One of the greatest benefits of an interconnected world is the opportunity for undervalued cuisines to be appreciated by a global audience. This has certainly been the case for Indian cuisine, whose diversity and nuance have traditionally been overlooked or oversimplified in other nations. That’s why every chance talented Indian chefs have to present their considerable culture and artistry is so valuable. In October 2016, the journey of Indian cuisine’s international exposure hit yet another crucial milestone. One of India’s most promising chefs, Montu Saini, organized the general assembly of one of the world’s most elite gatherings of culinary experts: Le Club des Chefs des Chefs (CCC). The CCC is a gastronomic society comprised of Chefs of over twenty five of the world’s heads of state. Saini, who is Chef to the President of India, made history as the first Indian Chef to organize the annual gathering of the CCC. At only 34, Saini is also the youngest-ever member of the exclusive group. The CCC’s mission is to support the role that cuisine plays a in diplomatic affairs. With the many differences in culture, values, politics, and perspectives that tend to divide nations around the world, food is a powerful and necessary unitor. A general assembly is held each year so that the Chefs of heads of state can exchange ideas and techniques. It’s also an opportunity for the visiting chefs to become familiar with the cuisine of the host country, so that they too can celebrate and share that nation’s culture. From October 22nd-28th of this year, the general assembly was held in delhi & were received by The President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 24th Oct 2016. Hi-Tea was also hosted by the Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi on...

There are few individuals who have affected New York’s Indian dining scene more positively or significantly than Shiva Natarajan. The Calcutta-born entrepreneur is responsible for several of the city’s most successful Indian restaurants, including Chola, Thelewala and Dhaba. Natajaran’s success has been driven not by a fixation with culinary trends, but rather by an understanding of what people truly want to experience when they pay for a meal. As a child, Natajaran experienced the joys and intricacies of cooking through his grandmother’s busy kitchen. After working in the financial sector, he had thorough knowledge of what it would take to sustain a successful business venture. He eventually fused his love of stellar cuisine with exceptional business acumen to create a thriving dining empire in the notoriously volatile restaurant industry. New York is by no means an easy market, but Natajaran has stayed in the game by focusing on consistently creating the best possible experience for his diners. Throughout his eighteen years as a restaurateur, his work has been praised by the critics and enjoyed by countless customers with a discerning taste for quality Indian food. Natarajan has always found inspiration in the recipes of his family and cultural traditions around India, adding a palpable level of heart and authenticity to all of his fine dining experiences. Chola, one of his most popular ventures, was named “one of New York’s best Indian restaurants” by New York Magazine and received great praise from New York Times critic Ruth Reichl. The reach of his restaurant empire has been far and wide, earning recognition on CBS, NBC, and across multiple print and digital publications. After almost two incredible decades in charge of a thriving restaurant empire, Natajaran has handed over the reigns to Michelin starred-chef Hemant Mathur. There...

Introducing the next generation in cooking shows – Kawan Kitchen Mate, developed by leading advertising and production firm TOUCHDOWN MEDIA INC, is based on the premise that every South Asian family who has settled in the U.S. has a unique story. Focusing on food as the bonding agent that keeps families together, helps people survive struggles, and serves as the cornerstone of celebrations, the show allows viewers to get to know 13 South Asian households. By sending an experienced FOODIE to each household, Kawan Kitchen Mate will introduce South Asian food and families to U.S. audiences through attempting to solve the commonly shared dilemma of what to make for dinner. The idea is brilliant in its simplicity and universally appealing because of its applicability to daily cooking challenges. While it’s common for most cooks to exchange recipes and cooking tips, most still find it challenging to come up with daily meals that excite and satisfy their families. That’s why Kawan Kitchen Mate will send a FOODIE, also known as an everyday food enthusiast and knowledgeable cook, to help each household prepare unique and easy dishes that are meant to please the whole family. The FOODIE will be the anchor and someone who is able to add innovation to simple dishes without needing the expertise of a professional chef. The beauty of the show’s concept is that families will learn how basic ingredients on their grocery list and in their fridge can be used to make new tasty dishes every week. It’s part reality TV, part educational cooking show, and part entertainment as viewers meet families from across the U.S. and learn how to apply the FOODIE’s solutions to their own lives. Participating households and viewers will get more than just the benefit of simple,...

As we approach a new year, it’s time to pay tribute to the best of the best in Indian dining. From authentic tastes that transport you to the homeland to modern fusion cuisine, there is a wide range of offerings and styles among the top Indian restaurants in the U.S. – but one thing they have in common is that they all made this list. Here are the “Top 20 Indian Restaurants 2013” according to industry publications and expert...

