MKT, The Chanakya, renowned for its global culinary exploration, unveils a new menu, a testament to its dedication to quality and innovation since its founding in 2018. Crafted with inventive flavors and contemporary twists, it showcases a symphony of fresh, seasonal ingredients and beloved classics, inviting diners on a journey through the world’s finest cuisines. Situated in the heart of the capital, MKT offers a diverse range of international cuisines, including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, European, Mexican, and Indian coastal specialties. This meticulously curated selection further accentuates the diner’s experience, reflecting MKT’s commitment to inclusivity with a variety of dietary options.
Corporate Chef Dharmen Makawana emphasizes the celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and innovative techniques, creating modern cuisine that remains true to its origins while surprising the palate. Assistant Vice President Rachit Dang echoes the excitement, highlighting the culinary innovation and unparalleled dining experiences. The Lunch and Dinner Menus present a diverse array of scintillating global flavors, from zesty ‘Hamachi Crudo’ to indulgent ‘Birria-Style Lamb Barbacoa’ and classic ‘Tomato Poached Chilean Sea Bass’.
Executive Sous Chef Rinki Saha and her team infuse each dish with artful finesse, tantalizing taste buds with creations like Yuzu Compressed Watermelon Salad, Crispy Tuna Rice, and Ghewar Chaat with Avocado. MKT promises an unforgettable dining journey, blending authenticity with excitement. We talk to her about the new menu and what inspired it:
1. What inspired the creation of this new menu?
After six years of offering the same menu, we recognized the need for a refreshing change that aligns with current dietary trends and reflects seasonal ingredients. Our goal was to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation, offering dishes that people already know and love while adding modern twists to enhance their dining experience. Take, for instance, our Paniyaram dish, a traditional favourite elevated by the addition of Parmesan Moilee. This unexpected pairing brings a new dimension to the dish, earning praise from our guests. Overall, we aim to provide a menu that excites our patrons, caters to diverse dietary needs, and reflects our commitment to culinary excellence.
2. Could you walk us through the process of developing and testing the dishes on this menu?
Developing and testing the dishes on our new menu was a meticulous process that involved thorough research and experimentation. We embarked on an extensive journey of market research, both domestically and internationally, to understand emerging culinary trends and sourcing opportunities from suppliers. This phase was crucial in ensuring that our menu offerings were not only innovative but also aligned with market availability and customer preferences.
Additionally, menu development is inherently iterative, requiring numerous trials and errors to refine each dish to perfection. Over a period of six months, our dedicated team of chefs conducted rigorous testing, refining recipes, adjusting flavours, and fine-tuning presentations until we were satisfied with the final product.
3. What are the key flavours or ingredients that customers can expect to experience in this new menu?
In our new menu, customers can expect a delightful fusion of flavours from across the globe, encompassing European, Asian, and Indian culinary influences. We’ve introduced a variety of exciting new ingredients to tantalize the taste buds, including succulent Lamb Chops sourced from Australia, premium Seabass from Chile, and delicate Scallops from Hokkaido. These ingredients have been carefully selected to bring a touch of international flair to our dishes, offering our guests an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrate the diversity of flavours from around the world.
4. How does this menu reflect current food trends or customer preferences?
With a keen awareness of the growing demand for vegan and healthy food options, we’ve carefully curated our menu to include a diverse selection of dishes that cater to these dietary preferences. From plant-based delights to nutritious offerings, each item on our menu has been thoughtfully crafted to provide our guests with satisfying and wholesome dining experiences. By offering a range of options that align with contemporary dietary preferences, we aim to ensure that every guest finds something to enjoy, regardless of their culinary preferences or restrictions.
5. Are there any unique cooking techniques or equipment used in preparing dishes on this menu?
In crafting our new menu, we pride ourselves on embracing a wide array of innovative cooking techniques to elevate the dining experience. From traditional methods to cutting-edge approaches, our culinary artisans employ a diverse range of techniques to bring out the best in every dish. Whether it’s the meticulous art of tomato poaching for our Tomato Poached Chilean Sea Bass or the modern flair of Yuzu Compressed Watermelon Salad, each dish showcases our commitment to culinary excellence through the skilful application of various cooking methods.
6. Can you highlight any dishes on the menu that you think will be particularly popular or standout?
Each dish has been designed and curated with utmost care and dedication by our talented culinary team at MKT. From the vibrant flavours of our signature salads to the indulgent richness of our decadent desserts, every item on our menu has the potential to leave a lasting impression on our guests. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into creating a menu that embodies excellence in every bite, and I am confident that our guests will appreciate the dedication and passion that have gone into crafting each dish.
7. Are there any challenges you faced while creating this menu, and how did you overcome them?
Given the diverse range of ingredients sourced from various suppliers, maintaining a consistent supply chain posed a logistical challenge. To address this, we established close relationships with our suppliers and conducted thorough market research to identify reliable sources for each ingredient.
8. What do you hope customers will take away from their dining experience with this new menu?
We aspire to offer our guests an unforgettable dining experience that transcends the ordinary. We hope that diners will embark on a culinary journey that delights their senses and leaves a lasting impression. From the vibrant flavours of our seasonal dishes to the innovative twists on classic favourites, we aim to evoke joy, excitement, and satisfaction with every bite. Moreover, we seek to foster a sense of connection and discovery, inviting guests to explore the diverse array of global cuisines showcased on our menu. Ultimately, we hope that our guests leave MKT feeling inspired, nourished, and eager to return for another memorable dining experience.
9. Can you describe the balance between innovation and maintaining familiar flavours in this new menu?
Achieving the delicate balance between innovation and maintaining familiar flavours was a central focus in the development of our new menu. While we aimed to introduce fresh and contemporary elements to elevate the dining experience, we were equally committed to honour beloved classics and ensuring a sense of comfort and familiarity for our guests. Our approach involved extensive market research and collaboration with our culinary team to identify emerging trends while respecting traditional flavours that our patrons cherish. By infusing traditional dishes with modern twists and introducing innovative combinations of ingredients, we were able to strike a harmonious balance that appeals to both adventurous palates and those seeking the comfort of familiar flavours.
10. Are there any sustainability or ethical considerations that influenced the selection of ingredients for this menu?
At MKT, The Chanakya, sustainability and ethical sourcing are integral pillars of our culinary ethos. In curating our menu, we place a strong emphasis on selecting ingredients that are not only of the highest quality but also align with our commitment to environmental responsibility. We prioritize locally sourced produce, ensuring that our ingredients are as fresh and sustainable as possible. By sourcing ingredients locally, we reduce our carbon footprint and support local farmers and producers, contributing to the vitality of our community. Additionally, we strive to incorporate ethically sourced ingredients throughout our menu, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and respect for the environment.