International Chefs Day: A Global Celebration of Culinary Mastery

International Chefs Day: A Global Celebration of Culinary Mastery

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on October 20, 2024

Imagine walking into a kitchen. The air is rich with aromas of fresh herbs, sizzling pans, and spices swirling together in a symphony of flavor. Behind every pot and pan stands a chef, the conductor of this orchestra, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. On October 20th, we celebrate these culinary visionaries on International Chefs Day, a day dedicated to those who bring joy, comfort, and adventure to our plates.

But this isn’t just about fancy Michelin-starred chefs (though they’re awesome too). It’s about the grandma making the perfect pasta sauce in her family kitchen, the street food vendor creating mouthwatering dishes with humble ingredients, and the culinary students learning to master the craft. Let’s dive into why International Chefs Day matters, and why every meal you’ve ever loved deserves to be celebrated.

The Magic of a Chef’s Craft: More Than Just Food

It’s easy to see a plate of food as just something we eat. But for chefs, it’s a canvas, a blank slate for creativity. They don't just cook—they design experiences. Think about the last time you had a meal that made you stop in your tracks, whether it was a perfectly seared steak, a delicate pastry, or even a burger that made you believe in love at first bite. That moment of awe? That’s the magic of a chef’s craft.

Chefs aren’t just feeding us; they’re telling stories. Through their dishes, they share culture, history, and passion. A simple bowl of ramen can transport you to the streets of Tokyo. A plate of paella might make you feel like you’re sitting by the Spanish coast. Food is the universal language, and chefs are the ones writing the poetry.

More Than a Job, It’s a Lifestyle

Being a chef isn’t a 9-to-5 job. It’s a lifestyle. It’s long hours in the kitchen, perfecting recipes, experimenting with ingredients, and never settling for “good enough.” It’s burning your hand on a hot pan (and not flinching) or making a dish over and over until it’s just right. The dedication is real. And it’s why chefs hold a special place in our hearts—and stomachs.

International Chefs Day is a salute to this relentless passion. It’s not just about fancy plates with tweezers-arranged microgreens (although, shoutout to that level of detail!). It’s about the people who stay up all night to feed hundreds, those who innovate with every bite, and those who take risks to make something unforgettable.

The Heroes Behind the Pandemic Kitchens

When the pandemic hit, the world stopped—but chefs kept cooking. While restaurants closed their doors, kitchens found new ways to serve. Virtual cooking classes took off, with chefs teaching home cooks how to make gourmet meals from their pantries. Delivery became a lifeline, and chefs—who are used to the buzz of a full dining room—kept the flame alive, bringing meals to our doors when we couldn’t step out.

Some even took things a step further. During these uncertain times, chefs rallied to feed frontline workers, communities in need, and those who couldn’t afford meals. Their knives didn’t just chop vegetables; they brought hope.

This Year’s Message: Health and Sustainability

This year, International Chefs Day comes with a powerful message: Healthy Food for the Future. Chefs across the globe are stepping up to encourage the next generation to embrace nutritious, sustainable eating. They’re showing us how we can enjoy incredible meals without harming the planet—whether that means reducing food waste, sourcing ingredients locally, or championing plant-based dishes.

This movement isn’t just trendy—it’s essential. Chefs, through their influence and platforms, are helping reshape how we think about food and the future. And they’re proving that “eating healthy” doesn’t mean boring or bland. It’s delicious, inspiring, and good for the planet.

Celebrate Like a Chef!

How can you celebrate International Chefs Day? Well, if you’re a food lover (which, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), here’s your excuse to go all out. Support your local restaurants, try a new dish, or even get adventurous in your own kitchen. And when you sit down to enjoy that plate of food, take a moment to appreciate the chef behind it.

Try out a recipe from a chef you admire. Or if you’re really feeling the love, order something extra fancy tonight and raise a glass to the culinary artists who make life just a little bit more flavorful.

On October 20th, let’s not just eat. Let’s feast. Let’s celebrate the world’s chefs—the ones who inspire, create, and, most importantly, keep us coming back for seconds Happy International Chefs Day!


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Matcha has found a strong fanbase in Delhi NCR, and the city’s café scene has fully embraced the trend. The Japanese green tea that has been enjoyed for centuries is now becoming a favourite among young consumers looking for something refreshing yet energising.

Unlike coffee, matcha is often known for providing a calmer and more steady energy boost without the sudden crash later in the day. The trend first gained popularity among Gen Z, and soon millennials followed, turning matcha into more than just a drink. Today, it has become a lifestyle choice, often associated with wellness and mindful living.

