Jasmine Mangalaseril

CBC K-W food columnist

CBC-KW food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril is a Waterloo Region-based food writer and culinary historian. She talks about local food, restaurants, and the food industry, and how they affect what and how we eat. She’s on Bluesky, Mastodon, and Meta as @cardamomaddict.

Latest from Jasmine Mangalaseril

Get hooked on cooking fish at home with these tips and tricks: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Even though Canada is bordered by three oceans and has the highest number of lakes in the world, cooking fish can seem daunting to some. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril has some expert tips for you.

5 years later: Food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril on how local food businesses survived pandemic lockdowns

Five years ago, the province issued a stay-at-home order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The word pivot was used a lot in the early days of the pandemic. For restaurants, it marked the start of rethinking what it would take to weather the storm and stay afloat.

Grab a slice while celebrating Pi Day in Waterloo region: Jasmine Mangalaseril

It’s Pi Day. While some folks will try to recite as many digits of the mathematical constant as they can, for many it’s a day about flaky crusts and tasty fillings. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril took a slice out of some local pies in honour of the day.

Celebrating the success stories of local women food producers: Jasmine Mangalaseril

More and more, female chefs are being recognized for their skills in hospitality. But one area that is still dominated by men is food production. We have several local female founders who are stocking grocery store shelves across the province and the country. CBC K-W's Jasmine Mangalaseril spoke with two about their journey.

How Black entrepreneurs are shaping the local food industry: Jasmine Mangalaseril

The theme for 2025’s Black History Month in Canada was: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” Here in Waterloo-Wellington, Black food makers, sellers, and growers do this while enriching our local food scene.

Golden, flaky, delicious - the iconic Jamaican patty: Jasmine Mangalaseril

There have been a lot of food fights in history. The Boston Tea party of 1773. The Salt March of the 1930s. The Cod Wars of the 20th Century. And, of course, The Patty Wars that took place on Canadian soil 40 years ago this month. CBC K-W food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril sits with a local patty maker to learn more about the iconic Jamaican snack.

Sweeten up your Valentine with chocolates made in Waterloo region and area: Jasmine Mangalaseril

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to give your valentine, chances are you won’t go wrong with a box of quality chocolate. From Guelph to Stratford, there are about a dozen small chocolate makers to help satisfy that sweet tooth. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril tells us more.

Heat up winter with spicy eats from local restaurants: Jasmine Mangalaseril

During these cold and snowy days, the best antidote is some heat. That's why CBC K-W's food columnist, Jasmine Mangalaseril, took on the spicy challenge to find local food with a punch. From stews to sauces, she found some fiery and tasty options that will help us battle winter’s chill.

Celebrating Lunar New Year with Korean, Vietnamese traditions: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Lunar New Year is one of the largest celebrations in Asia. And while many of us are familiar with what happens at Chinese celebrations, other countries, like South Korea and Vietnam, have their own traditions. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril spoke with some local restaurant owners to find out how they will be celebrating.

The best way to celebrate Robbie Burns is with haggis: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Saturday is the 266th anniversary of the birth of Scottish Poet, Robbie Burns. Here, and around the world, pubs, restaurants, halls and homes, will recite his words, toast his memory, and tuck into some of his favourite foods.