28/08/2026
The first time we were approached by a new customer through a reference from one of our old customers, it was for a very special occasion — a family coming together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. We were asked to cater the food, with one important consideration: the menu had to be Jain.
For a kitchen like mine, which is perhaps better known for its non-vegetarian offerings, this was certainly an interesting challenge. Creating a menu that respected the principles and preferences of Jain cuisine, while still staying true to the kind of food we love to create, required a little thought, quite a bit of back and forth, and a lot of enthusiasm.
Vegetarian food isn't unfamiliar territory for us, though. My brother has been vegetarian since he was 16, a choice he made out of his deep concern for animal welfare. And as for me, I have always believed that great food is great food, regardless of whether there is meat on the plate. In fact, no meal of mine feels complete without vegetables — the meat is entirely optional.
More than anything, I see every new request as an opportunity to learn, experiment and push our own boundaries. And I have never been particularly fond of saying no to a client when there is a genuine effort we can make to bring their vision to life.
So, after a few conversations and some careful consideration, we put together a menu that worked within the requirements while still carrying our own touch.
And voila — I think we can safely say it was a success.
Sometimes, the most unexpected challenges turn into the most rewarding experiences.
