18 Dec 2024

Powerhouse Launches New ‘Little India’ Program

Powerhouse today announces Powerhouse Food: Little India, a new dinner series spotlighting the vibrant Indian food culture in Western Sydney’s Harris Park.

Curated by acclaimed chef and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong and founder of The Modern Desi Co Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar, this series invites guests on a culinary journey to explore the bold and diverse flavours, distinctive cooking styles and regional specialities from across India. 

Starting on Wednesday 19 February 2025, the series of dinners, held every second month over the course of a year, will offer guests curated dining experiences that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of this distinctive cultural precinct.

Diners will taste the fresh authentic traditional street food at Chatkazz, indulge in comforting home-style Chennai vegetarian dishes from South Indian eatery Adyar Ananda Bhavan, locally known as A2B, enjoy rustic Punjabi fare inspired by ‘dhaba’ or vibrant North Indian roadside eateries when they dine at Mitran Da Dhaba and savour the unique blend of Mughlai and Persian influences at Hyderabadi restaurant IndoChainese.

After each dinner, guests will enjoy a program at the Chatkazz Function Centre featuring a traditional chai tasting with Fatema Khanbhai, founder of The Chai Room; a cultural performance by Western Sydney poet Anisha Krishnasamy; and the gift of an Indo-Chinese recipe specially created by Kylie Kwong and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar that celebrates their cross-cultural friendship and collaboration.

Powerhouse Food: Little India is the first program curated and developed by Powerhouse Associate, Kylie Kwong, which will use food as a catalyst for positive social impact and cultural
exchange. The other key projects will see Kylie Kwong explore dynamic Chinese communities of Western Sydney and develop a food education program for years 7-12 students.

Powerhouse Food features projects including the development of the Australian Culinary Archive which is collecting the archives of Australia’s great chefs and producers and the establishment of the Vitocco Kitchen at Powerhouse Parramatta, a 200-seat production kitchen that connects audiences with the culture and science of food.

Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong said, ‘Food is not just a way to connect with different cultures but is also about bringing communities together; sharing stories to deepen our understanding of one another. Collaborating with Bhavna on this project has been an incredible learning experience for me. Powerhouse Food: Little India perfectly embodies this spirit, highlighting the transformative power of food in uniting us all.’

The Modern Desi Co. Founder Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar said, ‘Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity and flavour, telling the story of centuries of culture, history, and innovation. It’s far more than just ‘spicy curries’. It’s a rich blend of regional ingredients, seasonal cooking, time-honoured techniques and modern twists. These dinners are a gateway to the diverse cuisine I call my own.’

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘We are excited to launch the Powerhouse Food: Little India dinner series, which is testament to the incredible diversity and cultural richness of Western Sydney. Kylie and Bhavna’s collaboration will expand our understanding of Indian regional cultures and food traditions.’

For more information about Powerhouse Food: Little India, visit: https://ph.au/3BrFsML

PRESS INFORMATION

Image: Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Kylie Kwong. Photography by Nikki To.

Download images here.

For further information, visit https://ph.au/3BrFsML

Subscribe to be the first to hear more about Powerhouse Food: https://ph.au/4fRxMSO

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Powerhouse Food: Little India
19 February – 3 December 2025
Visit: https://ph.au/3BrFsML

CHATKAZZ
Wednesday 19 February, 6pm
Tickets $80
Visit: https://ph.au/3VBYXcj

Local institution Chatkazz features a casual, home-style menu highlighting the restaurant’s delicious traditional street food, which emphasises the fresh, authentic flavours and textures of Indian street carts.  During dinner, co-owner Suraj Panchal will share the inspiration behind Chatkazz and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong will discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.

A2B - ADYAR ANANDA BHAVAN
Wednesday 9 April, 6pm
Tickets $80
Visit: https://ph.au/41AbH76

Adyar Ananda Bhavan, or ‘A2B’ as it is locally known, is a South Indian eatery that celebrates comforting, home-style vegetarian cuisine. Focusing on the rich culinary heritage of Chennai, eating at A2B is like eating at the home of your favourite South Indian aunty. During dinner, owner Gayathri Aparajit will share the inspiration behind A2B and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.

MITRAN DA DHABA
Wednesday 25 June, 6pm
Tickets $80
Visit: https://ph.au/3VEYgim
Mitran Da Dhaba is a restaurant that seeks to bring a North Indian essence to Western Sydney. The term ‘dhaba’ describes a roadside eatery, typically found in North India and celebrated for its flavourful dishes and vibrant atmosphere. The menu is focused onPunjabi cuisine and offers flavours from the land of five rivers. During dinner, owner Vicky Sekher and ‘Gora Chef’ will share the inspiration behind Mitran Da Dhaba and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.

INDOCHAINESE
Wednesday 13 August, 6pm
Tickets $80
Visit: https://ph.au/3VIAZfl

IndoChainese specialises in Hyderabadi cuisine, which has a rich and diverse tapestry of flavours, renowned for its unique blend of Mughlai and Persian influences, as well as local spices and ingredients. During dinner, Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong will discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.

MITRAN DA DHABA
Wednesday 15 October 6pm
Tickets $80
Visit: https://ph.au/3VEYgim
Mitran Da Dhaba is a restaurant that seeks to bring a North Indian essence to Western Sydney. The term ‘dhaba’ describes a roadside eatery, typically found in North India and celebrated for its flavourful dishes and vibrant atmosphere. The menu is focused on Punjabi cuisine and offers flavours from the land of five rivers. During dinner, owner Vicky Sekher and ‘Gora Chef’ will share the inspiration behind Mitran Da Dhaba as Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.

CHATKAZZ
Wednesday 3 December, 6pm 
Tickets $80
Visit: https://ph.au/41AoVjZ

Local institution Chatkazz features a casual, home-style menu highlighting the restaurant’s delicious traditional street food, which emphasises the fresh, authentic flavours and textures of Indian street carts.  During dinner, co-owner Suraj Panchal will share the inspiration behind Chatkazz and Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar and Powerhouse Associate Kylie Kwong will discuss their joint passion for Indian food and community.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Erin Finn | Powerhouse
erin.finn@powerhouse.com.au | 0413 538 276

Michelle Lollo | Powerhouse

michelle.lollo@powerhouse.com.au | 0419 523 735

About Powerhouse

Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.3 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.