Dear Host,

My name is Litu, and I am a passionate chef dedicated to crafting innovative, sustainable cuisine. With experience in Michelin-starred fine dining, I combine culinary artistry with a deep respect for tradition and the environment.

Since June 2024, I have been on a journey exploring global curry cuisines through the lens of the historic curry powder spice trade route. This project delves into how migration has shaped and fused diverse cuisines and cultures. Along the way, I am gathering insights for my upcoming book, Kari Not Curry.

My culinary approach is deeply influenced by my Bangladeshi heritage and my experiences in the UK, with a focus on zero-waste cooking and migration-inspired dishes.

I am eager to learn about your local diet and culinary traditions. It would be a privilege to cook for you and your family, share knowledge, and create memorable meals together. Let’s connect and collaborate in the kitchen!

Thank you for considering this opportunity.

Warm regards,
Litu

Experiences:
WWOOFing in Okinawa, Japan
Workaway in Gangwon-do, South Korea

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am doing Couchsurfing because I believe in the power of human connection and cultural exchange. Traveling isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about immersing myself in the lives, traditions, and cuisines of the people who call those places home.

As a chef and writer, I’m deeply inspired by the stories behind food, migration, and community. Couchsurfing allows me to learn directly from locals, share my own experiences, and collaborate in meaningful ways—whether it’s through cooking, exchanging ideas, or simply having heartfelt conversations.

For me, it’s not just about finding a place to stay; it’s about building friendships, creating memorable experiences, and learning from the diverse perspectives of others.

Interests

• Culinary Arts: Exploring global cuisines, sustainable cooking, zero-waste practices, and the fusion of food and migration stories.
• Writing and Storytelling: Documenting your journey and sharing insights through your book, Kari Not Curry.
• Music: Enjoying folk and country music.
• Movies: Watching period dramas and coming-of-age films.
• Reading: Exploring diverse genres, including books on food history, sustainability, poetry, and classic literature like Gitanjali and The Story of My Experiments with Truth.
• Cultural Exchange: Learning about local traditions, cuisines, and lifestyles through travel and human connection.
• Sustainability: Embracing zero-waste principles and promoting sustainable practices in your culinary and daily life

• folk music
• storytelling
• sustainability
• zero waste
• migration
• writing poetry
• culinary art
• food history

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Folk and country.
Movies: Period dramas and coming-of-age stories.
Books: Memsaheb’s Lounge (my first book), Sitopia by Carolyn Steel, Empires of Food by Evan D.G. Fraser and Andrew Rimas, Curry by Lizzie Collingham, The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi, Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore, and any poetry. I also love the smell of books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Knowing thyself

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: cooking
Learn: cuisine
Share: food

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my passion for cooking by preparing unique, migration-inspired dishes and exploring local ingredients with you. I’d love to exchange stories about food, culture, and travel, and even cook a memorable meal together. Additionally, I can offer insights from my culinary journey and my upcoming book, Kari Not Curry. Let’s create something special together!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bangladesh, Belgium, England, France, Germany, India, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Maldives, Pakistan, Scotland, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bangladesh, United Kingdom