The Moreish Podcast: Caribbean History, Culture, and Cuisine

In this episode of the Moreish Podcast, Chef Devan Rajkumar, known for his Cityline TV appearances and social media presence as Chef Dev, talks about his Guyanese and South Asian roots and his culinary journey. He talks about his debut cookbook, Mad Love: Big Flavours Made to Share from South Asia to the Caribbean , recounts his early culinary career, the influence of his family's heritage, and hi...

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema chats with Djamil Ninsoo, also known as douglabwoy on social media, an Afro-Indo Jamaican cultural advocate and anthropologist. Djamil, who has authored a children's book 'Eva My Nani-Ji', shares his experiences of promoting Jamaican culture and heritage, specifically focusing on the contributions of indentured Indians. They discuss the nuances of Afro-...

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema sits down with Chef Mireille to delve into her multifaceted background and culinary journey, in her final episode with the podcast. Mireille joined us as co-host for Season 1 of The Moreish Podcast, and now it's time to get to know the other projects she is working on. She shares insights about her mixed Caribbean heritage, her passion for cooking, and...

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and Mireille speak with Melissa Goolsarran Ramnauth, a Florida-based trademark and business attorney, historian, and the mind behind WestIndianDiplomacy.com and the West Indian History Instagram account. Melissa shares her journey of exploring her Trinidadian and Guyanese heritage, the challenges of preserving Indian indentured servant and African ensla...

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Nafees M. Khan and Dr. Gregory O'Malley, key contributors on the Operational Committee behind the Slave Voyages database. We explore the database's journey from inception and collaborative history in the 1970s to a CD ROM to an extensive online resource documenting over 12.5 million African forced migrations during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Tr...

Mireille delves into the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, covering topics such as geography or one main island and 32 smaller islands, the indigenous tribes, colonization, slavery, indentured servitude, cultural integration, religious influences, and Hema discusses food and traditional cuisine. It highlights the resilience and cultural diversity of the island nation. Resources https://ww...

In today’s episode we explore the history of St. Lucia from indigenous tribes to colonization, slavery, and independence. It delves into the multicultural influences on modern-day St. Lucian culture, highlighting notable figures, national dishes, and traditional celebrations like Carnival and Creole Heritage Month. Resources https://www.stlucia.org/en/discover-saint-lucia/history-culture/ http://s...

In today’s episode, Mireille explores the history and culture of St. Kitts and Nevis, detailing the colonization, slavery, emancipation, and modern-day traditions of the twin island Caribbean nation. Topics covered include indigenous peoples, European colonization, slave trade, national dishes, and cultural celebrations. Hema shares the national dish and the history behind some of the ingredients...

Hema and Mireille delve into the rich history of Jamaica, covering the arrival of various groups like the Tainos, Spanish, British, and immigrants from different regions. Mireille discusses the Maroon Wars, slave rebellions, emancipation from slavery, and the influence of Rastafari and Obeah on Jamaican culture. Hema dives into Jamaican cuisine, particularly the national dish of ackee and saltfish...

In this episode Mireille delves into the history of Haiti, from its indigenous roots to the impact of colonization, the Haitian Revolution, and the country's struggles with political turmoil. Hema explores the rich culture of Haiti, including its cuisine, language, religion, and traditions like Carnival. The episode highlights the intertwined history of Haiti and the Dominican Republic and emphasi...

Hema and Mireille delve into the rich history and cuisine of Grenada. In this episode they talk about the Arawak population, the colonization of the island, the national dish 'oil down', and the country’s spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Resources https://www.grenadaarchaeology.com/TeacherKits/Assets/Lessons%20HTML/13_FieldTripGuide_LeapersHill.htm https://www.youtube.com/@RoyVincent https://ww...

In this episode Hema and Mireille discuss the history, culture, and cuisine of the Dominican Republic, covering the island's historical background, demographic breakdown, the impact of colonialism, the Trujillo dictatorship, and the fusion of African, Indigenous, Arab, Spanish, and French influences in Dominican cuisine. It also touches on the intertwined history of Haiti and the Dominican Republi...

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast Hema discusses the shared island of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten, exploring its history, cultural influences, and Mireille talks about the food, highlighting the variations in cuisine between the French and Dutch sides, emphasizing the impact of European colonization and African heritage on the local culture and national dish, Callaloo Soup. Resources https://...

Join Hema and Mireille on this episode of The Moreish Podcast as they delve into the fascinating history, culture, and cuisine of Dominica. From the Indigenous population, colonial influences, traditional celebrations, to the shift from mountain chicken as the national dish. Resources https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/mountain-chicken-how-we-almost-lost-the-caribbeans-largest-frog.html https://discov...

Discover Cuba's history and cuisine in this episode of The Moreish Podcast. From the Indigenous Taino people, Spanish colonization, slavery, and revolution, Cuba has a rich and layered history. It's more than beaches and communism. Co-hosts Hema and Mireille dive into the Indigenous Taino people and the historical forces that shaped the Cuba we know today. From the Spanish settlements, the Trans-A...

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and Mireille explore the history, cultural evolution, and flavourful cuisine of Barbados. Hema shares a brief history of the people of Barbados from the Indigenous roots and colonial past: Portuguese and Spanish settlements, the TransAtlantic Slave Trade and indentured servants, to its journey to becoming a Republic in 2021. Mireille dives into Bajan fo...

Antigua & Barbuda: History, Culture, and Cuisine In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and Mireille discuss Antigua & Barbuda, unpacking the rich history of this Caribbean nation. From the islands’ Indigenous roots, colonial past, and the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave trade, they share how these historical events shape modern cuisine, culture, and identity. The African influence...

More than jerk chicken, beaches and Carnival, the culture of the Caribbean is unique and diverse with influences from all over the world. Join creator and host Hema and co-host Mireille, Caribbean women living in North America, as we explore the diverse stories of the Caribbean through the lens of food, history, and everyday culture on The Moreish Podcast. From the origins of popular foods like pl...