OF FOOD, FILMS, AND FARAWAY PLACES

Raised in a family where food was a celebration, Ranbir Kapoor follows his palate across continents-blending childhood nostalgia, beach getaways, and cinematic escapes with every journey.

- AS TOLD TO DEEPALI NANDWANI

Ranbir Kapoor comes from a khandaan that loves food. His father, Rishi Kapoor, uncles Randhir and Rajiv, and grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, were all celebrated for their passion for food and drink.

Raj Kapoor, famously known as the 'showman of Indian cinema,' was known to host grand feasts at RK Studios. "Food was central to every celebration, shoot, or family gathering, featuring classic North Indian dishes like rich gravies, kebabs, and traditional desserts," Ranbir recalls. Rishi Kapoor, a devoted food lover, often expressed his affection for biryani, paya, and Delhi-style chaat on social media. The family's Christmas brunches-held for decades at their bungalow became a beloved Bollywood tradition, known for their warmth, laughter, and indulgent spreads that brought together friends and family from across the industry.

No wonder, then, food informs his travel choices, and he often follows his nose to ferret out great restaurants across the world.

Food-driven travel: Ranbir's travel decisions are often guided by his appetite for memorable dining experiences. "My fondness for traditional Punjabi food remains strong, but I also enjoy street food, especially in Mumbai," he shares. He's particularly fond of the city's vibrant street eats, adding, "Dabeli and Bhajiya Pav are a burst of flavours."

His time in New York, where he studied, sparked a love for its comforting food scene-burgers, pizzas, bagels, and halal cart fare. "New York's multicultural food scene was a canvas of discovery and nostalgia, from pastrami sandwiches at Katz's to late-night shawarmas," he says. Among his cherished food memories are savouring the best steak of his life at Peter Luger and a chance meeting with Robert De Niro in 2018.