The Kolkata-born chef who won the title of Asia’s Best Restaurant five years in a row and earned two Michelin stars in Bangkok still has one fear left to conquer: Delhi. Yes, we are talking about Chef Gaggan Anand, who is set to open the doors of his new restaurant, Raga, on Janpath Road. For Gaggan, this is more than just another restaurant launch. It is a full-circle moment that comes 25 years after a young chef, frustrated by his experience in Delhi, considered giving up cooking altogether.
In a 2023 interview with NDTV’s Gargi Rawat, Gaggan had said, “Your fear is your biggest challenge to overcome.”
At the time, the chef had come to Delhi for a 20-day residency as an experiment to test the waters and take the first step towards overcoming his fear of failure in the national capital.
How Did The Fear Begin?
Recalling the incident, Gaggan shared, “There was this round chakkar in front of the hotel I can’t name, and I went up and down five times in 2001. Then I took my bike and went home, thinking I would quit cooking.”
He added, “I was so frustrated with this industry, the hours and everything else. I don’t want to criticise, but there was that stigma in my head.”
Reflecting on the turning point in his life, he said, “Probably the best thing I did was take those five rounds and go back home to reinvent my life at the age of 22. That round chakkar moment sent me back home, and now I am coming back after 22 years, doing a residency and not a pop-up.”
Explaining why the residency mattered to him, Gaggan said, “A pop-up is not a marathon; it’s a sprint. A residency means I am here with my team, and I wanted to overcome my fear that I would not do well in Delhi.”
About Raga
According to reports, Raga by Gaggan Anand, the chef’s first restaurant in India, is set to open on August 26 at 21A, Janpath Road, Connaught Place. The restaurant will offer a progressive Indian dining experience in an intimate 42-seat setting.
The restaurant’s name combines the names of Gaggan Anand and his long-time chef and business partner, Rydo Anton. It also draws inspiration from the concept of a raga in Indian classical music. As per reports, the restaurant is expected to offer two tasting menus, although details of the dishes have largely been kept under wraps.
The signature tasting experience is priced at Rs 11,111 per person, excluding beverages and wine pairings. The restaurant will operate as a dinner-only venue, with services beginning at 5:30 pm and the last seating scheduled for 9 pm.
Also Read:Chef Gaggan Anand To Open First Hotel Inside A 200-Year-Old Sake Brewery In Japan
Rules For The Tasting Experience At Raga
As cited in media reports, diners will be required to follow several guidelines, including:
- Phone and camera usage will not be permitted during most of the meal.
- Only guests aged 13 and above can attend the experience.
- The restaurant currently cannot accommodate vegan or Jain diets, coriander allergies or chilli allergies.
- Gaggan Anand’s presence during a particular service is not guaranteed and depends on his schedule.
The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as Gaggan Anand, the Indian chef who earned global acclaim for his food, returns to Delhi.
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