Renowned chef Gaggan Anand has finally realized his decade-long dream of opening a permanent restaurant in India. Located in New Delhi, 'Raga' offers an unparalleled 22-course tasting menu in collaboration with Zorawar Kalra.

  • Gaggan Anand has launched his long-awaited permanent Indian restaurant, 'Raga', in New Delhi.
  • The venture is a strategic partnership with restaurateur Zorawar Kalra.
  • Raga features a massive 22-course tasting menu, making it one of India's most expensive dining experiences.
  • Chef Rydo Anton leads the kitchen, while Gaggan Anand adopts a mentor-like 'shadow' role.

Since leaving India for Bangkok in 2007, Gaggan Anand has redefined global gastronomy. While his eponymous restaurant, Gaggan, earned two Michelin stars and topped Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list multiple times, a void remained: a permanent culinary home in his native India. That void has finally been filled with the opening of 'Raga' in New Delhi.

The inception of Raga was less about legalities and more about profound trust. Zorawar Kalra, a heavyweight in the Indian hospitality sector, played a pivotal role. The partnership wasn't forged through contracts but through a shared handshake and a collaborative trip to Japan to source bespoke cutlery. This organic synergy between Kalra's vision and Anand's artistry has birthed a landmark institution.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the launch of Raga signifies a paradigm shift in the Indian luxury dining market. By bringing world-class, experimental gastronomy to the heart of Delhi, it elevates the city's status to a global culinary capital, attracting high-net-worth food enthusiasts from across the world.

In a significant departure from his previous roles, Gaggan Anand is not the primary face behind the pass. Instead, he has empowered his long-time collaborator, Rydo Anton, to lead the kitchen. The name 'Raga' serves a dual purpose: it combines the initials of Rydo and Gaggan, and it draws inspiration from the Indonesian phrase 'Jiwa Raga,' meaning 'body and soul.'

"I have shared the stage where he was once a shadow, but now I am the shadow. That’s what Raga is." — Gaggan Anand

The dining experience is a meticulously choreographed journey consisting of 22 courses—a number significant to Anand as it aligns with his birthday. From the delicate 'monsoon glass papad' to the mind-bending 'yogurt explosion' and the signature charcoal courses, the menu is designed to challenge perceptions of texture, temperature, and flavor.

Did You Know?: The restaurant operates with extreme exclusivity, offering only two seatings of 18 guests each, six days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a meal at Raga cost?
The tasting menu is priced at approximately ₹11,111 plus taxes, making it one of the most premium dining experiences in the country.

2. Who is the Executive Chef at Raga?
The kitchen is led by Chef Rydo Anton, who has been Gaggan Anand's right-hand man for over 14 years.