Chef Garima Arora has had quite the journey, making waves in the culinary world with her innovative take on food. Her accolades speak for themselves, with two Michelin Stars to her name - an extraordinary achievement for any chef, but especially for Chef Arora, who was the first Indian woman to earn such a distinction. Her impact on the global food scene has been significant, and her talent continues to shine brightly. But beyond her impressive career, she is now balancing the excitement of motherhood as she prepares to welcome her second child. Yet, despite this monumental personal milestone, she's still delivering excellence in the kitchen, proving that her passion for food and dedication to her craft is unwavering.
Now, Chef Arora has set her sights on India with her latest venture: Banng, a sleek new restaurant in Gurugram that brings the vibrant flavours of Bangkok right to your doorstep. The concept of Banng is a refreshing and bold take on Thai cuisine, reflecting Chef Arora's distinctive style of blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. The restaurant offers a dynamic dining experience that's hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Cheg Garima Arora and Riyaaz Amlani
Banng itself is a visual treat, with sleek, modern interiors that complement the adventurous flavours it serves. There's a definite buzz surrounding the restaurant, with word already spreading about the elevated dining experience. And it's not hard to see why - this is no run-of-the-mill Thai restaurant. Chef Arora's hand is clearly visible in every dish, creating an exciting fusion of authenticity and innovation.
Tom Kha Pani Puri, for example, is a playful take on the classic street food, with chilled coconut broth, white oyster mushrooms, and herbs served in delicate puris. It's both refreshing and indulgent, and a perfect example of Chef Arora's ability to reinvent familiar flavours with a twist. The Thai Fried Chicken, served with mayo and makwaen pepper salt, is another standout, with crispy, juicy chicken balanced by the complex spice of the dipping sauce.
Tom Kha Pani Puri
For something a bit more substantial, the Banng 'Ing Thai Omelet is a must-try. A favourite in Bangkok, this omelette is served with Chinese celery and a sweet, sour, and spicy dressing, along with caramelised onions and optional add-ins like pork or crab. The flavours meld beautifully together, offering a satisfying balance of textures and tastes.
Other dishes like the Bangkok Yang and Isaan Smashed Potato are equally impressive. The Bangkok Yang features grilled eringi mushrooms or chicken paired with coconut relish and spicy Thai dipping sauce, while the Isaan Smashed Potato is a fresh, zingy salad of mint, coriander, sweet basil, and shallots. It's refreshing and a lovely contrast to the heartier dishes on the menu.
Bangkok Yang and Isaan Smashed Potato
If you're a fan of fried rice, Banng's Ting Tong, Crazy Fried Rice will not disappoint. Smoky, spicy, and topped with crispy mee krob rice noodles, it's the ultimate comfort food with a twist. For those craving noodles, the Pad See Ew is a stir-fried delight featuring fat rice noodles and Chinese kale, with the option of adding chicken for extra flavour.
The desserts at Banng are just as captivating. The Coconut Ice Cream with Khanom Bueang Waffle Shells is an interactive treat, allowing you to top your own DIY ice cream taco with toppings like nata de coco, palm seeds, and peanut butter. Meanwhile, the Lod Chong Bingsu is a milky snow topped with whipped coconut cream, pandan noodles, and sweet coconut sauce - a perfect way to end the meal on a cool, refreshing note.
Coconut Ice Cream
Pairing these dishes with Banng's cocktails is a must. The Get Salaky, made with dry gin, salted jasmine vermouth, and Thai preserved fruits, offers a wonderfully aromatic start to the meal. If you're in the mood for something a little bolder, the Pat Pong Ping Pong, with spicy tamarindello, tequila, and Thai tamarind candy, is a thrilling mix of sweet, sour, and spice that keeps you coming back for more.
But what really sets Banng apart is Chef Arora's personal touch. Her passion for authentic Thai flavours shines through in every dish, while her innovative approach adds a modern flair that elevates the experience. It's clear that this restaurant isn't just about serving food; it's about telling a story, sharing a piece of her journey, and taking diners on a culinary adventure.
Whether you're in the mood for something fresh, spicy, or comforting, Banng offers an experience that's anything but ordinary. If Chef Arora's track record is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of her impressive culinary journey in India. And we can't wait to see what she cooks up next.
In the meantime, Banng is proving to be one of the most exciting additions to India's food scene in recent years.
Where: DLF Horizon Center, Gurgaon
Price: RS 3,500 for two
About Shubham BhatnagarYou can often find Shubham at a small authentic Chinese or Italian restaurant sampling exotic foods and sipping a glass of wine, but he will wolf down a plate of piping hot samosas with equal gusto. However, his love for homemade food trumps all.