The GTCO Food & Drink Festival 2025 continued its dynamic celebration of global cuisine on Saturday with a captivating masterclass by celebrated Indian chef and food storyteller, Thomas Zacharias. Known for his deep-rooted commitment to India’s regional food heritage, Chef Thomas took festival attendees on a flavorful journey across the diverse culinary landscape of India.
Speaking to a packed hall at the GTCentre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Chef Thomas hosted a session titled “Exploring Regional Indian Cuisines & Local Ingredients.” The masterclass showcased not only the richness of Indian culinary traditions but also emphasized the importance of sustainability, cultural pride, and healthy eating.
Throughout the session, Chef Thomas prepared three standout dishes, each highlighting India’s indigenous ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. He began with a traditional herbal tonic — a refreshing wellness drink crafted from Indian herbs and natural components — reminding participants of the healing power of food rooted in cultural traditions.
Next, he created a creamy, spice-layered chicken dish, fusing authenticity with global appeal. Using regionally inspired spices and preparation styles, Chef Thomas demonstrated how simple homegrown ingredients can yield gourmet results.
To conclude, he introduced black rice — an ancient Indian grain — in a modern yet flavorful dish that left the audience eager to explore this superfood. He spoke on the importance of elevating native crops like black rice, not just for nutrition but also as a form of culinary storytelling.
The audience was treated to more than just cooking tips — Chef Thomas shared personal stories from his travels across Indian villages, where he has worked closely with local farmers, home cooks, and forgotten food traditions. His message was clear: food is not just about flavor, but identity, sustainability, and connection.
“Chefs have a responsibility to preserve the integrity of indigenous food systems,” he told the audience. “We must cook with purpose and celebrate the roots of our ingredients.”
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival continues through May 4, offering free access to culinary masterclasses by some of the world’s top chefs. With Chef Thomas’s inspiring presentation, attendees were reminded that food can be a powerful force for cultural preservation and global dialogue — one local ingredient at a time.
