldn’t say it’s the best food but I like it overall. I don’t like the hipster stuff. The Flan at Chinita is perfect.