Lets go Dutch! The Netherlands is a nation known to have a good framework for sustainability. Elsie Gabriel

Lets go Dutch!

Orange it is! The Dutch are painting the town Orange alright in Mumbai!! The Holland meets Mumbai festival 2015 is bringing in a lot of culture, dance and food. Truly a good exchange of ideas and  events. I was happy to witness and  kick start the Holland festival in Mumbai with Consul General of Netherlands, Geoffrey van Leeuwen at Foodhall, India’s premium lifestyle food superstore– enabling its patrons to experience the culinary flavours of Dutch.!

Dutch foods of the Netherlands may not be as well-known as French or Chinese cuisines but it is worth experiencing the delight at least once. The Dutch cuisine has gained popularity amongst food connoisseurs across the globe owing to its simple and straightforward flavours. This food festival will take you to the Orange land with some of its most enjoyable savouries such as StroopWaffles - a waffle made from thin layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling and world famous cheeses such as Edam and Gouda.

The ever popular Stroopwaffles, delectable Dutch apple tart, bread and butter pudding and Dutch pancakes with blueberries were some of the delicasies laid out .The Dutch pea soup that serves as a substantial and healthy meal in this cuisine was added.Cross Maidan Garden from 5th-7th June and experience what the Netherlands has to offer you! One of the attractions is a live clog demo conducted by  Dijkman Klompen-atelier.

 

The mouth watering Stamppot which is a delicacy made out of mashed potatoes, chopped kale and carrots were sighted as the consul genrals favourite.You can indulge in some exotic Heksenkaas (a flavoured cream cheese or sandwich spread) with Rye bread toasties and White Asparagus with Hollandaise saucealong with mashed potatoes at the demo counter and of course say  Cheese with varieties such as Edam and Gouda.

The Holland Village at the Cross Maidan Mumbai  brought Holland to Mumbai, also hosted  a performance of Kleintje Pils , a very popular Dutch group!  You simply have to check out their footwear. Visit Holland in Mumbai and travel to the land of tulips, windmills and Dutch food.

The street art tucked away in a small bilane in Dharavir Mumbai was striking, so orange to say the least,wish the art works adorned more accessable streets, frequented by the appreciative public and art entusiasts.

Standing below the treet art in Dharavir Mumbai.

The country boasts of  pro-active environment friendly industry-led advocacy groups. Public civic awareness is also high, with sustainability issues integrated into the college and school curriculum. The Netherlands is a nation known to have a good framework for sustainability. The country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy sources is very high and consistent. A conscious and active civil society, coupled with consistent business-friendly government departments help the Dutch keep sustainable actions on top priority.

I have visited Holland and know first hand, living in the most eco friendly hotels, large tulip gardens and parks, miles of green cover,windmills and water management are just some of the areas which a common tourist is witness to, but Netherland has a powerful commitment to check pollution in every aspect of life, which are also unseen by the travel and tourism industry, like legislation and green policies.

Lets go Dutch,for a change right here in Mumbai.