India is home to some of the world’s most renowned chefs, and its culinary history is rich in spices and flavors. The country boasts an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, with four establishments in New Delhi alone. Despite this, it is often asked whether any Indian chef has ever won a Michelin star.
The answer is yes. In 2020, Gaggan Anand became the first Indian chef to win a Michelin star for his eponymous restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.
Anand has been credited with putting modern Indian cuisine on the map, introducing diners to new flavors and techniques from his homeland. He has also trained many top chefs in India, including Manish Mehrotra who now holds two Michelin stars for his restaurant at The Lodhi Hotel in New Delhi.
Anand is not the only Indian chef to have achieved success on the international stage. Floyd Cardoz was the first Indian-born chef to receive three Michelin stars with his restaurant Tabla in New York City.
His success encouraged many aspiring chefs from India to pursue their dreams abroad, particularly in Europe and America. Other notable Indian chefs include Vineet Bhatia who became the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star in London at Rasoi Vineet Bhatia; Atul Kochhar who earned two Michelin stars at Benaras; and Vikas Khanna who runs Junoon restaurant in New York City with one Michelin star.
In addition to these established chefs, there are several up-and-coming names that are making waves across the culinary world. Manish Malhotra has been awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, while Vineet Bhatia’s newest venture Bombay Bustle recently earned its first star as well. Meanwhile, Kolkata-based Suvir Saran opened American Masala Bar & Eatery last year and was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the prestigious guide.
Conclusion:
So yes, there are Indians who have won a Michelin Star for their culinary achievements both at home and abroad – Gaggan Anand, Floyd Cardoz, Vineet Bhatia, Atul Kochhar and Vikas Khanna being some of them. As more young chefs emerge on the scene – such as Manish Malhotra and Suvir Saran – it seems likely that India will continue to be recognized on an international level as having exceptional cuisine.