By Kratika Agarwal
India is the land of spices that has successfully caught global attention through its spice trailblazers. From delicate fusions of East/west to the reinvention of traditional recipes, these masters of flavours can leave an indelible mark on the hearts of international food lovers. Bringing their expertise to the global table, earning accolades, and transforming the International food scene to perfection.
From the renowned culinary virtuoso celebrity chef Vikas Khanna to the culinary maestro Ranbeer Brar, let PEAKLIFE help you imagine dining in a grand setting, with the soft notes of a live orchestra playing in the background, as you indulge in exquisite dishes that bring the rich flavours of India to your plate.
1. Vikas Khanna
Chef Vikas Khanna is a globally celebrated chef known for his culinary brilliance, Michelin-starred restaurants, humanitarian efforts, and popular television appearances. Ranked among the top ten global chefs, he has made India proud from the stage of New York City. Vikas was behind the popular Junoon Restaurant in Manhattan, which had a waitlist of over three months. He also launched Ellora in 2020 and Kinara in 2019 in Dubai. Vikas Khanna also launched a New York restaurant, Bungalow, dedicated to his late sister Radhika, who passed away in 2022.
2. Garima Arora
Garima Arora, the first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star, brings a fresh perspective to traditional Indian cuisine with her innovative approach at Restaurant Gaa in Bangkok. Garima’s culinary journey began with her training at Le Cordon bleu in Paris and subsequent stints at Noma in Copenhagen, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of food culture and innovation. Known for her creativity and meticulous attention to detail, Garima Arora continues to inspire and elevate the perception of Indian cuisine on a global scale.
3. Atul Kochhar
Atul Kochhar, a pioneer in Indian fine dining, has earned multiple Michelin stars for his inventive fusion of Indian flavours with global ingredients. He owns seven British restaurants and has authored many cookbooks to spread his love of food. His arrival on the UK culinary scene was marked by his association with Tamarind of Mayfair, where he became the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star in 2001. In 2003, he opened his own restaurant, Benares, in London’s Mayfair, earning his second Michelin star in 2007.
4. Ranveer Brar
Ranveer Brar, a celebrated Indian chef, gained international fame through his innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine. His excellence in culinary arts at a young age led to international opportunities, where he showcased his culinary prowess on global platforms. His culinary ventures and charismatic attitude captivated international audiences, notably in the United States, where he opened the acclaimed restaurant “Banq” in Boston. Last year, he expanded his international ventures by opening Kashkan in Dubai Festival City Mall, offering a menu that spans the diverse flavours of India.
5. Vineet Bhatia
Vineet Bhatia, a trailblazer in modern Indian cuisine, has made a significant impact globally with his Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative dishes that push culinary boundaries. His pioneering spirit has led to the establishment of acclaimed restaurants around the world, including Rasoi in London and Geneva and Vineet Bhatia in London, each earning critical acclaim and Michelin stars. He has been honoured with numerous awards for his contributions to the culinary world, including being featured on the prestigious “World’s Best 50 Restaurants” list.
6. Srijith Gopinath
Srijith Gopinath, known for his meticulous attention to detail, leads the kitchen at Taj Campton Place in San Francisco, blending traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine. His career began in local Chennai restaurants, leading to a significant stint at the two-starred Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons in Oxfordshire, a pivotal experience in his journey. After successfully running the Taj kitchen, he launched his own restaurant, Ettan, in downtown Palo Alto, which quickly became a hit and is now one of the highest-rated in the area. Srijith plans to open another restaurant soon.
7. Sanjeev Kapoor
Sanjeev Kapoor, the first chef in the world to launch his own channel, FoodFood, in 2011, is renowned for popularising Indian cuisine both at home and abroad. He gained widespread fame through his long-running television show “Khana Khazana,” inspiring millions of home cooks. At the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, in 1998, he opened his first restaurant, Khazana, in Dubai, which was an immediate success. Since then, he has opened a string of acclaimed restaurants worldwide, including the popular “Yellow Chilli” chain. A prolific author, Sanjeev has penned numerous cookbooks and earned various national and international accolades for his contributions to Indian cuisine.
8. Sriram Aylur
From his father’s kitchen to being the creative force behind London’s Quilon, Sriram Aylur showcases the flavours of South India with finesse and has garnered critical acclaim for his culinary artistry. His restaurant, known for its refined take on traditional dishes, has become a beacon of excellence in the global culinary scene. His work at Quilon has set a high standard for Indian fine dining, and his contributions have been recognised through various awards and honours. His ability to blend traditional Indian cooking techniques with contemporary presentation has won him accolades from food critics and diners worldwide.
9. Gagan Anand
Chef Gaggan Anand is a trailblazing culinary artist who has redefined Indian cuisine on the global stage. Born in Kolkata, Anand’s passion for cooking led him to train at the Oberoi Hotel and later at the renowned El Bulli under Ferran Adrià. In 2010, he opened Gaggan in Bangkok, where his avant-garde approach and dishes like the “Yoghurt Explosion” gained international acclaim. The restaurant topped Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for four consecutive years and ranked 4th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019. Anand’s innovative style and dedication to excellence earned him two Michelin stars, and he continues to influence the culinary world through his sustainable cooking practices and mentorship of aspiring chefs.
