What brings you to Dubai?
I was here to mentor two very talented girls — MasterChef India Season 5 winner Kirti Bhoutika and runner-up Ashima Arora for the Battle of Chefs competition which was held at my restaurant Rang Mahal in JW Marriott Marquis recently.
What is that one thing everyone must try at Rang Mahal?
Grills. I can confidently say that no one in Dubai does them like us. For vegetarians, I would recommend rajma chawal (red kidney beans with rice).
Of late many restaurants have forayed into molecular gastronomy, but you have stayed away from it. Any reason?
Frankly speaking, molecular gastronomy is a passing fad. It may be a rage in Dubai now but in the West it started trending decades ago and isn’t popular any more.
I am not against molecular gastronomy, but I think Indian food has enough drama and can do without these frills. I would rather focus on authentic tastes and flavours.
How long do you reckon it will take for a Dubai restaurant to figure in ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list or get a Michelin star?
Dubai restaurants haven’t yet figured on the list of The World’s Best Restaurants because in most cases their head chefs are based outside the country.
For example, if Gordon (Ramsay) lived in Dubai and manned the Bread Street Kitchen here it would have made a huge difference. Regarding a Michelin Star I think Dubai is certainly ready for one.
Where do you dine when you are in Dubai?
Calicut Paragon as I love South Indian cuisine. But I want to try Jason’s [Atherton] Marina Social. It’s been on my list for a while.
Which Indian city has played the most important role in honing your culinary skills?
Hyderabad, because that’s where north meets south. In Hyderabad you have everything, sometimes you have a dish that has used North Indian flavours but is actually a South Indian dish.
I haven’t spent a lot of time there, but I think the food I’ve eaten there is one of the best.
What is that one dish/preparation you’re really proud of, and is not served at any of your seven restaurants around the world?
Tandoori chicken pizza. I make it during Christmas for the family gathering that we host in London. I am really proud of it.
