Chef Vanshika Bhatia On India’s Love For Regional Cuisine And Building A Culinary Legacy

Every dish tells a story. It carries an inspiration, a journey, and a deeper connection to its roots. The more we immerse ourselves in the world of food, the more we realise that there’s always more to learn—and that, in itself, is the beauty of cooking. 

In recent years, regional Indian cuisine has rightfully claimed the spotlight—currently ranked 12th best in the world. Once confined to local households, Indian dishes now inspire mainstream menus and reimagine dining as a celebration of identity, cultural pride, and heritage. This is what we see at the forefront of fine dining and contemporary culinary storytelling. It’s revival, but through making the shift towards spotlighting cultural pride and authenticity on mainstream culinary platforms and spaces. This was also a feat that shone through at the recently concluded, "Power Play" by Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture. The opportunity to associate with a platform that spotlights and engages global culinary talent and tastemakers meant representing the Indian palate in all of its glory.  

From the Northeast to Kerala: Stories of Heritage and Culture Served on a Platter 

With all my global expeditions, it was only upon my return to India and an extensive journey across the country, that it became clear that exploring regional cuisine is akin to uncovering what’s hidden in plain sight. From the unexplored corners of the Northeast to the high-altitude kitchens of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; from Rajasthan’s bold, aromatic dishes to the delicate coastal flavors of Maharashtra and Kerala—each meal stood out as more than just food, but as stories of grassroots innovation and culture, served on a platter.  

As chefs, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility—to preserve, innovate, and share these stories through our medium of expression: food. We take diners on a journey of discovery and a connection through something as personal and intricate as a meal. With the opportunity to work closely with farmers and indigenous communities, you get to unearth the diversity and depth of India’s culinary heritage with each region proudly showcasing its hero ingredients, cooking methods, and tradition spanning centuries. 

A Journey of Innovation Through Inclusion and Creativity  

India’s myriad hyperlocal flavors and ingredients is reflected well in it’s dining spaces, be it farm-to-table concepts or community-driven menus. The sheer diversity of India’s culinary landscape offers an unparalleled playground for exploration and creativity. From Nagaland to Coorg, it is through collaborations with farmers, indigenous communities, and local artisans that we can preserve and popularise India’s culinary treasures while adapting them for modern dining across restaurants, hyperlocal festivals, and other experiences in metro cities. Also, community dining to supper and brunch clubs, regional flavours are what people seek, and creating such spaces will help the industry dovetail towards cascading Indian flavours on a global stage.  

What’s behind this championing of regional flavours? Both revival of nostalgia, but also pivoting through innovative presentations and delivery of flavour.  

Cascading This Trend

Another cornerstone of this innovation lies in building an inclusive ecosystem that invites new perspectives for culinary creativity. By creating opportunities for skill development, knowledge-sharing, and equal opportunities, we can nurture a new generation of pioneers ready to don the chef’s hat in shaping the flavors of the future while honoring the time-tested wisdom of past centuries.  

Ultimately, the rise of regional cuisine is more than just a trend in dining. But rather an embodiment of our commitment to celebrate the stories, resilience, and innovation that have defined India’s culinary heritage for centuries – inviting the world to experience them one dish at a time.