Madurai and Lucknow

Rick Stein discovers a five star hotel in Madurai employing local housewives for genuine home-cooked dishes and enjoys Chettinad Chicken, a dish inspired by spices brought back from both the east and the west by the local travelling merchants. He also meets India's first Masterchef winner in Lucknow to observe the making of Dum Machli, a sophisticated fish dish served at royal tables. Given the abundance of local produce and streetside markets, Rick is inspired to cook Thoran, a vibrant Keralan vegetable dish. Finally reaching the end of his journey around India, Rick hosts a small gathering of friends at his cooking bungalow to reveal the outcome of his search for the perfect curry.