ATUL KOCHHAR
Founder, Benares

Born in Jamshedpur, eastern India, Atul was trained and worked at the Oberoi Hotel Group in New Delhi where he established himself as one of the leading chefs of his generation. His reputation brought him to London in 1994 where he was appointed head chef at Tamarind restaurant, in Mayfair. By the age of 31, he had become the first Indian chef to be awarded the coveted Michelin star.

Benares represents Atul's most ambitious venture to date, with a menu that reflects his passion for food from all areas of India and a setting to rival the most elegant of restaurants in London. Never complacent with the quality of his work, he returns to his homeland whenever possible to research new recipes and ingredients.

Renowned for the vibrancy of his food and the subtlety of his spice mixes, Atul is scrupulously faithful to the origins of each recipe. The presentation may lean towards modern European, but the heart of each dish can be traced to individual households across India.

The acclaimed cookbook Indian Essence, a collection of strikingly original and beautifully presented recipes, is the product of one such trip and he is currently working on a second book on Indian vegetarian food.

His recipes have appeared widely in magazines and newspapers, and he demonstrates regularly on food shows in the UK and abroad. He lives in west London with his wife, daughter and new-born son.

(Atul Kochhar) Benares Restaurant, 12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BS. Tel. 020 7629 8886, Fax. 020 7499 2430 www.benaresrestaurant.com

BOOKS BY ATUL KOCHHAR

INDIAN ESSENCE By Atul Kochhar Published in Hardback (2004) By Quadrille Publishing Limited 160 Pages, ISBN 184400077X Guide Price: £18.99 Click here to buy this book today!

Atul Kochhar is one of London’s most exciting chefs. In Indian Essence he shares his passion for Indian food, for the rich variety of this fascinating cuisine. Atul’s style of cooking is contemporary and his enticing recipes reflect the diversity of modern Indian food, with its vibrant colours and intriguing blends of flavours. The emphasis here is on fresh ingredients, carefully balanced spices and simple culinary techniques.

‘SIMPLE INDIAN – The Fresh Taste of Indian New Cuisine’ By Atul Kochhar Published in Paperback (2004) By Quadrille Publishing Ltd 160 Pages, ISBN 1844001512 Guide Price: £14.99 Click here to buy this book today!

Simple Indian is a contemporary cookbook that reflects the diversity of modern Indian food, the vibrant colours and the intriguing blends of flavours. Simple Indian is a hands-on guide to cooking Indian food at home, with the emphasis on fresh ingredients, carefully balanced spices and simple culinary techniques. The recipes originating from all parts of India, are drawn from dishes cooked in Indian homes and restaurants, and from the exciting array of Indian street foods.

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