LPF Exclusive - In Conversation with Rohit Ghai of Kutir and Manthan Restaurants
In celebration of Diwali, our Founder and CEO Priya Rawal, sat down with the formidable Chef Patron of Kutir and Manthan, Rohit Ghai.
Rohit, it is such a pleasure to chat to you on today of all days! Firstly Happy Diwali. Please could you start by telling us a little more about your restaurants and what makes them special?
The dishes at both restaurants reflect my culinary experiences – both professional and personal.
And what led you to your current position?
I have worked and headed kitchens at some of London’s leading Indian restaurants such as Benares, Trishna, Gymkhana, Hoppers, Jamavar and Bombay Bustle.
Wow some amazing names on that list. so what’s a typical day looking like in your life.
It’s busy! If I’m in the UK I wake somewhere in-between 7 and 8am. When I’m not in meetings I spend time at both restaurants making sure everything is ok, and staff are happy. I’m in the process of launching a couple of restaurants overseas so I am on the phone or travelling a lot!
And of course today is Diwali! What are you doing to celebrate this year at your restaurants?
I have created a tasting menu for each restaurant, it’s essentially a collection of my family favourites and dishes that I have during my own celebrations.
Sounds amazing! And do you have a favourite dish you have created?
It’s hard to pick but I do love Ghati Masala Prawns, a classic south India dish that we serve at Manthan.
And Rohit what has been your career highlight so far?
A recent one was Kutir winning Restaurant of the Year the British Restaurant Awards 2022
Congratulations on such an accolade! And finally, what do you love most about working in the luxury industry?
Being able to experiment with amazing ingredients. I’d describe my culinary style as authentic flavours but presented in an elegant way. I try to take the authenticity of a dish and refine it and reimagine it for a London audience.
