CDirector Mayank Istwar lately entertained actor couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at his restaurant Musafar in New York and shared the images on social media, which instantly gained consideration. Chef Mayank spoke to indianexpress.com about internet hosting an influence couple with a chef’s tasting menu at Musaafer NYC. “The truth is, Ranveer and Deepika’s staff reached out to our reservations staff as they wished to convey the entire household collectively for a meal. This was additionally a belated celebration of Deepika’s fortieth birthday.”
Expressing his pleasure for the night’s soiree, Chef Mayank mentioned, “It was heat and welcoming. They had been appreciative, down-to-earth and honest.” enthusiastic In regards to the flavors and the tales behind the dishes. It bolstered my perception in easy, high-quality elements that spotlight the depth of a tradition. ”
Chef Mayank Istwal entertains Deepika Padukone and her household (Photograph: Mayank Istwal)Chef Mayank was personally current. Bajirao Mastani The actors recalled that the selection of meals was quite simple. “They favored what we prompt on the chef’s tasting menu and so they didn’t have any allergic reactions,” he mentioned.
Describing the dishes on supply, Chef Mayank mentioned that they included Achhapam, Tuna Masala Papad, Lychee Ceviche, Mithu’s Coriander Shrimp, Tandoori Lamb Chop, Nihari Biria Taco, Butter Hen Expertise, Lamb Chop Biryani, Particular Dhalm Surfer, Mishti Doi, Gulab and Rasmalai.
“They actually appreciated all of the dishes, however the ones that basically stood out had been the lychee ceviche (a favourite of each actors), tuna papad, tandoori lamb chops, cilantro shrimp, and the butter rooster expertise, the place we serve conventional pink butter rooster and my invention, inexperienced butter rooster made with tomatillo and serrano chili peppers.”
Tandoori Lamb Chop was a particular menu merchandise (Photograph: Mayank Istwal)
“In addition they loved dessert. We made a particular cake to rejoice Deepika’s belated fortieth birthday. And the suggestions was overwhelmingly constructive, with them raving about it.” modern It’s a basic with a twist,” says Chef Mayank.
Observe Chef Mayank’s journey
Chef Mayank, who hails from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, began his profession as a kitchen administration trainee on the luxurious boutique Devigarh Resort in Udaipur, the place he later turned a kitchen government.
“I used to be chosen by famend Australian restaurateur and culinary entrepreneur Chef Luke Mangan to run his high-quality eating restaurant Salt Grill on board his cruise ship,” he mentioned.
Throughout his youth in India, Chef Mayank mixed Ayurvedic information with seasonal spices to “invent wholesome spice blends.” Armed with this data, he traveled to the US and joined Musaafer when it first launched in Houston.
“To create a rigorously curated and actually genuine menu, I launched into a 100-day journey throughout 29 states of India. I found a whole lot of latest recipes and mixed them with modern parts to take Musafah Dinner on a luxurious and scrumptious culinary journey in a meticulously adorned house. The search for analysis by no means ends, so I made a decision to take a 2-day journey to Mexico Metropolis to find the traditions. “We additionally launched into a month-long culinary exploration journey, which took us additional afield in our new neighboring nations,” he recalled.
Mayank Istwal (Photograph: Public relations materials)
As a meals historian, he has traveled to many nations together with Australia, New Zealand, Italy, French Polynesia, Peru, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Nepal, South Pacific island nations, Turkey, Central Africa, UAE, West Africa, and Mexico.
Michelin licensed enterprise
Musaafer NYC, which opened in August 2025, is a brand new restaurant that builds on the success of its unique location in Houston, Texas. He presently serves as Culinary Director and Company Government Chef, splitting his time between Musafer’s Houston and New York places.
Apparently, Musurfer Houston was awarded a Michelin star for 2 consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, respectively. “This achievement is extremely rewarding. It’s a testomony to our staff’s exhausting work, innovation, and dedication to genuine Indian delicacies with a contemporary twist. That is the results of years of effort to refine our menu, supply the best elements, and create memorable eating experiences that mix custom and creativity,” mentioned Chef Mayank.
Why does New York Metropolis have so many Michelin-starred eating places? He mentioned New York Metropolis is “the best gastronomic metropolis on the planet when it comes to restaurant alternative and variety of choices.”
“Sadly, India does not have a Michelin Information but, but when it had been to occur, I feel many eating places would get stars. India is probably the most numerous nation on the planet, with so many superb dishes and sub-dishes. To realize one thing comparable, we want the introduction of a Michelin Information to guage and acknowledge Indian eating places, and steady innovation by cooks to raise conventional flavors globally,” mentioned Chef Mayank.
Musafer (Photograph: Public relations supplies)
Cope with work challenges and look to the long run
Chef Mayank’s philosophy is that with ardour, there are not any limits. “The one draw back is that at a time when the entire world is celebrating festivals, holidays and having fun with weekends, we try to present them an unforgettable expertise. This usually means being away from my household on necessary days. My manner of coping is at all times to make a little bit time with my household each time potential and make them really feel my presence throughout particular days, festivals and holidays,” he mentioned.
And what has his arms full? “I’m centered on increasing Musafar’s presence, exploring new spice blends, and launching pop-ups and collaborations in different cities to share Indian culinary traditions with extra folks,” he mentioned.