The matcha wave has also evolved beyond simple lattes. Cafés are experimenting with seasonal flavours and creative combinations, from fruity strawberry blends to refreshing coconut-based drinks. With so many options available, expectations for a good matcha experience have also grown. Across Delhi NCR, a few cafés are standing out for doing it particularly well.

Barista Coffee is one of the most accessible places to try matcha in the region. The brand introduced a special menu titled “Dhoom Matcha De,” bringing several variations of the drink to its customers. The range includes the Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Hot Latte. With outlets spread across Delhi NCR, Barista offers an easy entry point for those curious to explore matcha for the first time.

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Hinoki Slow Bar has quietly built a loyal following among matcha enthusiasts in Delhi. Founded by two friends, the café focuses on a slow and thoughtful preparation style. Each cup of matcha is freshly prepared in front of guests, allowing them to see the process up close. The menu includes both milk-based and water-based matcha drinks along with a selection of flavours and add-ons, making it a welcoming spot for both newcomers and regular visitors.

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Got Tea takes a slightly different route by sourcing its matcha directly from Japan. The quality of the ingredient is clearly noticeable in its drinks. One of its most popular offerings is the Strawberry Matcha, which features a house-made strawberry compote layered with vibrant matcha. The menu also includes options such as a citrus matcha tonic, a matcha blueberry blend, and even matcha-inspired baked goods. With most outlets open until midnight, it has become a reliable stop for matcha lovers at almost any time of the day.

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Espresso Anyday is known for its experimental menu and offers one of the more creative matcha selections in the region. In addition to classic lattes, the café serves drinks such as a coconut matcha float, matcha tonic, matcha slush, and a matcha americano for those looking to try something different. Among regulars, the Vanilla Ice Cream Matcha is particularly popular, combining creamy texture with well-balanced matcha flavours.

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Third Wave Coffee takes a simpler approach with a focused matcha menu. Its Japanese Matcha Latte, available both hot and iced, is widely appreciated for being smooth and not overly bitter, making it ideal for beginners. The café also serves a Strawberry Matcha Latte for those who enjoy a slightly fruity twist, while the Vanilla Matcha Bubble Tea offers a more playful option for customers in the mood for something different.

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As matcha continues to grow in popularity, cafés across Delhi NCR are refining how they serve the drink. Whether someone is exploring matcha for the first time or already enjoys it regularly, these cafés offer some of the city’s most interesting ways to experience this vibrant green beverage.


Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If Gadda Da Vida was already your go-to for sundowners in Mumbai, GDV 2.0 is about to give you even more reasons to show up. The beachfront restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has just launched a full culinary and cocktail reinvention,and it's a confident, coastal-forward step up from everything that came before it.

This isn't just a menu tweak. GDV 2.0 is a proper reimagination of what the space can be,leaning hard into the seafood-driven identity that a venue sitting right by the Arabian Sea honestly should have. The food is bolder, the cocktails are sharper, and the whole experience feels more alive and social while still holding on to the relaxed sundowner energy that made the place a favourite in the first place.

The Food - Coastal, Layered and Genuinely Exciting

The new menu reads like a tour of coastal flavours done with real finesse. Headlining the seafood section are dishes like Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée, and Miso Glazed Seabass,each one bringing something distinct to the table. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade and Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash round out a lineup that's as thoughtfully composed as it is satisfying.

For the table-sharing crowd, the shareable plates section is equally strong,Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers, and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside some genuinely interesting vegetarian options like Malvani Soy Tacos and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The kind of spread that makes ordering for the whole table actually fun.

Desserts close things out on a tropical high,Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta, and an Espresso Tiramisu that feels like the perfect full stop to a coastal meal.

The Cocktails - Built to Match

What sets GDV 2.0 apart from a standard menu relaunch is the intentional pairing of cocktails with the food. The drink menu has been designed to complement the seafood-forward dishes, with signature creations,Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret, and Plumnori each bringing layered aromatics and vibrant profiles to the mix. Progressive infusions and a strong element of mixology theatre add visual drama to the whole experience, turning what could be a regular evening out into something genuinely multisensory.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, explained the thinking behind it all,"With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations."

Sunset, seafood, cocktails with personality, and the Arabian Sea as your backdrop,GDV 2.0 makes a strong case for being Mumbai's most complete beachfront dining experience right now.

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