(June 29, 2023) Over the past two decades, a league of visionary young chefs from the vibrant Indian diaspora has masterfully tapped into the latent potential of regional Indian fare. In a remarkable study conducted by German food ordering connoisseurs, Lieferando, the irresistible allure of Indian cuisine has surged to astonishing heights, cementing its position as the second most sought-after culinary indulgence on social media.
Armed with an unwavering passion for their heritage, these chefs have elevated traditional recipes to dazzling new heights, infusing every dish with a mindful blend of consciousness, innovation, and boundless creativity. In fact, several Indian-American chefs and restaurateurs, dazzling beacons of culinary brilliance, ascended the grand stage of The James Beard Foundation Award 2022. Renowned as the Oscars of the food realm, this prestigious annual ceremony has long been enchanted by the artistry of Indian chefs. Now, these trailblazers are preparing to etch their names into the annals of gastronomic excellence.
Global Indian showcases a few exceptional chefs, who are poised to rewrite the narrative surrounding Indian cuisine on the global stage. Their unrivalled talent and sheer audacity have dismantled the shackles of convention, unravelling the perception of Indian food as mere spice-laden fare.
Chef Rohit Ghai
Born amidst the flavours that whispered in his mother’s kitchen in Gwalior, a young Rohit Ghai discovered his passion for the culinary arts. Guided by an insatiable love for food, he embarked on a gastronomic pilgrimage, immersing himself in the vibrant world of Indian cuisine. His journey led him to Institute of Hotel Management in New Delhi, where he honed his skills, breathing life into the very essence of Indian culinary finesse. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a culinary voyage that saw him gracing the kitchens of renowned hotel groups such as the legendary Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and the iconic Taj Hotels and Resorts.
Chef Rohit Ghai
Today, Chef Ghai stands tall as a beacon of culinary brilliance, reigning over his own gastronomic realm at the acclaimed Kutir in London. His culinary prowess has been awarded the prestigious Michelin Star, an accolade that solidifies his status as one of the United Kingdom’s most accomplished and imaginative Indian chefs. In a dazzling display of culinary innovation, Chef Ghai unveiled Koolcha, a street food concept that beckons guests to indulge in authentic Indian favourites such as the tantalising kulchas and the iconic Chowpati vada pav. Yet, he also infuses the menu with ingenious creations like the irresistible chicken popcorn masala, elevating street food to unparalleled heights.
A glimpse of Chef Ghai’s table
To further enrich the culinary world, Chef Ghai recently unveiled his debut cookbook, a treasure trove of innovative vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes that transcend boundaries and touch the soul. Titled Tarkari: Innovative Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Dishes with Heart and Soul, this literary masterpiece encapsulates his passion, his artistry, and his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Chef Manoj Sharma
In the heart of Paris, where culinary dreams intertwine, this maverick chef from Delhi unveils his revolutionary creation – Jugaad. This avant-garde establishment marries the charm of a Parisian bistro with the vibrant allure of Indian kitsch. With a bold vision in mind, this culinary maestro sought to redefine the Indian dining experience, urging guests to relinquish their preconceptions and embark on a tantalising journey of the senses.
Chef Manoj Sharma
At Jugaad, the kitchen becomes an arena of culinary alchemy, unlike any other – with its menu, an exquisite tableau of innovation and tradition, showcases the chef’s ingenuity. “I try to use my childhood memories with food and twist them with local produce and tectonics. I use local favourite dishes for inspiration and try to connect them with Indian flavours. Hence even one dish can consist of different regions of India,” the chef had said during a press interaction. Interestingly, about 75 percent of his customers are local French.
Chef Srijith Gopinathan
From the hallowed halls of the illustrious Taj Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco, where he reigned as executive chef for over a decade, to the dawning of a gastronomic kingdom entirely his own, Chef Srijith Gopinathan has orchestrated a symphony of flavours at his opulent California establishment, Ettan. A true luminary of the culinary realm, Chef Sri stands tall as one of the most revered Indian chefs in the United States today, a culinary virtuoso whose voyage began amidst the fragrant embrace of his grandmother’s kitchen in a humble town nestled within Kerala’s verdant embrace.
Chef Srijith Gopinathan
Championing the revolutionary Cal-Indian culinary genre, Chef Sri has commanded the prestigious Taj Campton Place kitchen since 2008, weaving culinary enchantment that has consistently earned him the covetable distinction of two Michelin stars. Embarking upon his culinary education at the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, his fervent passion led him to further refine his artistry through captivating “stages” at the legendary Michelin two-star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in the heart of England. There, amidst the clinks of copper pans and whispered secrets of classical European techniques, he honed his repertoire to perfection.
Sea bass collar spice roasted with coconut, turmeric, tamarind and curry leaves
A maestro of flavours, Chef Sri’s culinary artistry transcends borders, effortlessly melding the rich tapestry of Eastern and Western influences into a harmonious and captivating gastronomic symphony.
Chef Hari Nayak
In the enchanting realm of the epicurean, one name shines bright, encompassing the roles of chef, restaurateur, author, and culinary consultant. Let us immerse ourselves in the extraordinary journey of Hari Nayak, a luminary who wears many hats and leaves an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.
Chef Hari Nayak
Embarking upon his odyssey at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Hari Nayak emerged as one of the most coveted Indian chefs of our time. His magical touch has graced the finest establishments in India, and his culinary artistry has mesmerised the discerning palates of the New York metro area. Beyond the realm of the kitchen, Chef Hari’s influence extends far and wide, his astute expertise as a restaurateur shaping the triumph and prosperity of acclaimed establishments across the globe. From the irresistible Sona in New York to the tantalising Charcoza in Riyadh, from the mystical Alchemy in Bangalore to the vibrant Jhol in Bangkok, his visionary guidance leaves no corner of the world untouched by his culinary brilliance.
Beyond the world of sizzling pans and aromatic spices, Chef Hari weaves tales through his renowned cookbooks. A revered author, his literary creations showcase the elegant simplicity and eclectic allure of his dishes.
Chef Prashant Chipkar
Emerging from the sun-kissed shores of Goa, Chef Prashant Chipkar embarks on a gastronomic odyssey that captivates palates across the globe. With a degree in Hotel Management from Mumbai as his foundation, he takes his first steps into the culinary realm under the prestigious Taj Group of Hotels. Today, as the esteemed executive chef of the renowned Masti restaurant in Dubai, he unveils a culinary symphony that transcends borders, elevating Indian cuisine to astonishing heights.
Chef Prashant Chipkar
His culinary masterpieces have won the hearts of Indian cuisine aficionados, who flock to indulge in the allure of his signature creations. Delight in the smoky elegance of the salmon khakhra, revel in the harmonious union of saag paneer lasagna, and surrender to the tantalizing marriage of khandvi prawns moilee. These culinary gems showcase his visionary approach, an innovative fusion of tradition and contemporary finesse.
“We began by thinly slicing paneer and layering it with sautéed spiced spinach,” he said about the saag paneer lasagna, in an interview, adding, “To add a new dimension of flavour, we served it on a base of coconut and lemongrass makhana sauce. This dish is served with mashed potatoes coated in raw mango powder to add another element of texture.”