National, 11th June 2026: The European Union’s More Than Food campaign officially launched ’A Taste of Home with EU Tadka‘, a cookbook celebrating the reinterpretation of familiar Indian flavours using premium European ingredients. The cookbook was launched through Shared Tables, Shared Stories, an immersive culinary and storytelling-led gastronomic experience curated by campaign ambassadors Chef Ajay Chopra and Chef Guntas Sethi. Held at The Oberoi, New Delhi, the event brought together celebrated Indian chefs including Chef Rakhee Vaswani and Chef Sougata Ghosh, who also feature in the cookbook.
Rooted in the EU’s pillars of quality, authenticity, sustainability, and safety, the cookbook showcases how premium European ingredients can elevate familiar Indian flavours while honouring heritage and craftsmanship. Adding to this, EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labels highlighted in the cookbook, give consumers a verifiable guarantee of authenticity and geographic origin. Ingredients featured in the cookbook such as Gouda Holland PGI from the Netherlands and Kalamata Olives PDO from Greece reflect this commitment to authenticity and traceability, while other prominent European ingredients including Shiitake Mushrooms from France, and Raspberries from Italy, add richness, consistency, and versatility to Indian-inspired culinary creations.
The cookbook features recipes and culinary interpretations from leading chefs across India, including EU More Than Food Campaign Ambassadors Chef Ajay Chopra, Chef Guntas Sethi along with Chef Neha Deepak Shah, Chef Rakhee Vaswani, Chef Manuel Olveira, Chef Nehal Karkera, Chef Sougata Ghosh, Chef Natasha Gandhi, Chef Chinu Vaze, each bringing their own perspective on blending European ingredients with Indian flavours.
The launch event brought the cookbook to life through curated pairings, conversations, and a specially designed four-course menu conceptualized by Chef Ajay Chopra and Chef Guntas Sethi. Each dish reflected the campaign’s larger narrative of cultural exchange and showcased how European ingredients across dairy, olive oils, fresh produce, and more can seamlessly complement Indian-inspired culinary creations.
Speaking on the cookbook launch, Chef Ajay Chopra said, “The launch of ‘A Taste of Home with EU Tadka’ under the European Union’s ‘More Than Food’ campaign in India is a wonderful reflection of how European ingredients can seamlessly find relevance within Indian culinary traditions while also spotlighting the authenticity and craftsmanship behind them. One of my favourite creations from the cookbook was the Apricot & Nectarine Chaat, because it beautifully brought together familiar Indian flavours with premium European ingredients in a fresh, contemporary way. The use of Chania Kritis Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is a PGI from Greece, added a beautiful depth, smoothness, and fruity finish to the dish, elevating the overall flavour profile while staying true to the spirit of the recipe.”
Adding to this, Chef Guntas Sethi said, “What makes ‘A Taste of Home with EU Tadka’, truly special is how it celebrates the shared language of food by bringing together European quality ingredients and Indian culinary creativity in an accessible and relatable way. The Chikki Fudge Cake was especially close to my heart as it combined comfort, indulgence, and craftsmanship in every bite. Ingredients such as Butter from France, Whipping Cream from Denmark, and Dark Chocolate from Belgium brought richness, texture, and balance to the dessert, showcasing how high-quality European ingredients are truly More Than Food and can seamlessly enhance Indian-inspired creations.”
Bringing together leading voices from the food and beverage industry, the launch centered on exploring the creative interplay between Europe and India. Anchored in the campaign’s broader storytelling, the event brought the cookbook to life as a shared-table experience, where curated pairings and conversations highlighted how these ingredients can add depth, balance and refinement to familiar dishes. Guests experienced first-hand how products across dairy, meats, olive oils and fresh produce can be reimagined in ways that honour both tradition and craftsmanship. The intimate gathering featured a specially curated four-course menu conceptualized by Chef Ajay Chopra and Chef Guntas Sethi, where each dish narrated a unique story inspired by the cookbook. Through collaborations with chefs, creators, and culinary experts, the “More than Food” campaign in India continues to foster meaningful cultural exchange by using food as a medium to bring together traditions, craftsmanship, provenance, and shared culinary narratives from Europe and India.
About EU’s More Than Food Campaign in India: The European Union’s “More Than Food” campaign in India aims to raise awareness about the diverse and rich agricultural products from the European Union. The campaign intends to showcase the versatility of European food and beverages in Indian cuisine by offering a glimpse into the EU’s abundant cultural and culinary landscape. It seeks to increase recognition of EU agricultural products in India by promoting the safety, quality, authenticity, sustainability, and diversity of EU agri-food and beverage products from the 27 EU Member States through a series of social media activities, B2B events, and promotional initiatives.
