Garima Arora and her work

 Garima Arora and her work

Garima Arora, born on November 9, 1988, in Mumbai, India, is a distinguished chef renowned for her significant contributions to the culinary world. Initially pursuing a career in journalism after obtaining a Bachelor of Mass Media from Jai Hind College, Mumbai, she soon realized her true passion lay in the culinary arts. This revelation led her to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned a Grand Diplôme in cuisine and patisserie in 2010.

Following her formal education, Arora honed her skills under the mentorship of globally acclaimed chefs. She interned at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in Dubai and later worked with René Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen, experiences that profoundly influenced her culinary philosophy. In 2015, she joined Chef Gaggan Anand's team in Bangkok as a sous chef, further enriching her expertise.

In April 2017, Arora embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by opening her own restaurant, Gaa, in Bangkok. Gaa offers a modern Indian fine dining experience, blending traditional Indian cooking techniques with locally sourced Thai ingredients. The restaurant quickly garnered international acclaim, earning its first Michelin star in November 2018, making Arora the first Indian woman to receive this honor. The accolades continued with Gaa securing the 16th spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019, and later achieving a second Michelin star in December 2023, solidifying its status as a culinary destination. 

Beyond her restaurant endeavors, Arora is committed to redefining the global perception of Indian cuisine. In 2019, she founded Food Forward India, a non-profit initiative aimed at exploring the future of Indian food through collaborative discussions and events. Her influence extended to Indian television in 2023 when she joined the judging panel of "MasterChef India" Season 7, becoming the first female chef to serve in this role on the show.

Arora's personal life is as fulfilling as her professional one. She is married to Rahul Verma, a pilot for Jet Airways, and together they have a son. Balancing motherhood with her demanding career, Arora continues to inspire many with her dedication, innovation, and passion for the culinary arts.