The World Made Local with Condé Nast Traveller's Global Editorial Director Divia Thani

In this week’s episode, Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, speaks with Melissa about how she found herself in what many would call their dream job. From growing up in former Bombay with a single, working mother during a time when such a thing was very uncommon, to attending university in the States, spending time in New York and returning to India only to fall deeply in love with her home-country again, Divia’s journey has been a winding one. Listen in not only to hear her story, but also to understand her vision for CNT and how - through the highly regarded publication - she strives to elevate local voices, perspectives and stories. Plus, don’t miss her recommendations for Mumbai and Goa, the latter of which she thinks is one of the most exciting cities for food right now. At the end of the episode, Melissa highlights summer in the Mediterranean, including some of Indagare’s top restaurant and shopping recommendations as well as favorite new hotel openings across the region.

Lightning Round with Divia Thani:

• Favorite travel writer? Pico Iyer. Only he can write a travel book about the beauty of going nowhere.
• A book you think everyone should read? Read a book by a writer from the country you're travelling to next! If you're coming to India, read Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie or A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.
• Underrated travel destination you think everyone should visit? Bucharest.
• Favorite restaurants in Goa? Before the wave of amazing restaurants in Goa came about--Bomra's, Edible Archives, Black Sheep Bistro, Jamun--there was the for-locals only, no-frills, family-run Vinayak's, where you still get the most authentic and delicious fish thali. Kingfish coated in semolina and fried, crab masala, crispy, golden prawns, curry and rice, vegetables cooked with dry coconut... everything tastes like it would in your fantasy Goa holiday home.
• Favorite restaurants in Mumbai? O Pedro, Trishna, Masque, The Bombay Canteen, Tanjore Tiffin, Peshawar.
• A must-try Indian dish? Biryani! Depending on where you are in the country, it'll taste different but this one-pot fragrant, delicate dish--meat, rice and spices--slow cooked for many hours is irresistible.
• Favorite place for lunch in London? Din Tai Fung! The legendary Taiwanese soup dumplings and bright greens are a perfect lunch when it's cold and grey outside (which it is very often in London!)