Simone Ashley, the captivating star of Bridgerton, has opened up about her deep-rooted love for Indian cuisine. While her character, Kate Sharma, is known for her sharp wit and fierce independence, Ashley's off-screen persona is equally vibrant, reflecting her Tamilian heritage through her passion for the flavours of India.
Ashley often remembers growing up in a Tamilian household, where the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. She fondly recalls her mother's cooking, which introduced her to the diverse and complex tapestry of Indian cuisine. From the fiery curries to the delicate biryanis, Ashley appreciates the balance of spices and textures that make Indian food unique. She has a particular fondness for South-Indian cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, coconut, and tempered spices.
In a recent interview with the top magazine cover, Ashley confessed that her trip to Mumbai for the Dior Fall show last year rekindled her love for India. Despite being away for over a decade, she has found solace and connection through the comforting flavours of Indian food.
Her love for Indian food extends beyond her personal life. She often explores local restaurants and markets, discovering new flavours and supporting the vibrant Indian food scene. Whether she's savouring a home-cooked meal or indulging in a feast at a renowned Indian restaurant, Simone Ashley's appreciation for Indian cuisine is evident. It's an integral part of her identity, and she proudly embraces her Tamilian heritage through her love of food.
One of Ashley's favourite dishes is the iconic "65 Recipe". This fiery Indo-Asian creation, born at the Buhari Hotel in Chennai, has captured her heart. Ashley's admiration for this dish is a testament to its enduring popularity and deliciousness. Beyond this, Ashley's culinary cravings extend to various Indian delicacies. She expresses her deep fondness for buttery naan, tangy pani puri, and crispy poppadoms (or appalam, aka in South India). Her love for Indian food transcends regional boundaries, as she also enjoys hearty non-vegetarian curries and the Mughlai classic Rogan Josh.
But it's not just the savoury dishes that have Ashley's taste buds tingling. She also cherishes the traditional South Indian pickle known as pachadi with the comforting flavours of sambal and dal. Ashley's cravings for these dishes remain strong even when she's far from India.
Although her love for Indian cuisine runs deep, she might occasionally crave a classic Western comfort food like nuggets and fries. Her heart truly belongs to the diverse and delicious flavours of India, and she's eager to return to her homeland to explore more of its culinary treasures. Ashley hopes to step on a food adventure, savouring everything from the fiery curries of the south to the aromatic biryanis of the north, immersing herself in the rich tapestry of Indian food culture.
Simone Ashley’s love for Indian cuisine is a testament to the food’s enduring appeal and ability to connect people to their cultural roots. Just as her character, Kate Sharma, embodies the spirit of her Indian heritage, Ashley’s off-screen passion for Indian food reflects the cuisine’s power to bring people closer and celebrate their cultural identity. Whether you’re a fan of Bridgerton or simply a lover of Indian food, Ashley’s culinary journey will inspire you to explore the diverse flavours of this incredible country and discover the unique ways food can connect us to our past and present.
