When the World’s 23rd Best Restaurant, Latin America’s 6th Best, the recipient of the 2025 American Express One to Watch Award, and a restaurant ranked #68 on Asia’s 50 Best come together, it is not just a dinner, it becomes a moment. An evening that leaves you truly spellbound.
Chef Rodolfo, Chef Johnson, and their incredible teams came together to showcase what it truly means to stay rooted. As the world moves forward at a relentless pace, they gently remind us that progress does not mean forgetting where we come from. Nature continues to give us,quietly, generously, just like a mother does. Mother Nature offers abundance through ingredients that are native, seasonal, and deeply connected to who we are. All we need to do is slow down, look around, and treat these ingredients with respect, to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls and minds.
If there is one profound takeaway from this dinner, it is a reaffirmation of purpose. To continue doing what we do, to preserve recipes, honour ingredients, and work closely with what each season offers. To rediscover ingredients that may once have been overlooked or undervalued, yet hold immense power in shaping our health, culture, and identity.
Chef Rodolfo spoke with such deep passion about the produce of Chile, ingredients that were once dismissed, forgotten, or taken for granted. Through his relentless commitment, he has not only revived these ingredients but has also carried them onto the global stage, helping position Chile as a powerful food destination. Listening to him speak was a reminder of how one chef’s belief can change the way a country eats and is seen.
Chef Johnson, on the other hand, creates his quiet magic using produce largely grown and cultivated at Farmlore. His plates reflect elegance, restraint, and finesse, allowing the ingredient to lead, never overpowering its natural story.
One of the most moving highlights of the evening was learning that Team Boragó travelled with nearly 120 kilos of luggage, filled with produce, cookery and even cutlery. Such extraordinary attention to detail speaks volumes about their respect for food, process, and experience.
This dining experience was far more than a meal. It was a spectacular celebration of ingredients and a powerful reminder to love and respect everything edible around us. I see these chefs as quiet warriors, fighting through food to preserve biodiversity, heritage, and authenticity.
To Kaushik and Swati, thank you for being the most gracious and thoughtful hosts.
Udiksh, thank you for pairing the evening with beautiful wines and serving them with that ever-infectious smile.
Avinash and the entire Farmlore team, thank you for your warm, heartfelt hospitality.
Chef Rodolfo and Chef Johnson, my deepest respect for what you do. We need more chefs like you. Your passion for every single ingredient was impossible to miss. I truly hope you continue to discover, revive, and work with many more local ingredients across the world.
And to Chef Chris Howard and Chef Benja Correa, thank you.
This evening will stay with me for a very long time.
Gaggan, Asia’s No. 1 restaurant, and INJA, the Indian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Delhi, created culinary magic for the lucky 60 who managed to get a seat for this very unique pop-up. The unapologetic Gaggan and the coy Adwait showcased their food beautifully.
A big shout-out to Panchali, who was the warmest host, this pop-up would have been incomplete without her hospitality.
Cocktails by INJA were a conversation starter, and then it was the food that did all the talking, each dish created while keeping the Indian flavours intact.
The yogurt explosion had a burst of flavours as it went from our palm to our mouth. I really enjoyed the fact that I could use my hands to enjoy my food I am a big believer that your hands add flavour to the food.
Yoghurt Explosion 💥
Frankly, I was very apprehensive about the Charcoal 65 since I live in the city that invented the Chicken 65, but OMG, this one was even better than the original in terms of flavours! The Paturi was another favourite of mine, with minimal spices, the fresh fish and cooking techniques elevated the flavours beautifully. The claypot rice was, for me, the perfect finish to the main course, I loved the subtle flavours and the socarrat, and if I were at home, I would have scraped it out till the claypot cried!
charcol 65 Paturi Claypot Rice
And like every meal that ends on a sweet note, this one did too. Between the mochi and the monaka, I personally liked the mochi and the finish was truly Gaggan style: “lick it up,” and we all did!
