Priyanka Chopra on parathas and white butter, Bourbon biscuits and her wonder diet: The Foodie Interview

(Also read: Shah Rukh Khan’s favourite food, and more such foodie nuggets: The FOODie Interview)

Your co-stars and directors have always talked about how much you can actually eat. Hrithik Roshan once said you eat like a horse…
Yes, he is right, I can eat a lot. I also read somewhere that Anurag (Basu) had made a statement that I can eat several paranthas at one go. Actually, paratha slathered with white butter is one of my favourite dishes, except that I am now trying to ensure that I eat healthy.

(Also read: Katrina Kaif’s healthy macrobiotic diet plan, and her love of kheer and paya: The FOODie interview)

So, is there a diet plan that you follow?
Nothing in particular. But I stick to eating light, non-greasy meals. I have a very high metabolism rate so I am not too worried about putting on weight. My daily diet, in India, includes chapati, rice, some lentils, salad, and lots of fruits. In the States, too, I try and stick to that diet, but add some healthy proteins, such as chicken or fish. Breakfast is usually egg whites or oatmeal. I have added nuts to my diet. In Mumbai, I drink a lot of coconut water. I sometimes snack on a turkey sandwich or a sprout salad. Dinner is largely grilled chicken or a soup, or something light.

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What are your indulgences?
Desserts! Give me anything: red velvet Cake, hot chocolate fudge, jalebis, cakes… If I am want to indulge, or if I’m feeling stressed, especially before a red carpet appearance, I need to have a burger from In-N-Out (an American fast food chain). I like to balance my meals out, and I don’t believe that starving myself, or denying myself food I love, really helps.

(Also read: Salman Khan on Rajma Chawal, his favourite restaurant and the one thing he totally avoids: The FOODie Interview)

What are your favourite cuisines?
Indian and Italian. I am very fond of risotto. I eat quite a bit of junk when I am indulging myself. Burgers and French fries are a great combination. I also enjoy Chicken and Mutton Biryani. Actually, serve me any biryani, and I am happy. But if I want to keep it simple, then it is fish curry or curd-rice.

Any food memories that you may want to share?
I remember the Sarson ka saag and Makki di roti, quintessential Punjabi food, that Mom cooked for us. Also, as a kid, I loved Bourbon biscuits. Mom would bribe me with Bourbon biscuits when she wanted me to drink my milk.

(Also read: Ranveer Singh on his nani’s besan laddoos, mutton curry and eating right: The FOODie Interview)

And your favourite beverages?
Coconut water (great for the skin), red wine and peach iced tea.

Which are the restaurants you frequent?
In Mumbai, it is Olive. New York has several restaurants, which serve very good Italian food. I like dining out with my friends, and bonding with them over great food.