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

Restaurants feeling the pinch as people curb their appetite for eating out: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Last year, consumers made up for lost pandemic time and went back to their favourite restaurants and ordered everything: pre-dinner drinks, starters, mains, desserts and maybe even an extra bottle of wine. This year, high inflation, personal debt and economic worries curbed the appetite for restaurants.

Don't throw out those leftovers - make a new meal instead: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Supper may be over, but you've got leftovers or a doggie bag to take home. If you’re bored of last night's dinner, CBC KW's Jasmine Mangalaseril has some tips that might help you love your leftovers.

Explore local with the Waterloo Region Food Directory: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Waterloo region’s food landscape is more than farm stands and restaurants. There's a vast array of food producers, food makers and organizations that make up the food scene. And now, a new directory aims to make them easier to find. CBC KW's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril explored the directory.

Tasty twists on the classic breakfast sandwich: Jasmine Mangalaseril

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you’re on the go, local cafés have hearty breakfast sandwiches that will help start off your day with something that's quick, but also tasty and creative, food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril writes.

Turn up the heat with these spicy soups from local restaurants: Jasmine Mangalaseril

With the leaves turning colour and the temperatures beginning to cool, soup season is almost here. Warm bowls will soon be back on the table, and for those who want some spicy heat to ward off the cold, some local restaurants have options that will put some fire in our bellies.

Finding new and a-peel-ing ways to use apples: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Apple season is well underway and CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril looks at two very specific uses for the fall fruit: apple butter and hard cider.

Serve an inclusive Thanksgiving dinner with these vegan dishes: Jasmine Mangalaseril

CBC K-W food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril says it's not hard to make sure everyone at the Thanksgiving dinner table has something delicious to eat. She spoke to two local chefs who offered suggestions for delicious vegan side dishes.

Exploring rich flavours of El Salvador in Waterloo region: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Latin America stretches from Mexico to the Caribbean and all through South America. Each of the 22 countries’ food culture reflect their individual combinations, climates and terrains. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril explores El Salvador, a small country rich in foods and flavours.

Walking tours a tasty way to learn about food, community: Jasmine Mangalaseril

When was the last time you tried a new restaurant or café? Walking tours are helping people find or rediscover independent bakeries, restaurants, and shops in Waterloo region, Guelph and Stratford. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril took to the trails to discover new food spots.

Celebrate Tuesday's full moon with Chinese mooncakes: Jasmine Mangalaseril

Tuesday is the Mid-Autumn Festival, the harvest festival in China and in several other Asian countries. And while every family and community has their own dinner traditions, mooncakes are a key part to the celebrations.