Monaka Gulkand Mochi Lick It Up!Food bonds hearts ❣️
Windows of the World at Hyatt Regency Chennai was the theme for a very special wedding, it was a culinary journey through seven action stations, showcasing global gastronomic wonders. Indulged in Nordic delights with vodka, relish Sushi bars of Ginza with sake, and savoured Sicilian cuisine paired with Spritz and Aperitivo. Experienced Caribbean flavours with rum-infused Jambalayas and Barbados stews. Delighted in Creole cuisine with Vermouth and Asian-spiced spirits. Explored Indian kebabs, kormas, and curries paired with fine whiskies. Lastly, I enjoyed award-winning cheeses from House of Kase with perfectly paired wines at the Fromagerie.
Scandinavian Splendour
The Nordic delights were a refreshing start to the culinary adventure. The Baltic Salmon, served in multiple textures, paired exquisitely with the crisp, coppery vodka. For vegetarians and omnivores alike, the Crepes Printanier with sautéed kale offered a delightful combination, perfectly capped off with the sweetness of summer berries and Trifle.
Ginza District Delights:
The Sushi bars of Ginza showcased the freshest ingredients and modern twists on classic dishes. From the Simesaba to the Unagi, each sushi was a masterpiece, complemented by inventive pairings like the wasabi lemon curd tart. The Asahi Beer, Yuzu Shandy, and Iwai Whisky added a perfect finishing touch.
Sicilian Sensations:
Fiametta Pereira’s Sicilian specialties brought warmth and tradition to the table. The Involtini Di Melanzane and Risotto First-Aged Carnaroli Rice were standout dishes, while the Cannoli Alla Siciliana provided a sweet, satisfying conclusion. The house special Spritz and Aperitivo elevated the Sicilian experience.
Caribbean Charms:
The vibrancy of the Caribbean cuisine shone through with dishes like Jerk Chicken Legs and Jambalaya. The Malibu Crème Brulé left a lasting impression, perfectly capturing the essence of the islands. Paired with rum-infused delights, this station was a celebration of flavour and culture.
House of Malacca Magic:
From Singapore Pot Stickers to Thai Mango Sticky Rice, the House of Malacca transported diners to the heart of Southeast Asia. Each dish burst with authentic Flavors, enhanced by Vermouth & Macerated Spirits. It was a true homage to the region’s culinary diversity.
Indian Delights:
The Indian Harvest station showcased a plethora of seasonal flavours, from Galouti Kebab to Moradabadi Chicken Biryani. As a lover of Indian cuisine, I found myself drawn to this station, savouring every bite paired with fine whisky.
Fromagerie de Kase:
Cheese lovers rejoiced at the sight of the award-winning cheeses presented by Kase. The Artisanal Cheese Board and Three-Cheese Fondue were indulgent treats, perfectly complemented by a selection of house wines.
Everything Sweet:
No culinary journey is complete without dessert, and the Everything Sweet counter did not disappoint. From Stone Fruits Flambé to Crepe Suzette, each dessert was a delightful finale to an unforgettable experience.
Windows of the World at Hyatt Regency Chennai offered a culinary adventure that transcended borders and awakened taste buds. Each station is an ode to the diversity and richness of global cuisine.
Farmlore in Bangalore offers a unique dining experience within a farm, embodying the essence of traditions and sustainable gastronomy. Their commitment to farm-to-table practices and sustainability shines through in every aspect of their culinary creations, making it a memorable journey of ingredient-based food.
During my recent visit, Farmlore presented a dining experience themed around the Oscars. Each dish was ingeniously crafted with ingredients hinting at iconic Hollywood movies that received the prestigious award. This creative concept added an extra layer of excitement to the meal.
The ten-course meal commenced with a delightful assortment of bread, cheese, and caviar, cleverly representing the movie “Titanic.” The journey continued with dishes like crispy turkey reminiscent of “Green Book,” succulent shrimp on a bed of okra symbolizing “Forrest Gump,” and Iranian flatbread with an array of dips inspired by “Argo.”
