Acclaimed chef Rohit Ghai, one of the most influential figures in Britain’s Indian culinary scene, has returned with another bold gastronomic statement. His latest venture, Vatavaran, nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge, brings Himalayan fine dining to London with a level of finesse and imagination rarely seen in the capital.
After more than two decades of redefining Indian food in the UK, Ghai’s name is synonymous with innovation and excellence. He made his mark at some of London’s most celebrated establishments, including Gymkhana, Trishna, and Benares, and became the first Indian chef in the UK to earn a Michelin star in under a year for Jamavar in 2018. With Vatavaran—meaning "environment" or "atmosphere" in Hindi—Ghai shifts the focus from coastal and northern cuisines to the lesser-known yet deeply aromatic food of the Himalayan region.
From Curry Houses to Culinary Craftsmanship
The UK’s Indian dining culture has long been defined by the “curry house” experience—comforting but largely homogenised menus dominated by tikka masala, biryani, and naan bread. While these dishes have become British staples, Ghai’s mission has always been to expand the public’s perception of Indian cuisine beyond the familiar.
At Vatavaran, that vision is fully realised. The menu draws inspiration from the unique flavours of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Indian Himalayan belt, introducing dishes that celebrate the use of foraged herbs, fermented ingredients, and warming spices native to high-altitude regions. Think yak cheese dumplings with spiced tomato chutney, smoked trout with Himalayan salt, and wild mushroom khichdi cooked in clarified butter and served with crispy lentil fritters.
“I wanted to create a space that reflects the complexity of the Indian subcontinent—where the food tells a story and the ingredients evoke memory and place,” said Ghai at the restaurant’s soft launch earlier this month.
A Full-Sensory Experience with Shikhar
Complementing the culinary experience is Shikhar, Vatavaran’s cocktail bar, which takes its name from the Hindi word for “summit” or “peak.” Here, the drinks menu is no afterthought. House specials include gin infused with rhododendron, a flower found across the Himalayan range, and smoky cocktails served under glass domes to reflect the restaurant’s mountainous muse.
The interiors are equally evocative. Earth-toned walls, organic textures, and copper accents create a space that feels serene yet sophisticated, blending modern London elegance with subtle nods to Himalayan architecture and folklore. From the moment guests enter, they are transported to an elevated dining atmosphere—both literally and conceptually.
A Culinary Career Still Climbing
Despite the critical acclaim he’s received, Ghai remains as driven as ever. “Vatavaran is personal,” he said. “It’s about paying homage to regions that are underrepresented in fine dining. Indian food is not monolithic—it’s a mosaic.”
This restaurant follows his earlier ventures, including Kutir in Chelsea and Manthan in Mayfair, both of which received praise for their refined approach to Indian cuisine. But Vatavaran marks a noticeable shift—not just in ingredients and flavour profiles, but in intention. It is a space where Ghai seems freer to express creativity without compromise.
He is also set to release his book Yatra: A Culinary Journey Across India later this year, further exploring the diversity of Indian regional food. The book, much like Vatavaran, is expected to challenge and expand mainstream ideas about what Indian cuisine can be.
Reception and Cultural Impact
Londoners—both food critics and everyday diners—have already begun flocking to Vatavaran. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Ghai’s bold departure from the expected. It comes at a time when UK diners are increasingly curious about authenticity and regionality in global cuisines, moving away from watered-down interpretations toward food with deeper roots and stories.
For the South Asian diaspora in London, Vatavaran is more than just a high-end restaurant—it’s a cultural milestone. It signals a shift in how Indian heritage is represented and respected in the culinary world. It offers a sense of pride and possibility, especially for younger chefs looking to tell their own regional stories.
A New Era of Indian Cuisine in the UK
With Vatavaran, Rohit Ghai is not just opening a new restaurant—he’s opening a new chapter for Indian cuisine in Britain. At a time when food is one of the most visible expressions of cultural identity, Ghai’s meticulous approach feels not only timely but necessary.
Whether you're a food lover seeking something different, or part of a broader community invested in how South Asian culture is represented in Britain, Vatavaran offers a truly elevated experience—rooted in heritage, executed with heart, and designed to inspire.
More Information
You can visit Vatavaran's official website at https://vatavaran.uk.
The restaurant is located at 14–15 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1NQ.
To make a reservation, call +44 (0)20 4618 3971