Amritsar, a city known for its vibrant culture, historic Golden Temple, and irresistible street food, recently welcomed a special guest — globally acclaimed celebrity chef Sarah Todd. The Australian-born chef, restaurateur, and former MasterChef Australia contestant, who has developed a deep connection with India over the years, was seen immersing herself in the city’s culinary treasures. Her recent visit became the talk of the town, especially when she ventured into the bustling streets of the city to taste a local delicacy — the iconic Aam Papad Chaat.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, not only for the dish itself but for Sarah’s genuine and heartwarming reaction to tasting the tangy, sweet, and spicy treat for the first time. Dressed in a simple, breezy kurti and jeans, Sarah exuded excitement and curiosity as she strolled through the narrow lanes of the old city. Locals gathered around in surprise and delight as the international chef took a seat on a humble wooden bench beside a street cart selling the beloved snack.
Aam Papad Chaat, a favorite among locals and tourists alike, is an explosion of flavors and textures. It combines strips of dried mango pulp (aam papad) with a medley of spices, chutneys, onions, lemon juice, and chaat masala. The dish offers a playful balance between sweetness and heat, between chewiness and crunch — a flavor profile that makes it stand out in the realm of Indian street food.
Before taking her first bite, Sarah took a moment to admire the vendor’s process. She asked questions about the ingredients, the preparation, and the local history of the dish. Her enthusiasm reflected not only her chef’s curiosity but also a deep respect for the traditions and artisans of Indian cuisine. As the vendor handed her the plate, Sarah’s face lit up in anticipation. The first bite brought an immediate reaction — a wide-eyed, delighted expression followed by a joyful exclamation: “This is incredible!”
Her admiration didn’t stop at the taste. Sarah applauded the vendor for the finesse with which the dish was prepared, praising the layering of flavors and the bold use of spice and acidity. She went on to say, “This is what makes Indian street food so special. It’s more than just food; it’s a story of generations, of families, of communities.”
Videos capturing the moment were posted on her official social media handles. The clips showed Sarah beaming with appreciation, chatting warmly with locals, and even learning how to pronounce the dish’s name in Punjabi. The posts were met with thousands of likes and comments, with fans from around the world expressing excitement over her discovery of a lesser-known but deeply loved snack.
Many fans in India, especially in Punjab, expressed pride in seeing a globally recognized chef enjoy something that has long been a part of their everyday culinary experience. Several comments highlighted how Sarah’s gesture brought attention to the richness of India’s lesser-commercialized food culture. Food bloggers and culinary enthusiasts chimed in, saying that her experience served as a reminder of the diversity and depth of Indian regional street food.
Sarah has long expressed her affection for Indian cuisine. Her previous ventures, including the launch of her restaurant in Goa and participation in multiple food documentaries across India, have focused on showcasing Indian ingredients and flavors to the world. Her Amritsar visit forms part of an upcoming food travel series where she explores hyperlocal delicacies across Indian states and shares her insights with global audiences.
In an interview with local media after the tasting, Sarah said, “Amritsar is truly magical. From the food to the people, everything feels so warm and full of life. Tasting Aam Papad Chaat here, at its birthplace, with the person who makes it every day, is a reminder of how deeply rooted and meaningful food is in Indian culture.”
She also mentioned how important it is for chefs, particularly those with global influence, to engage with and celebrate street food. “We talk about fine dining and plating and molecular gastronomy — but street food, with all its rawness and authenticity, is where the heart of any cuisine lies,” she said.
Local officials, delighted by the international attention the video garnered, expressed hope that Sarah’s visit would help boost culinary tourism in Amritsar. Some even suggested the idea of hosting an annual international street food festival in the city, inviting chefs from around the world to explore Punjab’s culinary heritage.
The vendor who served the dish to Sarah, visibly moved by the attention, shared that he has been selling Aam Papad Chaat for over 20 years. He said he never imagined his humble food stall would be visited by a global celebrity chef, and he expressed gratitude for the recognition. His son, who helps at the stall, added that they had already begun receiving more customers curious to try the “famous chaat that Sarah Todd tasted.”
As Sarah wrapped up her day in Amritsar, she promised to return soon — not only to continue her exploration of the region’s cuisine but also to collaborate with local chefs and food artisans. She hinted at possibly incorporating some of the flavors she experienced in Amritsar into her own restaurants and menus.
Her journey through Amritsar, and particularly her moment with Aam Papad Chaat, became more than just a culinary anecdote. It turned into a powerful reminder of how food transcends borders and backgrounds, connecting people from different parts of the world through a shared love of taste, tradition, and authenticity.
In a world increasingly dominated by curated dining and fusion concepts, Sarah Todd’s experience in Amritsar underscores the timeless charm of local street food. Her appreciation has shone a global spotlight on a humble dish and, in doing so, celebrated the everyday culinary artists who make India’s food culture so unique.