Garima Arora: The First Indian Woman Michelin Star Chef

Image Credit: Zee News

Garima Arora’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiration to aspiring chefs worldwide, especially women. Born on November 9, 1986, in Mumbai, she developed a love for cooking while assisting her mother in the kitchen. After a brief stint in journalism, Garima pursued her true passion for the culinary arts.

Her career took her to various restaurants in India and abroad, including the renowned Gaggan in Bangkok. Seeking to expand her knowledge, she earned a diploma in cuisine and patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

In April 2017, Garima opened her restaurant, in Bangkok, where she blends modern tasting menus with traditional Indian techniques. Her dedication paid off when her restaurant received a Michelin Star in November 2018, making her the first Indian woman chef to achieve this prestigious honor.

Garima’s culinary talent gained further recognition as her restaurant debuted at No. 16 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019, winning the Highest New Entry Award. She was also named Asia’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants the same year.

Beyond her culinary achievements, Garima launched Food Forward India in 2019 to promote the evolution of Indian cuisine. She even became the first female judge on MasterChef India.

Garima’s journey has been featured in magazines and television shows, garnering international acclaim. Her net worth is estimated at Rs 40 Crore, but her impact on the culinary world and empowerment of women is immeasurable.
-Re-reported from the article originally published in Zee News