The Syrian Christian community’s cuisine in India is heavily influenced by local produce and techniques. The community is composed of local Brahmins who were converted to Christianity, and a few hundred Syrian Christians who had travelled there, with both communities merging through intermarriage. Christmas and Easter are prominent festivals celebrated by the community, with a spread of dishes that use spices, produce and techniques popular in Malabar cooking. One of the most popular festive dishes is a roast duck made with flavourful spices.