An Unique Interview with Chef Yugal Sharma, Assistant Indian Grasp Chef at The Royal Afghan, ITC Grand Bharat
On this unique interview, Chef Yugal Sharma, Assistant Indian Grasp Chef at The Royal Afghan, ITC Grand Bharat, shares his ardour for genuine Indian delicacies.
He delves into the artistry of conventional flavors, grilling mastery, and the heritage-inspired culinary excellence that defines certainly one of India’s most iconic fine-dining locations.
What impressed you to pursue a profession in culinary arts, and the way did you start your journey as a chef?
Chef Yugal Sharma: My inspiration to pursue a profession in culinary arts got here from my early recollections within the household kitchen, the place meals was extra than simply nourishment — it was a approach of bringing folks collectively.
Rising up in Madhubani, I used to be surrounded by genuine flavours and conventional cooking methods that sparked my curiosity about meals.
Later, an in depth pal who had accomplished lodge administration inspired me to comply with this path professionally. His steering gave me the boldness to show my ardour right into a profession, and that’s how my culinary journey actually started.
How would you describe your cooking fashion, and what makes it distinctive?
Chef Yugal Sharma: I might describe my cooking fashion as rooted but refined. My method is to protect the authenticity of conventional recipes whereas presenting them with steadiness, approach, and a contact of magnificence.
I concentrate on the purity of substances, managed use of spices, and the concord of textures. What makes it distinctive is the intent — to let each dish inform a narrative, connecting the diner emotionally to the origin and soul of the delicacies.
How do you steadiness conventional recipes with fashionable presentation methods?
Chef Yugal Sharma: For me, custom kinds the muse, whereas presentation is the bridge that connects the previous with the current. I respect the core flavours, cooking strategies, and substances of conventional recipes however reimagine their kind by way of considerate plating and fashionable culinary aesthetics.
The purpose is to boost the visible and sensory expertise with out compromising authenticity — as a result of whereas the presentation evolves, the soul of the dish should stay intact.
Which dishes are most carefully related together with your signature contact?
Chef Yugal Sharma: Barrah Kebab, Sikandari Raan, and Dal Bukhara are dishes the place my signature contact comes by way of most clearly.
Every displays the essence of North-West Frontier delicacies — gradual cooking, smoky aromas, and sturdy marinades — however refined with meticulous approach and a spotlight to element.
My purpose is at all times to spotlight the depth of flavour whereas guaranteeing every dish carries an expertise that lingers past the meal.
What are a number of the greatest challenges you face in sustaining culinary excellence at a luxurious resort setting?
Chef Yugal Sharma: Consistency is the best problem and a very powerful duty in a luxurious setting.
Each visitor expects perfection, and sustaining that customary day by day requires fixed consideration to element, coaching, and teamwork.
Sourcing the best substances, guaranteeing freshness, and preserving the authenticity of recipes throughout a number of service hours are ongoing challenges. Nevertheless, I see these as alternatives — to innovate, mentor, and elevate the eating expertise constantly.
How do you guarantee each visitor enjoys an genuine and memorable eating expertise?
Chef Yugal Sharma: We concentrate on personalization and authenticity. Each dish is crafted with precision — from the marination course of to the ultimate flame — guaranteeing the flavours stay true to their origin.
We additionally interact with visitors to know their preferences and create moments that really feel tailor-made and real. A memorable eating expertise, for my part, isn’t just about nice meals; it’s about making a connection — one which visitors carry with them lengthy after their meal.
What recommendation would you give to younger aspiring cooks aiming to work in luxurious hospitality?
Chef Yugal Sharma: My recommendation could be to remain affected person, curious, and humble. Be taught the basics nicely earlier than chasing developments. Respect each ingredient, each course of, and each alternative to be taught — as a result of mastery within the kitchen comes from repetition and reflection.
Luxurious hospitality calls for not simply ability but in addition self-discipline, consistency, and empathy. Above all, cook dinner with ardour — once you love what you do, excellence naturally follows.
Chef Yugal Sharma’s culinary journey celebrates India’s wealthy gastronomic traditions whereas embracing innovation.
His dedication to taste, approach, and authenticity continues to raise The Royal Afghan’s legacy, inspiring meals lovers to expertise the soulful essence of Indian delicacies. By his craft, he proves that cooking isn’t just artwork—it’s a approach of preserving tradition.
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