The Napoleon: A Pastry of Layers, History and Invention
There are some desserts that are remembered simply because they are sweet. And then there are desserts that tell a story. For me, the Napoleon pastry is one of those desserts. With its crisp, buttery layers of puff pastry, silky pastry cream and delicate glaze, it is as much about texture and craftsmanship as it is about […]
Dhanteras: The First Dhan Is Your Health
Dhanteras. Dhan — wealth. Teras — the thirteenth day. Every year, as Diwali approaches, we celebrate Dhanteras by cleaning our homes, lighting diyas, buying something new and, traditionally, purchasing gold, silver or utensils. It is considered an auspicious day to invite prosperity into our lives. But there is a deeper meaning to Dhanteras that I […]
Ceylon on a Plate: Celebrating Sri Lankan Cuisine at Moti Mahal Maldives
A Culinary Journey Across the Neighbourhood I have always believed that food has no borders. For me, a restaurant is not merely a place where recipes are cooked and served. It can also become a window into a culture, a country’s history and the lives of its people. This belief has shaped much of my […]
Diwali: Celebrating Shri Ram’s Return to Ayodhya and the Sacred Sweetness of Payasam
By Monish Gujral When Ayodhya welcomed its beloved Ram Diwali, or Deepawali, is perhaps one of the most beautiful celebrations in the Indian cultural calendar. A festival of lights, it symbolises the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. For millions of Indians, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, […]
Shahi Tukra: The Royal Dessert That Proves Food Has No Borders
By Monish Gujral There is something wonderfully ingenious about Indian cuisine: it can take the simplest ingredients and transform them into a dish fit for a king. Shahi Tukra is one such creation. Made with bread, milk, sugar, ghee, nuts and fragrant spices, this much-loved dessert is a beautiful example of how culinary imagination can […]
Jowar Millet Bun Burger with Quinoa & Sweet Potato Masala Patty: A Modern Twist on India’s Ancient Grains
By Monish Gujral | Restaurateur, Chef, Author & Food Blogger Rediscovering our grains, one burger at a time Having spent a lifetime exploring food, from the traditional kitchens of India to the professional kitchens where I have taught and shared my culinary experiences, I have always believed that the future of food lies in respecting […]
Balushahi: The Royal Indian Sweet with a Crisp Crust and Melt-in-the-Mouth Centre
By Monish Gujral A sweet story of Indian kitchens, tradition and indulgence There is something magical about traditional Indian mithai. Long before glossy sweet-shop counters and beautifully packaged confectionery became fashionable, our grandmothers and traditional halwais were creating sweets that relied on patience, skill and a deep understanding of ingredients. For me, balushahi is one […]
Badam Halwa: A Sweet Memory of Peshawar, My Grandfather Kundan Lal Gujral, and the Royal Kitchens of Moti Mahal
By Monish Gujral Some recipes are more than a combination of ingredients. They are memories passed down through generations, carrying the fragrance of a grandmother’s kitchen, the warmth of a family gathering, and the culinary wisdom of those who came before us. For me, Badam Halwa is one such recipe. Every time I think of its […]
Paneer Pasanda: The Royal Story Behind a Mughlai Favourite
By Monish Gujral | Restaurateur, Chef and Custodian of Indian Culinary Heritage A dish that brings together royalty, refinement and the magic of Indian cooking There are some dishes that do more than satisfy our appetite. They tell stories of an era when cooking was an expression of hospitality, creativity and royal indulgence. Paneer Pasanda […]
Navratri: The Timeless Festival of Goddess Durga and a Special Vrat Rice Phirni recipe
By Monish Gujral India’s festivals are deeply intertwined with its history, spirituality and culinary traditions. Few celebrations reflect this beautiful relationship as profoundly as Navratri, the nine sacred nights dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her many manifestations. For me, as someone who has spent a lifetime exploring India’s culinary heritage, festivals such […]
