These chefs in Madhya Pradesh are recreating traditional recipes
Located in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is home to some of the country’s most storied culinary traditions. Madhya Pradesh takes satisfaction in maintaining and sharing its original bygone flavours, which draw inspiration from the state’s ancient customs and outmoded culture. These dishes, formerly part of long-forgotten culinary legends, are now sought after at a few high-end restaurants. As a general rule, it takes a considerable number of samplings to discover Madhya Pradesh’s unique flavours. These five chefs in Madhya Pradesh were on hand to guide me around the state’s culinary offerings. These cooks go above and beyond the call of duty in the kitchen. You’ve got to know what makes them so special!
Table of Contents
Chef Vivek Kalia
Chef Vivek Kalia is one of the most well-known faces among Taj and Marriott’s top chefs in India. With his current position at Marriott Indore, he has established himself as a renowned culinary specialist in Madhya Pradesh. Chef Kalia has spent the last three years walking various neighbourhoods in search of long-lost MP recipes, intending to create a communal street dining experience for everyone at the Indore Marriott.
He combines regional flavours with well-known global favourites, completely engrossing his audience in a sumptuous gastronomic adventure. Try sampling his Shahi Rasmalai and Parda Biryani.
Suman Rakshit
Bhopal is a veritable encyclopaedia of royal tales, some of which include a gastronomic trail and royal recipes hidden in the kitchens of ancient palaces. This hypothesis makes partaking in a gastronomic feast prepared by Executive Chef Suman Rakhshit, who has worked at Noor-Us-Sabah Palace for almost a decade, a significantly more stimulating experience. His specialities include historical versions of true Mughlai, Peshawari and even Pan Asian cuisine.
When in Bhopal, try his signature delicacies like Nalli Nihari, Kacche Gosht Ke Kebab, Mughlai Biryani, and Shahi Toast. Lately, Chef Rakshit has been experimenting with new cuisine to capture the grandeur of MP’s capital.
Amandeep Singh
Amandeep Singh, the former sous chef of Chennai’s Raintree Hotels, is another excellent cook who contributes to the authenticity of Madhya Pradesh cuisine. Singh is now putting his culinary skills to use in Indore, where he serves as chef de cuisine and is seen experimenting with the culinary flavours that Madhya Pradesh has to offer. His goal is to revitalise Madhya Pradesh’s centuries-old culinary influences, both traditional and modern.
Chef Singh is also an expert at food festivals, and he hopes to treat Indore to as many as he can. From one of his planned culinary events, I remember the taste of the authentic MP Dal, Baati, Churma, Kadhi, and Aam Pana.
Chef Mukul Jha
Only a few chefs in Madhya Pradesh are capable of re-creating the cuisine of the royal family. Mukul Jha, a 14-year veteran of the culinary world, is now the executive chef at Radisson’s Indiya Oye. Chef Jha has created an all-new royal menu for Indiya Oye by combining traditional and cutting-edge cooking techniques so that you can be surprised by the richness of the royal favourites. Chef Jha’s Murgh Sweta, Bhuna Gosht ka Sev, Triveni Khumb ki Gujiya, and Hare Mutter ka Dulma are some of my particular favourites.
Anuj Singh
Chef Anuj Singh of Marriott’s Indian Restaurant in Indore will soon be instituting authentic Indian cuisine concepts. This former Taj Chef is a master in Indian Bouquet Garni, a dish whose mere mention tickles our taste buds. And just a whiff of the spicy aroma of Indian spices is enough to whet one’s hunger.
After tasting the Royal Hyderabadi Chicken Lagaan, covered in thick cashew paste and smeared with local spices, Chef Singh’s remarkable culinary style was brought to our attention. Chef Singh will prepare classic Lucknawi and Awadhi food with a touch of MP at Indore Marriott.
