Food Vlogger Ruzaina Hadgie is on a journey to show the world the merits of Sri Lankan cuisine through her YouTUbe chaNnel
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Photography: Siyath Govin Plus
Location: Jetwing Colombo 7
Using the power of social media to spread the message about the fabulousness of Sri Lankan cuisine, food vlogger Ruzaina Hadgie has spent the last four years painstakingly creating her food videolog, The Minority Taste. Showcasing Sri Lankan cuisine from across the island her videolog has attracted several international food bloggers who have sought Ruzaina’s knowledge to further explore the culinary landscape of
Sri Lanka. Keen to do her part to put Sri Lanka on the international culinary map, Ruzaina’s inimitable cooking videos are proving to be a big hit with people across the world.
What swayed you to become a food vlogger?
It all started with my 7 year tenure as a flight attendant for Sri Lankan Airlines. I was part of the super business class (premium) stewardesses so we travelled to other exotic destinations besides the usual routes and got to taste and try new and different cuisines from around the world. It was then that food became more than just a passion. Although I’m not a flight attendant anymore the experience led me to becoming a food vlogger.
How long have you been a food vlogger for?
4 years.
Why do you love to cook?
Because it is the ultimate gift you can give to someone else to enjoy.
Who are the great food vloggers that inspired you?
Anthony Michael Bourdain was the ultimate food vlogger who inspired me. I grew up admiring him.
Who is your culinary icon?
My grandmother, Gnei Fareeda Hadgie and then its a tie between Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay.
What is the story behind The Minority Taste, the name of your vlog?
It’s to showcase different food cultures from around the world that is not spoken of or underappreciated, not just the everyday popular dishes. Especially in Sri Lanka. There is more to Sri Lankan cuisine than meets the eye, hence the name. I recently did a food vlog with the indigenous tribe of Sri Lanka (veddhas) and they had some really delicious dishes.
What are some of the best things that have happened to you since you started your food vlog?
Ever since I started the vlog everything just fell into place automatically and a clear path was set. With God’s grace so many great things have happened but getting noticed and getting to work alongside world famous Youtubers such as Mark Wiens and Trevor James is the best thing that can happen to
a food vlogger.
The ripple effects of this happening is showing already. Many YouTubers are coming to Sri Lanka and putting us on the food map. It’s an amazing feeling to do something for your country the way you can.
What is the best part about being a food vlogger?
All the delicious food of course!
And specially the people you meet from all walks of life. From the street food vendor to Michelin star chefs to other passionate foodies. Food really does bring some amazing people together.
For budding cooks, which easy
Sri Lankan dish would you recommend?
Kiribath (milk rice). It’s a winner! Easy to cook and delicious.
What is your favorite ingredient to cook with and why?
Sri Lankan curry powder, because it is
a blend of all the beautiful spices I love. Each district of Sri Lanka has its own unique blend which is completely different from each other in taste and flavour.
I can use it on so many different types of cuisines too. It’s just so versatile. In fact I call it the magic powder. Lol!
What is your favourite food city?
Dubai. Because it’s so diverse and you get everything from delicious street food to some of the best Top Hat and Michelin star restaurants. From Sri Lankan cuisine to Ethiopian cuisine, you name it they’ve got it! The food world is at your feet.
What are some of the best restaurants you’ve been to?
Too many from around the world. But
I can tell you which restaurants serve the best dishes. Some of the restaurants I have frequented have one or two outstanding dishes that is a must try in life..
One cuisine you can live on?
Sri Lankan.
How long does it take you to perfect a recipe?
Depends on the recipe but usually 1 to 3 days. Nothing I cook tastes the same twice because I keep perfecting and developing the recipe.
What do you do when you are not cooking or vlogging?
I love fashion so I do a lot of fashion related reading. I also love to watch all kinds of documentaries on Netflix and YouTube.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start food blogging?
Stay true to yourself and who you are as a person. Don’t blatantly copy other people, but if you are inspired give due credit and just be yourself. Always remember the internet and the world does not care about which clique or group you are a part of or who you “sit” with. Just focus on work and what you want to achieve. Content is key. Keep your head down with the naysayers, be humble and keep pushing and working hard and the RIGHT PEOPLE WILL NOTICE YOU!
What is the most challenging thing you’ve had to face in terms of your vlog?
Acceptance. I still face this issue. It’s an ongoing battle with some people and their negative political and religious ideas that they want to integrate with food and my work.
What meal/snack is your guilty pleasure
All kinds of chips. Lol.
How would you describe your culinary style?
Rustic.
Who are the international food bloggers that you have collaborated with?
Trevor James (The Food Ranger) , Mark Wiens (Migrationology), David Dudi (The Hungry Tourist), Peyman Al Awhadhi and there are a few more in the pipeline.
How did those collaborations come about?
I started off with showcasing all different food cultures from Sri Lanka. I kept myself grounded and worked hard no matter how many people laughed at me or said this will never work. I just pushed myself harder and kept at it and all the right people noticed me. That’s how the collaborations took place.
What are you trying to achieve through your food vlog?
To give a voice and a platform to cuisines and food cultures from Sri Lanka and around the world that is underappreciated.
What has been your biggest failure in the kitchen?
Desserts. It’s just not my thing. LOL!
