Even Bollywood's biggest stars, known for their disciplined lifestyles, have their favourite comfort food indulgences. For A-list actors Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, that treat is a soul-satisfying bowl of ramen, expertly crafted by their long-time private chef, Harsh Dixit.
Personalised Bowls for Bollywood Royalty
In a recent interview, Chef Harsh Dixit pulled back the curtain on how he customises the popular Japanese noodle dish for the two celebrities. He revealed that while the core love for ramen is shared, their taste preferences are distinctly different.
For Alia Bhatt, the chef's original chicken and pork ramen recipe was a hit. "Alia told me it transported her to her travels. That's the power of intentional food," Dixit shared with The Hollywood Reporter India. The dish served as a delicious reminder of her journeys.
Deepika Padukone, however, prefers her food with a serious kick. The actor specifically requested her noodles to be 'ultra-hot, extra spicy, and made with Miracle Noodles'. "It hit the spotlight for her, and she asked for a second," the chef recounted, highlighting her love for intense flavours.
The Chef's Strategy for Diverse Tastes
To expertly cater to both Alia's classic and Deepika's fiery palate, Chef Dixit employed a versatile approach. He prepared not one, but two distinct broths: a rich and creamy Tori Paitan and a lighter Shio Tare. For the noodles, he offered both traditional alkaline noodles and the low-carb Shirataki or 'Miracle Noodles'.
His signature twist lies in the seasoning. "Ramen usually includes a seasoning called tare made of miso or soy, but I like to season the broth directly instead," Dixit explained. This technique, he believes, creates a more integrated and impactful flavour, making his ramen a standout dish.
Making Ramen a Healthier Comfort Food
While ramen is often seen as a cheat meal, experts affirm it can be adapted for better nutrition without sacrificing taste. Fitness dietician Ashlesha Joshi of Tone 30 Pilates provides actionable tips for a healthier bowl.
The foundation is key. "Using a clear broth made from vegetables, chicken, or fish stock instead of packaged versions drastically reduces sodium," Joshi advises. She also recommends swapping refined noodles for whole wheat, soba, or millet alternatives to lower the glycaemic load and add fibre.
Loading the bowl with vegetables is a game-changer. "Including plenty of vegetables like bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, and carrots not only enhances nutrition but also adds volume," she notes, making the meal more filling with fewer calories. For flavour depth without excess salt, she suggests using umami-rich ingredients like miso, seaweed, or sesame oil.
The Spice Factor: Benefits and Cautions
Addressing Deepika Padukone's penchant for spice, Joshi explains that ingredients like chilli, black pepper, and ginger offer short-term metabolic benefits by slightly increasing body temperature and calorie burn. They can also aid digestion, enhance satiety, and trigger mood-lifting endorphins.
However, she issues a note of caution. Excessive, frequent consumption of very spicy food can irritate the stomach lining, trigger acid reflux, or worsen conditions like gastritis. "For most people, moderate spice levels are perfectly healthy and even beneficial; it's all about knowing your tolerance and balancing heat with gut-friendly ingredients like yoghurt, cucumber, or fresh herbs," Joshi concludes.
The journey from a chef's kitchen to a nutritionist's advice shows that even the most indulgent comfort foods, like the ramen loved by Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, can find a balanced place in a conscious diet with a few smart tweaks.
