Chef Devan Rajkumar, an accomplished chef with extensive experience in French, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese cuisine, has recently released a new cookbook titled “Mad Love: Big Flavors Made to Share from South Asia to the West Indies.” This cookbook is a reflection of Rajkumar’s roots in Guyana, South America, and the Caribbean. Born to parents from Guyana and with ancestors from India, Rajkumar grew up surrounded by a rich culinary heritage that blends Indo-Guyanese flavors with Indian influences.
In “Mad Love,” Rajkumar showcases the diverse cuisines of South Asia and the West Indies, drawing inspiration from traditional dishes he enjoyed growing up. He highlights dishes like dal and rice, curries, coconut chokas, and palauri that have roots in Indian cuisine but have been adapted to the unique flavors of Guyana and the Caribbean. Though geographically separate from the Caribbean, Guyana shares many cultural similarities with its Caribbean neighbors, including a shared Creole language and lifestyle.
Despite being located in South America, Guyana is often considered part of the Caribbean due to its cultural connections with the region. Rajkumar’s cookbook celebrates the fusion of flavors and traditions that define Caribbean cuisine while inviting readers to embrace their heritage’s diverse flavors. Through “Mad Love,” Rajkumar encourages readers to share their love for big bold dishes that bring people together.
Rajkumar’s “Mad Love” offers readers a taste of the vibrant culinary landscape of South Asia and the West Indies while also showcasing his passion for cooking big flavors that are meant to be shared. The cookbook will inspire readers who are looking for new ways to incorporate diverse flavors into their meals while also honoring their cultural heritage.