Giant Freshwater Prawns | Gourd Leaves | banachaung | onion curry

Is sharing a meal an act of love, or is it a way of crafting cherished memories? There’s a unique warmth in preparing a meal for someone—it feels like offering a piece of a culinary journey deeply personal to the chef. It’s not just about taste; it’s a multi-sensory experience, where all five senses come alive. 

A shared meal is also an opportunity to observe someone’s relationship with food—their preferences, habits, and rituals at the table. Do they savour their vegetables or twirl their noodles with a flourish? Do they eat rice with their hands or prefer a spoon? Are they truly enjoying the meal, or are they eating solely to satisfy hunger? Conversations and unspoken gestures during a shared dining experience often reveal emotions and heighten the anticipation of the dish set before them.

In this instance, the act of unwrapping a paturi becomes a celebration, marking the beginning of an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. The clink of cutlery, the crunch of tender yet crispy vegetables, and the luxurious flavour of golda shrimp cooked in lobster oil, Kashmiri chili, and turmeric—all merge into a symphony of taste. The roe paste adds depth, blending seamlessly with the delicately sautéed beans. It’s an experience as vibrant and joyful as a Friday lunch can be.

Okra | Masala jus | Rice | Cucumber salad

A plate of Bhindi Masala arrives, but this is no ordinary rendition. The humble okra, often found sizzling in home kitchens, is transformed into a work of art. Here, the vibrant green vegetable takes center stage, gently cradled in a bright masala jus. The jus, carefully deconstructed, speaks of tradition—its spicy tomato base adds warmth while letting the earthiness of the vegetable shine through. Each bite whispers of the chef’s careful consideration, marrying science with heritage, elevating simplicity into a fine dining experience.

The dish is framed by soft white rice, balancing the heat of the masala, and a cool cucumber salad that refreshes the palate with every bite. In a refined setting, this modernist approach invites guests to discover South Asian spices anew, a symphony of colour, flavour, and elegance that pays homage to the classic preparation methods while offering a fresh, contemporary narrative.