One of the highlights was the inventive presentation of ramdon, featuring pork broth and udon noodles made using methyl dropped into the hot broth with a syringe, a nod to the movie “Parasite.” Each course was not only delicious but also a visual feast, with dishes like tomato sorbet served on charcoal powder, representing “The Artist”
The culinary adventure had treats like jollof rice paired with red mullet, a homage to “12 Years of a Slave,” and tender lamb chops with Fava Beans, reminiscent of “Silence of the Lambs.” Desserts were equally delightful, with Pondicherry chocolate ice cream symbolizing “Life of Pi” and a matcha cake paired with yuzu burning sorbet.
The attention to detail and innovative presentation extended to the final touch—a cute pink meringue bonbon, serving as a clue for the movie “CODA.” Each dish showcased Farmlore’s dedication to not only tantalize the taste buds but also to create a holistic dining experience that celebrates ingredients, creativity and sustainability. The pairing with Sonarys wine added fizz to the evening.
The world’s longest and happiest table at Hanu Reddy Mango farm, also called as Hanu’s table creates history in the culinary world! This 156ft table that is made using the mango trees that were uprooted during the varda cyclone in 2017 is now the talk of the town. The beautiful table can seat 150 happy people making joyful conversations.
10 best chefs of India showcase their regional cuisine on the world’s longest and happiest table in Chennai, India.
20th January 2024 was a very special day and my happiness knew no bounds! I still remember on a sunny day around the last week of June 2023 Nirupama and I drove to the Hanu Reddy mango farm to just sit under the mango trees and discuss what we could possibly do here. My eyes twinkled with excitement as my mind envisioned something very special.
For the last few years my mind body and soul only feels regional food and I said how about chefs from all around India come and showcase their regional food and I remember I told Nirupama for all you know this might go to the Guinness Book of World records!!! To me the only person who could pull this off with all his might was Chef Regi, our next farm visit was with Chef Regi and we walked around the farm to imagine what it would be like to put Chennai on the world culinary map.
And the rest is history, Chef Regi gathered his army of chefs and Team Hanu Reddy gathered their team to get a kitchen constructed and do some massive work in the farm in such a short time.
Walking through the farm after 6 months was like a fairytale with an ” India’s Culinary Odyssey” logo all around, it was a proud moment for me who has made Chennai my home for 25yrs now. The place was beautifully lit up and the reception was warm.
As we entered the farm the huge mango trees were lit up, the music was Indian and it complimented the Indian cocktails that were curated with classic Indian ingredients like tamarind, pepper chillies and more.
Indian ingredients infused cocktails Indian ingredients infused cocktails
As we moved on to the dining area, the table that would seat 106 guests was brimming with colors from the beautiful flowers and Indian elements like the tiffin carriers and dabbas. Nithya along with her friend did a fabulous job with the decor ( well she is a professional)
The 156ft happy table
We got seated and we had our own Ashwin Rajagopal who was the emcee for the evening. The warm welcome speech by Mr. Hanu Reddy and Chef Regi Mathew were building up the excitement.
Amuse Bouche
The amuse bouche was synonymous to the mango farm and that mild sour flavour of the raw mango set the mood for the rest of the evening.
Being a Sindhi Chef Vicky Ratnani decided to showcase the lotus stem which is a Sindhi delicacy. The lotus stem project: tikki chat was a great starter to this magnificent evening.
Lotus stem tikki chat
My goan brother Avinash Martins had his own style to present the goan sea bass with style and vibrance. Sunset kissed recheado delight made using fermented sun-dried tomato recheado, sea bass, kalchi Kodi, kokum, chempde torr and delicate edible flowers was like going back to my childhood days. Especially the chempde torr ( salted raw mango) that we brought from hand carts outside our school in Goa.
