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

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.

Planning to write a cookbook? There's more to it than collecting recipes: Jasmine Mangalaseril

If you love your time in the kitchen or cook to connect to your culture, chances are you've thought about writing a cookbook. But there's more to it than collecting recipes.

Want to start a food business? Prep work begins long before you get in the kitchen: Jasmine Mangalaseril

If your dream is to start your own food-based company, whether it’s a bakery, bottling hot sauce, or catering, there are advisors, incubators and programs in Waterloo region and Guelph to help you set it up. CBC K-W's food columnist, Jasmine Mangalaseril spoke to experts on the how-to.

Drink up the holiday spirit with these festive cocktails: Jasmine Mangalaseril

It doesn’t matter if you’re a cocktail enthusiast or like to keep things simple, this year’s holiday drinks trends will help keep things merry and bright. From cozy flavours to a bit of heat, local bartenders have ideas to help celebrate the season.

For the foodie on your list, go beyond a gift basket this holiday season: Jasmine Mangalaseril

We’re in the final stretch of the gift-giving season and if you’re still looking for something for the foodie in your life or you’ve found out what you ordered won’t arrive in time, local shops may have some solutions. CBC K-W food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril shares some gift ideas.

Cambridge nutritionist using kindness and compassion to guide clients: Jasmine Mangalaseril

We’re often told it’s not what you say, but how you say it. And when it comes to making large or small changes to how others eat, a local nutritionist and health promoter is using kindness and compassion to people make healthier choices.