Chef Garima Arora: Bridging India and Bangkok Through Food
A chef who boldly blends Indian traditions with global techniques, Garima Arora made history as the first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star. Her journey from a journalism student to the owner of Bangkok’s acclaimed Gaa is nothing short of inspiring. Garima’s food tells stories; each dish is a thoughtful reflection of her culinary roots combined with her worldly experiences.
The Journey
Born and raised in Mumbai, Garima Arora’s initial path wasn’t culinary—she studied journalism before her passion for food led her to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. After rigorous training and working alongside globally renowned chefs like René Redzepi at Noma, she founded Gaa in Bangkok. With a focus on blending Indian ingredients with Thai techniques, she earned her Michelin star in 2018, making history as the first Indian woman to do so.
Culinary Philosophy and Vision
Garima’s philosophy is rooted in curiosity and respect for ingredients. At Gaa, her menus are guided by local produce and Indian culinary wisdom, yet executed with precision and creativity. She believes in the power of simplicity, allowing ingredients to speak for themselves while showcasing her heritage through thoughtful pairings and innovative methods.
Awards, Recognition & Media
- Michelin Star (2018) – First Indian woman chef to receive the accolade
- Asia’s Best Female Chef (2019) – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
- Featured on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” (2022)
- Speaker at Food on the Edge, Dublin
- Named among Forbes India’s Tycoons of Tomorrow
Jackfruit Tacos
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesA fusion of Indian and Thai flavours with spiced jackfruit filling wrapped in delicate homemade tortillas.
Ingredients
2 cups Jackfruit, shredded
1 cup Tortilla flour
2 tbsp Tamarind paste
A handful of Thai basil
1 tsp Ginger, grated
1 tbsp Red chilly paste
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Directions
- Sauté ginger and chilli paste in oil, add shredded jackfruit, and cook until tender.
- Mix tamarind paste and Thai basil, and cook until fragrant.
- Prepare tortillas with flour and water, cook on a griddle until golden.
- Serve the spiced jackfruit wrapped in tortillas.
Coconut Kheer with Mango
4
servings20
minutes30
minutesA modern take on traditional kheer, enriched with coconut milk and garnished with fresh mango.
Ingredients
2 cups Coconut milk
1/2 cup Basmati rice
1 Mango (cubed)
1 tsp Cardamom
3 tbsp Jaggery
A pinch of salt
Directions
- Rinse and soak the rice for 15 minutes.
- Boil coconut milk, add rice, and simmer until cooked.
- Stir in jaggery, cardamom, and a pinch of salt.
- Serve chilled with mango cubes.
References
- Gaa’s Official Website
- Interviews from Vogue India and Forbes Asia
- Chef’s Table on Netflix
- Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Profile
