Fashion designers Dev and Nil dig into the new menu at Smoke House Deli and chat with t2 on all things food...

Who cooks for whom at home?

Dev: Nil does!

Nil: Yes, I do a fair bit of cooking. I can cook modern European dishes. I can also cook some Bengali food....

(‘Recently he cooked a Bengali feast for us at home,’ says Abhilasha Sethia, who joins in along with Manjri Agarwal)
Like Chhanar Dalna, Dhonepata Aloo, Fish Fry…

What is your favourite meat?

Dev: I love pork. Pork chops are my favourite. I also love eggs.

Nil: I find it tough to choose between fish and beef.

What about vegetarian?

Nil: I love my pizzas vegetarian. I feel the flavours of meat can be overpowering.

What’s your comfort food?

Nil: After a long day, I love just plain rice and dal.

Dev: Oh yes, add some aloo sheddho and it’s perfect. 

What do you like for dessert?

Nil: In winter, I hog on anything to do with Nolen Gur. And at Smoke House Deli, I love the Bitter Chocolate and Orange Ganache Torte.

Dev: I love hot Mihidana with vanilla ice cream. I also like rosogolla, but I’m very fussy about it.

If you had to pick a dish from literature, what would it be?

Nil: Ham sandwiches from any of Enid Blyton’s books. I know it’s just a sandwich but she made it sound tempting!

Dev: I feel like eating anything that they show on MasterChef! 

A recipe you picked up from your mother?

Nil: She does this Maharashtrian dish... grated carrots sauteed in a little oil, crushed peanuts and green chillies. It takes about two minutes. Finish it off with some lime juice and it’s delicious!

Dev: I can make Maggi and tea. (Laughs) But my mum used to make this Chicken Rice and she has taught it to all my friends also. You take some leftover chicken, shred it, mix it with some rice, add some garam masala, cashew nuts and toss. It is really great.

Finally, your SHD favourite?

Dev & Nil: Boss Style Spaghetti.

Nil: We were both happy to see it on the new menu. No matter what we order, there is always a plate of Boss Style Spaghetti. I also really like the steak here. 

Dev: And the Philly Cheesecake of course.