Celebrity Indian Chef Ritu Dalmia in conversation with Gulf News: From marble business to global restaurateur

Celebrity Indian Chef Ritu Dalmia in conversation with Gulf News: From marble business to global restaurateur

Even today, if you ask me what my comfort food is, it's spaghetti with tomato sauce. I think it was a love affair that started when I was 10 years old. I'm 51 now and still going strong with this classic dish. When it comes to Indian comfort food, it is always curry chawal or dal chawal (lentil rice). Simplicity, as I said, is always the best.

3.What inspired you to specialise in Italian cuisine, and how do you perceive Indian flavours and cuisine?

I have been working in the restaurant industry for the past 30 years, starting from Italian cuisine to Indian. I began my career with Italian food, which has always been my first love. My first restaurant was Italian, followed by an Indian restaurant in London. Then, I eventually opened Cittamani in Milan, which was an Indian restaurant. Now, I am working with Atrangi [at Jumeirah Al Qasr], in Dubai.

Working with Indian cuisine has been a journey of self-teaching, and every day is a new learning experience. Indian food has made me work hard and has brought back my passion for cooking.

- Chef Ritu Dalmia



To put things into perspective, Indian food runs in my blood