DISHED OUT Gaggan Anand

The world’s most famous Indian chef is here to cook at the Mandala Club.

- Hannah Choo

Gaggan Anand takes a little bit of getting used to. The chef, who once grew up in poverty outside Kolkata, is the most famous Indian chef in the world who does what he likes and says what he says. He also cooks the way he deems fit, manipulating Indian cuisine into dishes that defy tradition, categorisation and at times, manners. At some point during your meal, you might be requested to slip a miniature doughnut over your middle finger. It’s unassuming in the fine-dining world, but whatever it is, he’s managed to create food that’s as relatable as it is fun – fun enough to be on anyone’s bucket list.

You will either love it or you’ll hate it, but you might hate yourself more for not giving him at least a shot. The good news is you won’t have to fly to Bangkok to eat at his namesake. Mandala Club, a private members club with a big love of food, is currently hosting Anand’s pop-up restaurant until the end of March. He and his entire team from Bangkok have taken a break to be here, and believe it or not, it’s been fully booked out. But that’s not to say you won’t get lucky. We did, and we were even luckier to speak with him, the most famous Indian chef in the world.

What’s it like to be you?

I’m a creep and I’m a weirdo. I live every day as if it’s my last.

What made you believe that?