FROM THE ITC GRAND CHOLA, CHENNAI

REVIVING  INDIAN CUISINE IN A ROYAL WAY

                               

Sheer providence brought 41 year old, Agra born Chef Varun Mohan to the Royal Vega Vegetarian Restaurant, located at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

It's  the only of its kind in the world. 

Here, classical and tasteful riches from the   vegetarian repertoire  of the Royal Kitchens are showcased efficaciously. Each dish is unique....inspired  from the various regions of India. Courtesy: The 40 year old rich ITC culinary culture ! 

Thanks to his Astrologer father Srihari Mohan, who has been associated with ITC Mughal, a five star Deluxe hotel at Agra for the last 39 years. His brother Aditya also works in the same hotel as an Astrologer.

“Right from my childhood”, says Chef Varun, “I was very fond of vegetarian food and cooking; I used to accompany my father to the hotel often. This connect with the hotel inspired me to become a Chef”.

When asked about the business in the restaurant, he opined: “Footfall is steadily increasing; our aim is to introduce more traditional vegetarian dishes inspired by the flavors of royal kitchens. Pickles to gunpowder to rice flour… everything is homemade, that is made by our in-house food production team, to ensure authenticity and credibility…. I do interact with every guest and take their feedback”.

Guest centric Chef Varun leads a team of splendid cooks in this open-for-dinner-only restaurant. Every Royal Vega cook happens to be a vegetarian… they all come from different states of India.

Remember: This exclusive Vegetarian restaurant promptly serves up a fine collection of vegetarian dishes inspired by the flavors of the Royal kitchens. Royal Vega has its own Food and Beverage operations within the ITC Grand Chola, also well equipped, dedicated kitchen replete with latest equipments.

Chef Varun, graduated from the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Management, Manipal in Karnataka. This premier Hospitality Management School is often ranked as the No.1 institute nationally. He loves music. Reading books on Ayurveda and cookery books on vegetarian  dishes is his main hobby. He likes to explore about the traditional cuisine of India (from any state).

“Royal Cuisine”, quips Chef Varun, “encompasses spices aplenty, ensures pleasant aromas and flavor; dry fruits are also used in abundance. Among vegetables Asparagus and Kashmiri Gucchi are preferred most”.

Happily married to Priya, Chef Varun is blessed with two children Akansha (15) and Krish (06)…. all wedded to vegetarianism.

Text and pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Chennai