HOMEWARD BOUND

London-based Chef Rohit Ghai, celebrated for leading multiple restaurants to Michelin acclaim, introduces Zarqash—his signature progressive Indian restaurant—at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. This marks his highly anticipated debut in India.

- DEEPALI NANDWANI

My first conversation with Chef Rohit Ghai was during his tenure at Jamavar London with Dinesh Nair and his daughter Samyukta. Having already led the Michelin-starred Gymkhana and Benares, Ghai brought a refined palate, innovative spirit, and experience from London's storied kitchens to craft a menu of creative small plates inspired by the street markets of northern and southern India, captivating the city's sophisticated diners.

Since then, he has stepped into his own as an independent restaurateur, opening Kutir in November 2018. The restaurant offered a distinct perspective on London's high-end Indian dining, drawing from India's hunting lodges, utilising seasonal British produce (especially game), and spotlighting lesser-known traditional dishes. His footprint has widened considerably since. Kutir now has an outpost in Dubai, joined by Khaojee, a casual, street food-inspired concept. He took Rivayat to The Oberoi Marrakech in Morocco; launched Vatavaran in Knightsbridge and Manthan in Mayfair, London; and opened Aangan in Muscat.

His newest venture is Zarqash—“richly adorned”—a progressive Indian restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. It is, in many ways, a homecoming.

His first restaurant in India marks the return of a talented son who began his career with The Oberoi Group and later the Taj Group, before London shaped his culinary identity. At Zarqash, he reimagines Indian flavours through Western techniques and global ingredients.

This is your first restaurant in India after years of shaping the perception of Indian cuisine abroad. What does it feel like to bring your culinary voice back home?