A New Moment for Indian Cuisine When Chef Garima Arora became the first Indian woman to receive a Michelin star, it marked more than just a milestone — it signaled a powerful shift in how Indian cuisine is perceived worldwide. Her restaurant Gaa in Bangkok blends emotion, memory, and modern technique — while remaining rooted …
When Chef Garima Arora became the first Indian woman to receive a Michelin star, it marked more than just a milestone — it signaled a powerful shift in how Indian cuisine is perceived worldwide.
Her restaurant Gaa in Bangkok blends emotion, memory, and modern technique — while remaining rooted in Indian heritage. Her journey shows that Indian cuisine can be elegant, global and progressive — without losing cultural depth.
Garima grew up in Mumbai in a middle-class family where traditional career paths were encouraged. But food fascinated her — not just as flavour, but as experience.
Choosing culinary school meant long shifts, pressure-filled kitchens and endless learning. But she embraced the uncertainty — driven by curiosity and ambition.
Garima worked in global institutions — including the iconic Noma in Copenhagen — where she learned precision, discipline and creative respect for ingredients.
This period shaped her culinary philosophy:
food should tell a meaningful story.
When Garima opened Gaa, she brought together:
The result was food that felt comforting yet surprising.
Soon after — came the Michelin star.
It wasn’t just personal recognition — it was a breakthrough moment for Indian women chefs everywhere.
Garima believes Indian cuisine deserves respect for its heritage — not imitation of western models. Her menus are intuitive, emotional, layered — and respectful of local produce.
Her philosophy blends:
Indian — but universal.
Professional kitchens are demanding. Leadership roles for women are still rare. Garima’s journey inspires thousands of young chefs — showing that precision and empathy can coexist in leadership.
She is not just a chef —
She is representation, motivation and movement.
Because she proves that success doesn’t require abandoning your roots.
It requires elevating them.
Her journey is about courage — belief — and craft.
