We all know that watching a movie is one of the best ways to escape reality for a while. You sit back, relax, and let the story pull you in. For a couple of hours, you forget about everything else. And let’s be honest – popcorn is always a part of the deal. But what if I told you that I recently watched Ratatouille and didn’t just snack on popcorn? I actually got to eat the food that the characters were eating at the exact same time as they did in the movie?
Sounds too good to be true, right? But this was exactly what happened at a very special event in Delhi called Gourmet Cinema. Hosted by The Piano Man in collaboration with Sunset Cinema Club, it’s one of the most unique movie experiences I’ve ever had. Instead of just watching the movie on screen, we got to taste it. Literally.
A Movie You Can Taste
The concept is simple but genius: watch a cult film and eat food that matches what’s happening in the movie. I watched and lived Ratatouille, the beloved Pixar film about Remy, the little rat who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. It’s a film that’s all about food, creativity, and chasing your passion. So, of course, it was the perfect choice for this one-of-a-kind dining experience.
As the lights dimmed and the film started, we were served our first snack: truffle popcorn. It was a fancy upgrade from regular cinema popcorn, and honestly, it smelled amazing. As I munched on it, I watched Remy form an unexpected friendship with Alfredo Linguini, the awkward garbage boy at Gusteau’s restaurant. Right from the start, the food and film were in perfect sync.
Cheese + Strawberry = Wow
Then came one of my favourite scenes in the movie, when Remy tries to teach his brother how to appreciate the combination of flavours by giving him a strawberry and a piece of cheese. At the exact same moment, a small plate appeared before me with the same ingredients. I followed Remy’s instructions exactly: first a bite of strawberry, then a bite of cheese, and then both together. It was such a fun moment because it felt like Remy was teaching me, not just his friend. And the flavour combo was surprisingly delicious, just as Remy promised!
Soup That Warms the Soul
The real goosebumps moment came with the soup scene. Linguini is trying to remake the soup that Remy had secretly improved, and chaos follows. Meanwhile, we were served potato and leek soup—and let me just say, it was the most comforting, creamy, and delicious soup I’ve ever had. I took a spoonful while watching Remy guide Linguini from beneath his chef’s hat, and for a few blissful minutes, I was inside Gusteau’s kitchen.
Later in the film, the team tries to recreate an old, not-so-popular recipe from Chef Gusteau. It doesn’t sound like much at first, but of course, Remy works his magic and turns it into something amazing. At that moment, we were served Sweet Bread à la Gusteau, a warm, flaky pastry dish filled with cheese and topped with a spicy sauce. The first bite was all it took and I was hooked. It was rich, flavourful, and perfectly baked.
The Moment We Were All Waiting For: Ratatouille
And then came the scene when the grumpy food critic, Anton Ego, takes his first bite of ratatouille and is instantly transported back to his childhood. It’s the most powerful moment in the film. And guess what? At that exact time, we were served a beautiful plate of ratatouille too. The vegetables were soft and flavourful, and with every bite, I could feel exactly what Ego felt in that scene—comfort, warmth, and a wave of happy memories. It was truly magical. I could truly taste how this dish melted the icy exterior of Anton Ego.
The Sweetest Ending
Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get better, dessert arrived. And wow, it was the perfect ending. We got to enjoy a molten chocolate cake, rich and gooey, paired with coffee jelly and strawberry sorbet. The flavours balanced each other beautifully. It was sweet, slightly bitter, cold, warm—everything you’d want in a dessert. It wrapped up the evening on a delicious high note.
By the end of the movie, I felt completely satisfied. Not just entertained. Not just full. But happy. This wasn’t just a Sunday afternoon well spent; it was a beautiful celebration of storytelling through all the senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and even memory.
Whether you’re going with a special someone or enjoying your own company, Gourmet Cinema is a must-try. It’s immersive, imaginative, and completely unforgettable. Watching a brilliant movie while tasting every dish in real time? It doesn’t get more magical than that. If you’re in Delhi and looking for a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll, trust me—this is it.
Cover Image Courtesy: Mallika Khurana