Kukri to cookery: Soldiers return to their Nepalese roots with a Gurkha curry
In a dimly lit garden patio, two cast-iron woks sit above a pair of barrels with off-cut wood pieces burning fiercely inside.
Turning cubes of meat, sweat gathers across Sergeant Roshan Gurung's forehead as smoke stings his eyes. His ancestors cooked Gurkha curry in a similar way, hundreds of years ago in the villages and jungles of Nepal.
Now, serving in the British Army stationed at RAF Akrotiri, he and other Nepalese personnel are keeping their culture alive wherever they're posted.
From cooking on the spot to cooking pot
"This derives from back in the day when people used to go hunting and start cooking on the spot," said Sgt Gurung, who serves in the Royal Logistic Corps.
"It's wonderful to have. Everyone loves it."
Switching between speaking Nepalese and English, Sgt Gurung leads the group in preparing tonight's meal, a traditional, slow-cooked Gurkha curry serving pork and goat.
Slicing red onions, ginger and tomatoes, Sgt Om Thapa from the Joint Logistic Squadron's ammo troop cuts the vegetables into thick wedges.
"Gurkha curry is very good, very tasty," he enthused. In small dishes, paprika and turmeric are piled alongside other spices.
The house is full of Nepalese families with children running between parents who are sharing food and stories.
Hosting the party is Lance Corporal Binod Thakali, who darts between groups in different parts of his home, offering drinks and snacks while the curries cook for up to two hours.
"Normally we do this kind of messing together to celebrate happiness and good news," he explained.
Bringing people together
Celebrating each other's successes and milestones, like promotions or a new baby, is core to life overseas for Nepalese personnel.
Here they're saying goodbye to a friend who is returning to the UK for a new job.
Each of the men followed a different route into the British Army. Some joined the Brigade of Gurkhas in Nepal, passing the tough selection process.
Meanwhile, others who were born in Hong Kong to Gurkha fathers became British citizens and joined other regiments across the Army.
"We are far away from our loved ones," said Sgt Gurung. "Now and again, we get together and have a replica of what we do in Nepal. It is so special to us."
Around 60 Nepalese families are serving with British Forces Cyprus, including a third at RAF Akrotiri.
"Coming from Nepal to the UK was already a big jump and transition," said Shabanam Ranjit, whose husband is a Gurkha. "The gathering helps us to feel not so lonely.
"The Gurkhas do so much for RAF Akrotiri, and they're a big part of our family and station here," said Group Captain Adam Smolak, Station Commander RAF Akrotiri. "It's a real honour to be a part of."
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