Who Is Garima Arora? Chef Clinches Historic Second Michelin Star

The culinary world witnessed a historic moment on December 13, 2023, as Chef Garima Arora, at the helm of the acclaimed Gaa in Bangkok, secured her second Michelin star during the Michelin Guide Thailand Star Revelation 2024. This accolade not only marks a triumph for Arora but also establishes her as the first female Indian chef to clinch two Michelin stars, a monumental achievement that resonates globally.

Gaa, described as a contemporary Indian restaurant, encapsulates Chef Garima Arora's culinary philosophy, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity. Situated in Bangkok, the restaurant is the epitome of old-school charm transformed through modern techniques and presentation. The Michelin Guide aptly characterizes Gaa's location as mirroring Arora's exquisite cooking—traditional on the outside, contemporary on the inside.

A Culinary Marvel Blending Tradition and Modernity

The heart of Gaa lies in its tasting menu, a curated experience that showcases Chef Garima's unique reinterpretations of traditional Indian street food snacks. The guide commends Arora's cooking style as "assured, understated, and skilful," emphasizing the finely judged spicing, extraordinary flavor combinations, and the artful play with contrasting flavours, textures and temperatures evident in her culinary creations.

Gaa was opened in April 2017. Since 2018, this modern Indian fine dining establishment has held a Michelin star, a classic proof of Garima Arora's culinary ingenuity. Remarkably, at the age of 32, Garima became the first Indian female chef to be honored with this prestigious accolade.

Garima describes that cooking is so creatively satisfying to her and how it turns out to be a source of peace. On bringing the Indian touch to western cuisine, she said back in 2018 to The Mint, “AsWesterns, we have mastered the art of being able to draw all the umami flavours from vegetables. So for me, cooking with vegetables is one of the ways in which I incorporate the Indian element in my food.”

March 2019 marked Gaa's debut on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list at an impressive No. 16, accompanied by the Highest New Entry Award. Shortly thereafter, it claimed its place at No. 95 on the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list. As of 2020, Gaa proudly stands at No. 33 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, solidifying its status as a culinary force to be reckoned with.

Landmark Achievement for Indian Cuisine

The "Michelin Star" is awarded as a hallmark of fine-dining quality, with restaurants around the world proudly promoting the oldest European restaurant and reference guide.  The criteria, famously stringent, encompass the quality of ingredients, culinary skill, creativity, and consistency. One, two, or the highest honour of three Michelin stars signifies excellence in their respective categories, reflecting not just the chef's culinary prowess but also the overall dining experience, including service and ambience.

The recognition bestowed upon Chef Garima Arora extends beyond personal triumph; it's a landmark achievement for Indian cuisine on the global stage. Garima Arora was the first Indian to receive a Michelin Star Award for her restaurant, Gaa, in Bangkok. On achieving this highly acclaimed accolade back in 2018, Garima said, "It's still sinking in."

Renowned celebrity chef Vikas Khanna took to Instagram to celebrate this momentous occasion, calling it "one of the most historic days for Indian cuisine on a global platform." In a short video clip alongside Chef Garima, Khanna expressed his pride as she became the first female chef from India to be honored with two Michelin stars. 

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Culinary Maestro Johonouredarima's journey from a mass media student working as a pharma journalist in the bustling city of Mumbai to becoming an acclaimed chef is an example of her dedication. At the tender age of 21, she made a pivotal decision that altered the course of her life, leading her to the prestigious Cordon Bleu culinary school in the enchanting city of Paris. Immersing herself in the culinary world, Garima had the unparalleled opportunity to work alongside industry legends such as René Redzepi, Gordon Ramsay, and Gaggan Anand.

Before establishing Gaa in 2017, Garima Arora honed her skills as the chef de partie at Noma in Copenhagen, a restaurant consistently ranked among the world's best. Beyond her culinary prowess, Garima has graced the Indian edition of Masterchef as a judge, showcasing her multifaceted expertise in the culinary arena. 

Indian Culinary Triumphs Of 2023: A Year Of Global Recognition

The year 2023 has been an extraordinary one for Indian cuisine, marked by a series of global recognitions, awards, and top rankings.  From Michelin-starred restaurants to artisanal cheese makers, the world has embraced the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. 

• Tresind Studio, Dubai, and Gaggan Anand, Bangkok

  • Tresind Studio secures the 11th position as the only Indian Michelin-starred restaurant in the UAE.
  • Gaggan Anand's restaurant in Bangkok claims the 17th spot, reaffirming its status as an Asian culinary gem.

• India Dominates Asia's Top 50: Masque, Indian Accent, and Avartana

  • Masque in Mumbai (16th place), Indian Accent in Delhi (19th place), and Avartana in Chennai (30th place) secure positions in Asia's Top 50.

• Bars in the Spotlight: Sidecar, The Bombay Canteen, and Copitas

  • Sidecar in New Delhi (18th place), The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai (35th place), and Copitas in Bengaluru (38th place) shine in Asia's Top 50.
  • Masque in Mumbai earns a double honour as its newly launched bar, The Living Room, makes a notable entry.

• Vanika Choudhary: A Rising Star Recognized by La Liste

  • La Liste acknowledges Indian Chef Vanika Choudhary as one of the 'New Talents of the Year' for 2024.

• Michelin Stars Illuminate Indian Chefs in the USA

  • Chetan Shetty (Rania, Washington, DC), Vijay Kumar (Semma, New York City), and Sujan Sarkar (Indienne, Chicago) clinch the prestigious Michelin Stars in 2023.

• Eleftheria Cheese: Mumbai's Artisanal Triumph at World Cheese Awards

  • Eleftheria Cheese secures the fourth position at the World Cheese Awards in Norway with its Brunost.

• Zareen Shaukat's Culinary Artistry: Fourth Place at World Tapas Competition

  • Mumbai-based pastry chef Zareen Shaukat claims the fourth spot at the World Tapas Competition 2023 in Spain.

• Cannes 2023: Chef Prateek Sadhu Spotlights Indian Cuisine

  • Chef Prateek Sadhu curates an inaugural dinner at Cannes, showcasing the culinary diversity of India.

• Indian Pizzerias Shine: 50 Top Pizza Acknowledges Da Susy and Leo's Pizzeria

  • Da Susy in Gurugram's Sector 50 (44th place) and Leo's Pizzeria in New Delhi (47th place) make their mark on the list of Asia's Top 50 for 2023.

• Taste Atlas Celebrates Indian Street Foods: Tikka, Dosa, Chole Bhature, and Amritsari Kulcha

  • Tikka, dosa, chole bhature, and Amritsari kulcha claim spots among the 'Best Street Foods in the World' by Taste Atlas.

Chef Garima's journey is a powerful example of her culinary prowess and relentless commitment to redefining the Indian gastronomic landscape.