Discover Edible Insects and Fermented Foods at Bengaluru Festival

The Science Gallery in Bengaluru is set to host its food festival, Namma Oota, on December 6-7, 2023. This event is part of the gallery’s ongoing exhibition, Calorie, which explores the intricate relationship between food, nutrition, and agriculture through innovative art installations and interactive experiences.

Namma Oota will feature an array of food stalls from various brands, alongside talks, masterclasses, and an engaging quiz. Attendees can expect to sample a diverse range of offerings, including the opportunity to create their own desserts at Wallflour Patisserie & Kitchen. Local brand The Cubbon Table will showcase small-batch products rooted in regional preservation and fermentation traditions, allowing visitors to taste fermented raw foods and preserves.

Another highlight comes from Aruvu Collaboratory, which will present fresh produce and millet dishes sourced from the Channapatna and Bidar regions. Moreover, the non-profit organization ATREE will introduce attendees to edible insects as part of their research on sustainable food sources. Festival-goers can look forward to unique dishes such as silkworm Manchurian and chili garlic crickets.

According to Jahnavi Phalkey, the founding director of the gallery, Namma Oota aims to extend the questions raised in the Calorie exhibition. “We want visitors to think about how we understand nutrition, what shapes our food systems, and how our choices affect the world around us,” she stated. The festival will encourage engagement with the science of food through interactive stalls and workshops, focusing on themes like alternative foods, fermentation, and the stories behind everyday ingredients.

The festival will also feature expert talks, including a public lecture by culinary anthropologist Kurush Feroze Dalal. His session, titled “Food: The Greatest Mnemonic,” will explore the deep connections between food and memory. “Food is the greatest mnemonic known to mankind,” Dalal remarked. “This talk discusses how our relationship with food shapes our memories, both good and bad.”

Namma Oota is designed to be a curated experience, allowing visitors to learn something new during their visit. Phalkey emphasized the variety of ideas presented at the festival, from moringa-based products to edible insects, each highlighting potential future food trends.

In addition to the culinary offerings, the festival will feature live music from the band BluesGhat, enhancing the atmosphere of the event. Entry to Namma Oota is free, making it an accessible opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the evolving landscape of food and nutrition.

For more details and the full schedule of activities, visitors can check the Science Gallery’s official website. The festival promises to be an enlightening and enjoyable experience for all attendees.