CHEFS ON THE LOOSE

Here's How Pop-Ups, Takeovers, and Workshops Are Heating Up the Indian Culinary Scene

- SAKSHI MEHTA

In an era where culinary artistry is evolving faster than ever, food no longer remains confined to four walls. Across India, chefs and restaurateurs are embracing a dynamic trend - taking their unique dining experiences on the road through pop-ups, restaurant takeovers, and hands-on workshops.

This shift marks a growing demand from food enthusiasts who want more than just a meal; they seek a gastronomic adventure. From intimate gatherings to large-scale affairs, these events are transforming how we engage with food, making craft cuisine more accessible and immersive.

One of the driving forces behind this shift is the rising interest in hyper-local, artisanal cuisine, and the desire for curated experiences that transcend a restaurant's physical location. As Chaitanya Muppala, Founder of Manam Chocolate, explains, "The idea behind our Craft Chocolate Tasting and Profiling Workshop was simple: To give people an opportunity to realise what craft chocolate is through their palate and experience. After tasting seven or eight craft chocolates, once one industrial chocolate comes in, people realise that the difference is night and day." His workshops help bring notice to the nuances of Indian-grown cacao and challenge the notion that European chocolate is superior, proving that homegrown artisanal brands can compete on the world stage.