Claiming a spot on the list of best dining experiences of 2023, Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture brings the spirit of exploration with ‘Dhamaka’ – a New York-based restaurant – to India for the very first time.
Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, in collaboration with Culinary Culture, will play host to the leading chefs and food enthusiasts of the city for an exclusive meet and greet with Chef Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar of ‘Dhamaka’. The duo will deep dive into their culinary journeys to unravel the nuances of creating culinary masterpieces from the rustic and raw pockets of a forgotten India.
Commenting on the delightful celebration of food, Chef Pandya, said, “I’m thrilled to be back home in India and cook my food for everyone after 15 long years thanks to Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, Culinary Culture and Diageo. Being a Bombay boy there is nothing I found more exciting than the bold flavors of our street food and the nuances of our home cooking. Today, I’m getting a chance to represent my own perspective of Indian cuisine and create a new wave of thinking in the American culinary landscape. Together, let’s celebrate our own food — unapologetically!”
Chef-owner Chintan Pandya (left) and owner Roni Mazumdar
Dhamaka was recognized as #1 restaurant of 2021 by The New York Times. Chef Pandya and Mr. Mazumdar are also the only Indian restauranteurs to hold a seat at the New York State Restaurant Association. Hollywood celebrities such as Naomi Watts, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael J Fox and Padma Lakshmi are regular patrons at their restaurant.
The menu focuses on some of Dhamaka’s signature dishes, pieced together as regional specialties from all over India. The quintessential and colloquial ‘Baingan’, the rich ‘Saag’, and the irresistible ‘Maachi’, ‘Murg’ and ‘Mutton’ preparations, are followed by perfectly balanced and not too sweet ‘Kesar Pista’, leading to the typical Indian style wrap to a delicious meal with a juicy and luscious ‘Paan’. The dishes are homespun with tempting taste.
Culinary Culture, chaired by food connoisseur and journalist Vir Sanghvi, is an independent rating system, awarding stars to restaurants and rewarding India’s top chefs, gourmet delivery kitchens, street food vendors and home-chefs. It organizes global culinary exchanges, bringing the acclaimed chefs to India and sending Indian chefs to cook at renowned restaurants in the world.
The team will rekindle the magic of Dhamaka at the JW Marriott Aerocity, Delhi with two, small, exclusive dinners on February 24 and 25, followed by two exclusive dinners at the JW Marriott Juhu in Mumbai over March 3 and 4.
Images courtesy: Eater NY
