'Nikkei, Mediterranean, Thai, Gujarati...': Creators Of 'Gods Of Gourmet' On The Cuisines Featured On The Show
To know more about the show and the restaurants featured, ABP Live had a conversation with the creators who gave insights into its making.
A mouthwatering odyssey of culinary excellence has begun to grace Indian screens with 'Gods of Gourmet,' a captivating documentary series that delves into India's most prestigious fine-dining restaurants. Produced by AIL India, this nine-episode gastronomic journey is poised to redefine the narrative around the nation's culinary landscape, to be streamed only on Disney + Hotstar.
In a country renowned for its diverse culinary traditions, 'Gods of Gourmet' goes beyond the ordinary and takes viewers on a journey that explores the extraordinary. From the sumptuous royal kitchens of Rajasthan to the vibrant flavours of Gujarat, from the mountains of Thailand to the Andean hills of Peru, the show promises to unveil the grandeur and variety in India’s fine dining landscape, rarely seen before in the world.
With a focus on opulence, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of culinary perfection, 'Gods of Gourmet' celebrates the visionary chefs who have transformed dining into an art form. Each episode reveals the secrets behind the dishes, the inspirations behind the flavours, and the dedication that has earned these restaurants their exalted status.
"India's culinary scene is a fantastic marriage of flavours from different corners of the world, and 'Gods of Gourmet' is our tribute to the culinary artists behind it," said Sayantani Chakrabarty, the show's creator and the co-founder of AIL India.
"We aim to showcase India as a global fine-dining destination. We aim not just a place to gorge on street food. This series is a feast for the senses, a journey through India's most exquisite fine-dining destinations," she added.
The show features an illustrious lineup of restaurants, including Tiamo from Conrad Bangalore, Koishii from The St. Regis Mumbai, Al Di La from Conrad Pune, Riwaz from The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, The Flying Elephant from Park Hyatt Chennai, Sarvatt from Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, Thai Soul from Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Toya from The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas and Shrot from Hyatt Regency Mansarovar Jaipur. Viewers can expect to see the perfect blend of heritage and modernity, innovation and tradition, luxury and taste - the elements that define India as a growing culinary superpower.
To know more about the show and the restaurants featured, ABP Live had a conversation with the creators of the show who gave insights into the making of the show.
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
The restaurants featured in the show are all 5-star restaurants from certain states of India. Can you share on what basis was this selection done?
The selection of these 5-star restaurants in specific states was based on a meticulous process. We wanted to spotlight establishments that not only offered exceptional fine dining experiences but also represented the diverse culinary traditions of India and the world. Gods of Gourmet’s criteria included factors like innovation, the richness of flavours, and the ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Along with the cultural significance each restaurant upholds, it was important to highlight the thoughtful effort put in to be as sustainable as possible.
The show aims to showcase India as a global fine-dining destination. What are the cuisines that the show will focus on?
Season 1 highlights restaurants specialising in Nikkei, Mediterranean, Thai, Gujarati, Italian, North-West Frontier, Rajasthani, Progressive Asian, and one multi-cuisine fusion.
What are the specialities of the restaurants that are being featured in the show?
'Gods of Gourmet' is on a mission to represent India as a global fine-dining destination. We had this thing in mind that it would not just be all about food and cooking. It should be more about the stories, the passion, the creativity of creating a menu, and the dedication that has elevated these restaurants to their divine status. Each of the restaurants featured in the show possesses a unique charm. Whether it's age-old kitchen secrets passed down through generations or the innovative use of local ingredients in an international menu, they all have something extraordinary to offer.
We have seen a number of culinary shows on television which the audience has really liked. How do you think they will perceive this show?
It was a very intentional decision to contest the existing GI of the Indian culinary landscape, which always labelled our country as a street food and fast food destination. But we wanted to uphold another side of India, which is real, yet fantastical. I am hoping people who love food, and anyone who wants India to be highlighted as a progressive, chic, and sophisticated dining destination, would be proud of this show. 'Gods of Gourmet' is neither a cooking contest nor a food trail across Indian states. It is an artistic expression of a chef’s culinary imagination, and a representation of India’s “quiet luxury” as explored through food.
How does the show aim to stay in touch with the authenticity of Indian cuisine along with a touch of modernity?
Throughout the show, in all the nine episodes, our commitment to authenticity has been unwavering. We understand the significance of preserving the roots of any cuisine. While innovation has been a prime marker, our core principle was to respect the traditions and techniques that make each cuisine so special. With each dish, our aim has been to show restaurants that source locally, grow with local communities, but are absolutely international when the plate is served to the guest. 'Gods of Gourmet' carefully balances modernity and authenticity, ensuring that every dish we feature reflects the heart of India while appealing to the contemporary palate.
Thus, with an opulent visual style, expertly crafted storytelling, and intimate interviews with the master chefs, 'Gods of Gourmet' promises to be a visual and culinary delight that will leave audiences craving more.
'Gods of Gourmet' is streaming on Disney + Hotstar from October 28, 2023.
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