Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Culinary Lens Fellowship Program is inviting applications from master’s students and emerging researchers to explore informal street food economies in Delhi and Kozhikode. The fellowship uses street food markets as a lens to examine migration, identity formation, livelihoods, urbanization, and food security in rapidly changing urban environments.
Through field-based research, fellows will document how migration shapes food cultures, how informal food businesses support urban communities, and how street vending reflects broader social, economic, and spatial dynamics.
About the Fellowship
- The fellowship focuses on informal food economies and street food markets.
- Research will be conducted in Delhi and Kozhikode.
- The programme explores the relationship between food, migration, identity, and urban development.
- Fellows will conduct field-based qualitative research.
- The study combines sociological analysis with documentation of food spaces and vendor experiences.
- Research findings will contribute to understanding urban food systems and informal livelihoods.
- The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary approaches connecting sociology, anthropology, migration studies, and urban planning.
Fellowship Objectives
- Examine how migration influences street food diversity.
- Understand the role of informal food markets in urban food security.
- Explore identity formation through food and vending practices.
- Analyze livelihood strategies of migrant populations.
- Document socio-spatial segmentation within urban markets.
- Study how regulations affect informal food economies.
- Investigate links between food systems, urbanization, and cultural change.
- Generate field-based evidence to support urban and social research.
Research Focus Areas
- Informal street food businesses.
- Street food markets in Delhi and Kozhikode.
- Migration and urban food cultures.
- Identity and cultural transformation.
- Livelihoods of migrant communities.
- Food security and accessibility.
- Urban market segregation and spatial dynamics.
- Street vending practices.
- Historical trade and market development.
- Urban planning and regulatory environments.
Research Methodology
Selected fellows will use qualitative research approaches, including:
- In-depth interviews.
- Ethnographic observation.
- Field-based documentation.
- Audio recording and documentation.
- Video documentation.
- Market and vendor case studies.
- Thematic and spatial sampling techniques.
Research is expected to connect field findings with broader theories of:
- Urbanization.
- Migration.
- Cultural identity.
- Informal economies.
- Social change.
- Urban sociology.
Fellowship Grant
- Total fellowship grant: INR 300,000.
- Applicable taxes may apply.
- Funding will be released in stages based on project milestones.
Disbursement stages include:
- Contract signing.
- Completion of primary surveys and fieldwork.
- Submission of draft outputs and participation in reviews.
- Final submission and project completion.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Master’s students in Sociology.
- Master’s students in Anthropology.
- Students in Social Science disciplines.
- Students in Urban Planning.
- Researchers pursuing related interdisciplinary fields.
Applicants should have a strong academic interest in:
- Food studies.
- Migration studies.
- Urban planning.
- Urban sociology.
- Cultural studies.
- Informal economies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong competence in qualitative research methods.
- Experience conducting in-depth interviews.
- Familiarity with sociological and social science theories.
- Interest in migration and food systems research.
- Ability to work independently.
- Relevant field research experience.
- Audio and video documentation skills.
- Willingness to travel or stay in Delhi or Kozhikode for fieldwork at their own expense.
Expected Outcomes
The fellowship aims to produce:
- Detailed field-based research findings.
- Documentation of street food economies.
- Insights into migration and urban food cultures.
- Analysis of informal livelihood systems.
- Audio-visual records of food markets and vendors.
- Evidence-based contributions to urban studies and policy discussions.
- Enhanced understanding of food security and informal economies.
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Street food markets are important sources of affordable food in cities.
- Informal food businesses support livelihoods for thousands of workers.
- Migration significantly shapes urban food cultures and market diversity.
- Food spaces provide valuable insights into identity, belonging, and social change.
- Understanding informal economies can inform more inclusive urban planning policies.
- Research on food security is increasingly important in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Application Tips
- Highlight previous field research experience.
- Demonstrate strong qualitative research skills.
- Showcase interest in migration, food studies, or urban issues.
- Include examples of ethnographic or interview-based research.
- Mention experience with audio or video documentation.
- Explain how your academic background aligns with the fellowship theme.
- Demonstrate your ability to conduct independent fieldwork.
- Show familiarity with sociological or anthropological research approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Culinary Lens Fellowship Program?
- It is a research fellowship that examines informal street food economies in Delhi and Kozhikode to better understand migration, identity, livelihoods, and urban food security.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
- The fellowship provides a grant of INR 300,000, subject to applicable taxes.
Where will the research be conducted?
- Fieldwork will take place in selected street food markets and food spaces in Delhi and Kozhikode.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Master’s students in sociology, anthropology, urban planning, and other relevant social science disciplines are eligible.
What research methods are expected?
- Fellows will use qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, ethnographic observation, and audio-visual documentation.
Are audio and video documentation skills required?
- Yes. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in audio and video documentation techniques.
Does the fellowship cover travel and accommodation expenses?
- No. Fellows are expected to travel or reside in Delhi or Kozhikode at their own expense during fieldwork.
Conclusion
The Culinary Lens Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for emerging researchers to explore the intersection of food, migration, identity, and urban development through the study of informal street food economies. With funding of INR 300,000, the fellowship supports in-depth field research that contributes to understanding urban food systems, migrant livelihoods, and the evolving cultural landscapes of Delhi and Kozhikode.
For more information, visit Vrihi Foundation.