INDIAN FUSION FOOD: A STORY OF CUISINES AND CONNECTIONS
Looking Back Into the Indian Kitchen
Let’s begin with a story.
Every home in India has its own version of garam masala.
Some are suited to a mother’s taste, while others were born out of an aunt’s quirk or handed down as a grandmother’s wisdom. This spice mix, generously peppered over curries, captures the essence and history of Indian cuisine. This masala is more than a seasoning; it is a keeper of memories, a traveller of the spice routes, and a quiet witness to tradition and familial love.
BlendHouse, an Indian fusion restaurant in Utrecht, came to life with the same yearning for connection and history.
Cuisine Built on Crossroads
Indian cuisine has the spirit of fusion at its heart, and history only proves it.
The Mughals brought their tandoors, the Portuguese their chillies, and the British came around with puddings. The kitchens of India welcomed them with open arms and have lent themselves to experimentation. Think Mulligatawny soup, a spicy Indian rasam that made its way to the bowls of the empire.
Simply put, Indian cuisine has always had a flair for collaboration.
So, if you walk into our restaurant, located in Utrecht, and ask us what is ‘new’ about Indian fusion, we simply smile and say, “It has always been this way.”
BlendHouse: Born Out of Curiosity, Crisis, and Creativity
The turbulence of COVID-19 shaped BlendHouse into an Indian fusion restaurant located in Utrecht.
In a moment of creativity (and a few glasses of wine), Nana and Abhi, our co-founders, discovered their shared passion for food and stories!
Nana says, “The concept of Indian fusion was born, not as a trend, but as a way to tell stories through food.”
So, today on our menu are a few such tales. Read on to know where to eat in Utrecht the next time you are in town!
Ready to dine? Here we go!
• Kings, Kitchens, and Kebabs
The kebabs have a long history in the subcontinent. The most well-known one came with the arrival of the Mughals. With them, this medley of meat and spice found its way to the royal kitchens, transforming into a rich delicacy. BlendHouse gives the famous dish its own twist with our most requested Lamb Galouti Kebab.
Galouti kebabs originated in the bustling city of Lucknow. Here, its fame doubled as it became a favourite of the local rulers called nawabs. At BlendHouse, this treat packs in the punch of aromatic spices and a green papaya marinade. Reserve your table today to savour a bite that doesn’t just sizzle at the grill but dazzles at your table.
• Conversations Over Curry
Did you know that Butter Chicken was a happy accident?
This iconic dish was made at Moti Mahal in 1950 by Kundan Lal Jaggi and Kundan Lal Gujral. They simply tossed the leftover tandoori chicken into a tomato and onion purée. And just like that, a gravy was born that would become synonymous with Indian cuisine.
At BlendHouse, nestled in the heart of Utrecht, a serving of this delicious food is deeply personal.
For Abhi, this preparation is steeped in childhood memories. He grew up watching his grandmother work her magic in her humble kitchen back in India. She would slow-cook onions, tomatoes, and fragrant spices to create an indulgent base. Into this, she would then toss the tandoor-cooked meat.
Today, that same recipe is served in our restaurant, honouring his heritage and offering our guests a taste of home, even if they’re thousands of kilometres away.
• Legacy of Vegetarianism
Indian cuisine has mastered the art of plant-based cooking. Rooted in philosophy and faith, vegetarianism in India isn’t a dietary restriction. It is, in fact, a celebration. At BlendHouse, we take this legacy forward with our signature fusion.
Stop by our cosy restaurant in Utrecht to taste our Paneer Tikka Tacos. A treat for the vegetarian palate!
The paneer is marinated in traditional tandoori spices, grilled to smoky perfection, and paired with a mint yoghurt crema and homemade pickled vegetables. This juicy mix is then placed into a Himalayan black millet taco shell. Fresh and fun, this creation captures both the street food soul of India and the playful format of global cuisine.
Coming soon on the autumn menu, stay tuned!
We also recognise that plant-based dining is evolving, and we are proud to offer vegan options. Crafted with the same care and spice, our Beetroot Galouti Kebab is here to show you how exciting fusion gets when it goes vegan!
Tender kebabs served with baby naans and pumpkin sauce; this recipe is bold and full of flavour.
Whether you are vegetarian by culture, vegan by choice or just here to try something new, BlendHouse has a table ready for you. Reserve now.
• Culture Served in a Glass
What if you could sip on a story?
Cocktails at BlendHouse offer exactly that, but with a twist. And our go-to ingredient to work with behind the bar is undoubtedly the betel leaf, called paan in India.
This isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a moment of pause after a feast in India. We wanted to transform that final kiss of sweetness, spice, and surprise into an indulgence. Looking to order it? The name is Paan Kiss.
Our drinks are inspired by India’s seasons and rituals. Come raise a glass to the perfect blend of moments and mixology at BlendHouse. Book your table today.
Fusion as a Language of Connection
At Blendhouse, our food is a canvas of cultures, tastes, and heartfelt hospitality. It is what happens when flavours travel, narratives intertwine, and cultures meet at the dinner table.
“Fusion makes the familiar exciting again,” says our co-owner Nana.
In many ways, fusion has its own kind of language.
It is how Abhi shares his childhood experience with diners in Utrecht.
It is how the street-side paan from India makes it to your Friday night.
It is how the classic cuisines of India add diversity to modern eating habits.
So, come hungry and come ready to connect. BlendHouse is waiting!
Read more such quirky tales from our menu here
Follow us on Instagram @blendhousenl for a daily dose of fusion and behind-the-scenes magic!
FAQ
One of our most popular offerings is the cheese-garlic naan served as a savoury starter. It’s unexpected but makes perfect sense when you taste it.
Another recommendation is the blue cheese baby naans with chutney. The creaminess of the cheese and the tangy-sweet Indian chutney are an unusual but a beautiful match.
Finally, we would urge fish lovers to try our Masala King Prawns. Juicy and tender, this dish is a melt-in-your-mouth dream.
Yes! Our menu includes vegetarian and vegan options like the Firdausi Potatoes Rice Bowl and Beetroot Galouti Kebabs.