By Aryaman Verma
India’s culinary scene came alive at the launch of Romance of the Indian Curry, authored by legendary Chef Davinder Kumar, Vice President – F&B at Le Méridien New Delhi and President of the Indian Culinary Forum. Hosted at Le Méridien in collaboration with Shubhi Publications, the event brought together leading figures from gastronomy, hospitality, and culture.
The book was unveiled by Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, who praised Chef Kumar: “His genius lies in creating a book that lets you experience the joy of Indian cuisine every day. With 365 recipes, Romance of the Indian Curry celebrates India’s diverse culinary heritage.”
Chef Kumar said, “This book honours India’s extraordinary culinary traditions and inspires the next generation of chefs to innovate while preserving our heritage.”
The launch was attended by cultural icons and industry leaders, including Bharatanatyam exponent and Padma Shri awardee Pratibha Prahlad, and hotelier Tarun Thakral, Executive Director of Le Méridien New Delhi.
A panel discussion with culinary experts Dr. Pushpesh Pant, Rocky Mohan, Gautam Anand, Kamal Kant Pant, Ms. Anoothi Vishal, and Chef Vinit Manocha explored India’s food legacy, modern dining trends, and evolving gastronomic culture.
Sanjay Arya, Founder of Shubhi Publications, added, “This book is more than a collection of recipes — it’s a celebration of India’s culinary heritage.”
The evening concluded with a book signing by the celebrity chef and a high tea featuring dishes inspired by the book, immersing guests in India’s rich culinary traditions.
