
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

Local hot sauce maker says kitchen 'became my domain' after vision loss: Jasmine Mangalaseril
With names like Magic Dragon, Northern Lights, and Devil’s Night, a local entrepreneur is putting a spin on familiar flavours and turning them into hot sauces. And he's doing it all without the sense of sight. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril explains how Jacob Wilkinson relies on his other senses to create recipes.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

Cinco de Mayo is more than just tacos and margaritas: Jasmine Mangalaseril
If tacos and burritos are what come to mind when you think of Mexican food, think again. The foods of Mexico are diverse and May 5, or Cinco de Mayo, is an excellent time to explore Mexican cuisine at local restaurants.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

Conestoga chef and hospitality students put to the test at provincial competition: Jasmine Mangalaseril
Every year, top trades students across the province get the chance to strut their stuff at the Skills Ontario Competition. This year, three students from Conestoga College will be taking part and putting their creativity to the test. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril spoke with the students and coaches.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

As interest in Ontario wines grows, these restaurants are taking notice: Jasmine Mangalaseril
Meg Alford, owner of Guelph’s Two Faces natural wine bar, said there’s an uptick in interest in Ontario-made wines and people are starting to ask more questions about what they're drinking.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

How to make the most of maple syrup season: Jasmine Mangalaseril
When sugar shacks get busy boiling maple sap into liquid gold, we know spring is around the corner.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

Get hooked on cooking fish at home with these tips and tricks: Jasmine Mangalaseril
Even though Canada is bordered by three oceans and has the highest number of lakes in the world, cooking fish can seem daunting to some. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril has some expert tips for you.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

5 years later: Food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril on how local food businesses survived pandemic lockdowns
Five years ago, the province issued a stay-at-home order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The word pivot was used a lot in the early days of the pandemic. For restaurants, it marked the start of rethinking what it would take to weather the storm and stay afloat.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

Grab a slice while celebrating Pi Day in Waterloo region: Jasmine Mangalaseril
It’s Pi Day. While some folks will try to recite as many digits of the mathematical constant as they can, for many it’s a day about flaky crusts and tasty fillings. CBC K-W's food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril took a slice out of some local pies in honour of the day.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

Celebrating the success stories of local women food producers: Jasmine Mangalaseril
More and more, female chefs are being recognized for their skills in hospitality. But one area that is still dominated by men is food production. We have several local female founders who are stocking grocery store shelves across the province and the country. CBC K-W's Jasmine Mangalaseril spoke with two about their journey.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |

How Black entrepreneurs are shaping the local food industry: Jasmine Mangalaseril
The theme for 2025’s Black History Month in Canada was: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” Here in Waterloo-Wellington, Black food makers, sellers, and growers do this while enriching our local food scene.
Canada -Kitchener-Waterloo |