Meet the chef: Chef Rana from The Bawarchi Indian Restaurant, Bangkok

Chef Rana is the Executive Chef at The Bawarchi Indian Restaurant, Bangkok, as well as corporate chef for the Bawarchi Group of Restaurants.
A multiple award winner, including the Executive Chef Award by various hospitality groups in India and Thailand, Chef Rana, brings over 18 plus years of culinary expertise to the Bawarchi name.

​Best meal you’ve ever had?
Every time my mum cooks something basic like dahl on rice, I feel so blessed
 
Best meal you’ve ever cooked?
Whenever I infused Indian with any other cuisine, it brings the best out of me. One time, I cooked Tandoori tomyum goong .... I think it was fabulous
 
What’s your cooking philosophy?
I love it when all the flavours fight together and blend in this perfect marriage of taste. That’s my core philosophy
 
What’s your signature dish?
Sikindari raan (hind leg of lamb) is my personal favourite
 
Favorite cookbook?
Till now none, no fav cookbook
 
Most difficult ingredient to cook with?
Cream
 
How do you keep in touch with latest food trends?
It’s talking to customers that I learn the latest trends
​
Have you ever created an entirely new dish? What is it?
Desi Prawn Curry. There is a roadside Thai restaurant where I always eat gaeng kai. Taking those flavors, I merge them with Indian spices, and use prawn, jaggery and cream.
 
Which celebrities have you cooked for?
I will keep it confidential, but it includes a few Bollywood stars, and members of parliament from several countries

​Who would you like to cook for?
My dearest mum.I would like to reciprocate the goodness she brought to me. All the blessings I received from her amazing cooking
 
Which restaurant above all others would you like to work for?
I want to open my own restaurant by the beach, in Saint Martin. That’s my dream
 
 

Greatest achievement to date?
When my restaurant received an award in India, as Best Indian Restaurants overseas. That was my proudest moment
 
Utensils you can’t do without?
My pure brass pot which I use to make my dahl makhani

Most influential chef?
Imitiaz Qurehhi, a famous chef in India, who single handedly changed my whole life and my perspective on Indian food
 
Biggest mistake when you were a junior chef?
My chef asked me for lemon tea, and I made a cup of Indian milk tea.... and squeezed a lemon in it. Safe to say, it was not my day

Music you listen to while cooking?
I listen to jazz a lot
 
Best advice you’ve ever received?
I always make my own masala
 
Favorite dish cooked by someone else?
Paneer Puri served on a Bombay road side. I always marvel at the simplicity of this dish
 
Your preference - Indian or French? Indian or Chinese? Thai or Indian?
Roadside Indian food is my preference.
 
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
I will think about it when I get there. Right now, I am very happy where I am
 
What’s next for you?
Awards for my team here in Bawarchi, I hope to win a few for them. Their
dedication and commitment humble me

Currently, Chef Rana can most often be found at Bawarchi Chitlom, hosting dinner parties for visiting dignitaries, diplomats and celebrities, from India and Thailand.

Intercontinental Hotel (President Tower Arcade) B-level 973 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Tel. +662 656 0102-3