P ublic institutions, from hospitals to museums, are the most international communities, both in the workforce and in those who visit. It’s something that became obvious to us when we were cooking our globally inspired meals for frontline workers at Kings College Hospital, London, during the pandemic. The menu at Café Jikoni , our new restaurant at the V&A East museum , speaks to the depth and breadth of east London’s diverse community, with dishes that cross borders, celebrate pluralism and taste like home – wherever that may be. After all, the best hospitality is all about making your guests feel at home.

Spicy coconut dal

Ravinder Bhogal’s spicy coconut dal.

This dal wanders from India into Thailand; we make a curry paste from scratch at Café Jikoni, but using a good-quality one, such as Maeploy, is a smart shortcut.

Prep 10 min

Cook 35 min

Serves 4-6

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 quill cinnamon

4 green cardamom pods

1 star anise

3 tbsp red curry paste

400ml coconut milk

300g red lentils , washed and…