Shuchi Naidoo is a name you may want to familiarize yourself with, as the former banker is turning heads with 29calories, an Indian tapas concept brought home. Indian food commonly invokes images of large servings filled with rich, buttery entrees followed by a post-meal laziness. But this entrepreneur is hoping to change that perception with bite-size servings, hand-picked healthy ingredients, and creative fusion recipes. What makes this concept especially unique is that Shuchi manages to embed her other passions of home-cooking and photography into creating an unforgettable evening. The idea is a “mobile private kitchen” with customized service offerings including in-home tasting parties, collaborative events, or private dining. The in-home tasting party is a chance for foodies to visit her NYC home with stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge as she prepares mouth-watering treats and guests mingle with other like-minded individuals. The collaborative events are geared towards small businesses while private dining is attractive to smaller groups that want a more intimate gathering. She also allows patrons to get in on the fun and help cook the meal while providing secret tips and recipes. The avid photographer in Shuchi helps her memorialize each event for patrons and the public to view on her blog. She realized at a young age that it was not only the food itself but the presentation of the evening that turned cooking into art. A true self-made entrepreneur, she is an inspiration to many hoping to crack the tough business of food. With no formal culinary training, Shuchi followed her passion in creating a niche market within a well-established industry. This passion was borne from an unwavering enthusiasm expressed by her mother who cooked for “home-food-starved” children. She realized at a young age that it was not only the...

Purchase a Varli Cookbook today for only $3, filled with 20 top recipes, and most importantly 100% of the proceeds from your purchase will go to the Diya Foundation’s Save a Child campaign. VARLI COOKBOOK AVAILABLE NOW To Buy Online ($3.00 a copy only) Visit Diya Foundation...

The inaugural Varli Summer Tasting gives foodies a chance to enjoy succulent Indian food with a nice warm summer breeze. The attendees at Mint restaurant, Long Island on August 7th will experience outdoor grilling, tandoor, and BBQ. As with all Varli events, world-renowned chefs will be providing their creative tastings with an eye towards outdoor cooking. In particular, some of our past Varli Cook-Off contestants will be featuring some of their latest creations. Varli Summer Tasting benefiting Diya Foundation in association with Mint restaurant WHEN Wednesday, August 7th, 2013 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm WHERE Mint Restaurant 1 Ring Road West Garden City, NY 11530 TICKETS $50 per adult (100% proceeds go to Diya Foundation) Visit http://www.diyasaveachild.org   FOOD TASTING BY CHEF GARY SIKKA Chef Gary Sikka will be hand-delivering samples of his finest dishes to the attendees. VARLI COOKBOOK The highlight of the event will be when HR Shah, President of TV Asia, and the exclusive media partner of the event, helps introduce the launch of the Varli Top 20 recipe Cookbook, which includes signature recipes from some of the top chefs and restaurateurs in the area. The best part is that all proceeds from cookbook sales will benefit the Diya Foundation’s Save a Child campaign designed to provide education, medical care, and food to children. GIFT BAGS As a thank you from the team at Varli, each and every attendee will receive a gift bag which will include a wide variety of products and free gift certificates $100.00 value. SILENT AUCTION Guests will have the opportunity to bid on exciting items such as VarliWare Tandoor kitchen appliances and equipment, a Maya Foods basket filled with great ingredients for your next meal and much more! The best part is that all proceeds will be...

Looks like the Diya Foundation’s dessert tasting’s at the Vaisakhi mela yesterday were a huge hit! It was great for Diya team performing a Sewa at the Gurdwara.! Great attendance and participation all day. « ‹ of 3 ›...

VarliWare is the next evolution of the Varli brand in facilitating the expansion of Indian cuisine in the U.S. As an original designer and distributor of quality restaurant equipment and appliances, we strive to be the one-stop shop for all your kitchen needs. Our product line includes innovative forms of clay ovens, dosa grills, tawas, burner plates, copperware, rolling pins, sauce pans, cutlery, plates, and much more. Leveraging years of experience at the forefront of the Indian culinary world, each product has been specially designed for the specific needs of restaurants. VarliWare maintains the high standards of creativity, quality, and value that restaurants associate with the Varli brand. We will continue to build relationships by providing smart solutions to address the needs of our customers. Visit Varli Ware Website : www.varliware.com « ‹ of 3 ›...

August 10th, New York City: Varli Magazine, a publication about Indian food and restaurants, celebrated its one-year anniversary at K Lounge in Midtown Manhattan. Founded by Varli and Ricky Singh, Varli is emerging as a leading culinary guide showcasing the delights of Indian cuisine. With several Chefs showcasing speciality dishes at the event, Varli brought together a star-studded cast of dignitaries and celebrities from the culinary world. Amongst those in attendance were: Hemant Mathur the first ever Michelin-starred Indian Chef in North America, Sriram Pandit the Executive Chef of the famous Moghul catering group, Chef Hari Nayak author of the recently released cookbook, “My Indian Kitchen,” and Floyd Cardoz, the Executive Chef of North End Grill, a forthcoming Danny Meyer restaurant opening in Manhattan and winner of Top Chef Masters, Season Three. Amidst a wonderful evening full of delicious food stations, partygoers were able to samples various cuisines and speak with famous Chefs about their culinary craft, enjoy live food demonstrations and other rousing entertainment. Earlier this year, Varli Magazine highlighted several Indian restaurants as well as prominent Indian Chefs at the first-ever Indian Food Festival. « ‹ of 8 ›...