Garima Arora, the trailblazing chef who became the first Indian woman to be awarded a Michelin star, has carved a unique space in the global culinary arena. In a candid conversation, the 39-year-old restaurateur behind acclaimed establishments like 'Gaa' and 'Banng' discussed her remarkable rise, the realities of work-life balance, and her cherished bonds with fellow chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar.
Beyond Gender: Excellence and Acknowledging Sexism
While Arora herself has been privileged to work in environments that respected her craft over her gender, she is unequivocal in her stance on the industry's broader issues. "Sexism does exist in the culinary world," she stated emphatically. She clarified that her personal experience of not facing direct discrimination does not negate a pervasive reality many women chefs navigate daily.
For Arora, the core of the matter is opportunity. "It's not about being a woman in a man's world. It's about doing the work and being given the same shot at excellence," she shared. As the first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star in 2018 and then secure a second in 2024, she feels a sense of responsibility. She hopes her journey can shift mindsets and inspire more women to pursue their culinary dreams without apology.
Curating Skies: The Qatar Airways Collaboration
Recently, Arora channeled her philosophy into a new venture, launching an Ayurveda-inspired business class menu for Qatar Airways. Available on flights from Doha to India, the menu will be refreshed every three months to highlight different facets of Indian cuisine.
"I wanted to share with the world the nuances of Indian vegetarian cooking and its many health benefits, especially while travelling," Arora explained. The menu is a personal homage, featuring an elegant take on chaat, a millet khichdi recipe from her grandmother, and thoughtful pickled accompaniments. She described the collaboration as organic, praising Qatar Airways for their deep commitment to showcasing Indian cuisine with authenticity and respect.
The Myth of Perfect Balance and the Power of a Village
Juggling the roles of a celebrated chef, business owner, and mother, Arora has a pragmatic view on balance. She calls the idea of perfect balance "a bit of a myth." Instead of striving for constant control, she relies heavily on her support system—her husband, parents, and dedicated team. "When people say 'it takes a village,' I say the village is built right into my kitchen," she remarked.
She acknowledges her privilege as a business owner in having the flexibility to integrate her family into her work life, like bringing her son to the restaurant in his early years. Her advice to other women is straightforward: build your circle, ask for help, and never apologise for making room for both ambition and motherhood.
Her daily routine reflects this disciplined yet balanced approach. She starts her days early, incorporates workouts 4-5 times a week, and follows a clean, largely low-carb diet focused on protein and fibre, while allowing herself guilt-free indulgences.
Cherished Bonds and Evolving Industry Norms
Speaking on her equation with celebrity chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar, Arora described a bond filled with playfulness, heartfelt support, and mutual inspiration. "We're always rooting for one another," she said, valuing the journey they've shared.
On the hospitality industry's gruelling hours, Arora noted a slow but crucial evolution. While acknowledging that 14-18 hour days were once the brutal norm, she sees a growing awareness against glorifying burnout. "If we want great talent to stay, if we want diversity in our kitchens, we need to stop expecting people to burn out to prove they belong," she asserted. She believes sustainable systems that support mental and physical health are essential for the industry's future.
Ultimately, what fuels Garima Arora is the work itself—the creativity, the rich tapestry of Indian ingredients, and the joy of building something honest. When challenges arise, she leans on her team, takes a step back, and draws perspective from motherhood, which has taught her to focus on what truly matters without chasing perfection.
