Picture this: a freshly washed banana leaf on which is served an elaborate sadya, complete with avail, thoran, a heap of hot rice, payasam, and other Kerala delicacies. If you are visualising eating this meal at a restaurant, think again. It is in fact a miniature sadya, crafted in clay, and mounted on a fridge as a magnet. Miniature food art has been around for a while, but these four artists continue to take the art a step ahead by crafting everything from dollhouses to chef pins featuring favourite treats.
Shilpa Mitha @ Sueno Souvenir
Chennai-based Shilpa Mitha is known for her elaborate and endearing miniature food creations including a plate of idli, masala dosa, biriyani and croissants. This year, the artist has collaborated with chef Avin Thaliath, co-founder and director of the Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, to create a range of chef coat buttons. It is a collaboration “between someone who calls herself a fake chef and a real chef” laughs Shilpa, speaking of this new range featuring pain au chocolat, tarts, pizza, sourdough, and more.
