Rohit Ghai reveals global plans for new restaurant concept

Rohit Ghai has revealed he would eventually like to roll out his new restaurant concept to other global locations.

Ghai, former executive head chef of the Michelin-starred Jamavar, is set to open his first solo venture Kutir in London in November with his business partner Abhishake Sangwan, who will oversee the restaurant's front of house.

Ghai exclusively told The Caterer that he would eventually like "a couple of them across the world".

The chef has taken a 10-year lease on a 60-cover site just off Chelsea's Sloane Square in the townhouse that formerly housed the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vineet Bhatia.

Kutir, meaning ‘hut' in Sanskrit, will be inspired by royal hunting expeditions in the Indian countryside. Ghai said he was inspired by the time he spent working for Taj Hotels in India's Bandhavgarh National Park launching a lodge there. The tasting menu at the restaurant will involve a lot of slow cooking and modern-style plating, with the menu changing seasonally.

"I think it will work here as well," he said. "London is a completely different market and very competitive so whenever you do something you should come up with something new and fresh. I always try to bring something new to the London market. It will be quite new and unique for London people and I have very big hopes for this project."

The food will be representative of the feasting-style, celebratory dining that occurs on these retreats, with an emphasis on game and seafood. Kutir will offer a tasting menu of six courses for £60, as well as a full a la carte menu featuring dishes such as truffle and mushroom khichadi, lobster bonda and rasam, 24-hour slow-cooked rogan josh, and a tandoori stone bass with crispy squid.

Ghai and Sangwan, who previously worked together at Jamavar where Sangwan was director of operations, are funding the project from their own savings, supported by friends and family. They will begin recruiting for the restaurant team this week and are seeking around 20-25 people including eight chefs.

Rohit Ghai to open first solo venture Kutir >>

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