Goan seabass recheado
The flavours of Bannuwali cuisine inspired by north west frontier are supposed to be very subtle yet comforting. Chef Vanshika Bhatia presented the Burke waale chole made using tender chickpeas coated in aged mango pickle adored with a delicate layer of moongdal and a tadka of amchur with kapali wheat Paratha. This is an heirloom recipe from her grandmother to her mother and now she is wooing us with this food from her home.
Burke waale chole
There is something about the Koli community and the Koli food in Mumbai the Koli community are the fisherman community and their food is actually the native food of Mumbai. My love for Koli food started when our driver who belonged to the Koli community got his lunch and that invariably became my lunch. I love the flavours of their food and this one was very nostalgic for me. The goda masala is mostly used for vegetarian curries. Chef Varun Tolani from masque Mumbai has blended the masalas seamlessly and presented The Koli masala mud crab, goda masala and onion amti, karandi loncha with those cute little pillowy pav.
Koli mud crab
Blue pea pidi, well I have nothing to say about this dish, like they say silence speaks a thousand words. When you have a golden heart everything you make turns to Amrit. These rice dumplings, cooked in coconut milk and served with ramapuram style chicken curry was definitely Nirvana.
Blue pea pidi
The humble ragi mudde stuffed with karamani with dhantin chutney, uchellu chutney, fried drumstick and served with bottle gourd lentil soup opened my eyes and soul to how something so simple can be simply delicious Chef Mythrayie Iyer namma Chennai ponnu is creating waves in Bangalore at the farmlore.
Ragi mudde
Chef Auroni Mookerjee’s confit patha in a niramish jhol using Bengal goat, notun aloo, radhatilak rice and bonolokki ghee was a dish blessed by Ma. This dish prepared without onion or garlic laced with ghee and hing enhanced the flavour of the meat. Loved the presentation of this dish and I actually had this dish through my eyes even before tasting it. Kudos to this accidental chef who has made his mark in the industry without formal training.
Niramish jhol
Reliving a culinary heritage of what it was to sit around the table and have a family lunch on a Sunday is what Chef Harish Rao recreated for us. From Pushpa’s kitchen to our table Pushpa’s Sunday Shrimp fry and Nei Annam made with tiger prawns, coconut milk rice and gongura crisp from the state of Andhra Pradesh was a delight.
Pushpa’s kitchen special Shrimp fry with Nei Annam Ambur duck biriyani
Ambur Duck Biriyani was Chef Hussain Shahzad’s take on recreating the most loved biriyani in Chennai. The succulent pieces of those marinated duck was for me the highlight of the dish.
Inspired by the flavours of India Chef Vinesh Jhony decided to give us a sweet finale with his two outstanding desserts. Passion fruit and coconut ais kachang with passion fruit and mango sorbet, frozen coconut dots, caramelised salted peanuts and Jasmine tender coconut veil.
Carrot ginger and brunost
Carrot ginger and brunost, carrot halwa veloute, whipped brunost cheese, pineapple ginger ale, brown butter pineapple, salted cashew streusel, carrot paper, ginger icecream and ginger tuile.
Passion fruit & coconut ais kachang
And just when we thought this was fabulous, we had a beautiful return gift that was presented to us. A long bag with Pallanguli or Pallankuli this is a traditional ancient mancala game played in South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Pallanguli holes were beautifully filled with desserts by Vinesh Jhony.
Pallanguli
This event has definitely created history in the culinary world. For how beautiful the venue was and how seamlessly the entire event was conducted there was so much hard work that went behind the scenes.
Gratitude and kudos to my dear friend Nirupama who is an epitome of strength and husband Suresh who is that quiet pillar for support. Chef Regi Mathew for leading the army of chefs with his able leadership. Mr. Hanu Reddy for being a visionary and the entire family for the support. Nithya and Ram for being a huge part of the event from construction to decoration. The service staff for their impeccable service under the guidance of Mirelle. Chef Ram, chef Siddiqui, chef Babu, chef Vignesh, chef Rajesh apologies if i have missed anyone.
yogitauchil 