CHEF GARIMA ARORA (Gaa in Bangkok)
For someone fairly new to Thailand’s dining scene, Garima Arora, executive chef and co-owner of Gaa in Bangkok, is already making waves. Not only was she recently named Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2019, but she is also the first Indian female chef to receive a Michelin star back in 2018, just over a year after she opened Gaa. The Best Female Chef award recognises women whose passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit serve to inspire the next generation of cooks, and Garima Arora embodies it perfectly. The acclaimed chef changed the way the world thinks of Indian cuisine; “it’s not only about curries or naan” she says. Nevertheless, behind every dish there are cooking techniques based on centuries of Indian history; techniques that have crossed into Thailand and, over time, influenced much of Asia. It is these Indian techniques that are very much at the heart of her success and which she hopes to inspire the next generation of female Indian chefs.
THE TOP FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRENDS WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF FOR 2020:
PLANT-BASED CHEESE
For a few years now, plant-based foods have been a hot topic for beauty and foodie blogs. We think 2020 will be the year this trend goes mainstream and proves it’s here to stay. The shift towards plant-based eating has been largely fuelled by consumers’ concern regarding animal welfare, personal well-being and the health risks linked to eating red meat. Research revealed that there are many benefits associated with plant-based eating, including healthier skin and weight loss. Today’s consumers are also craving more creativity, flexibility, and variety in their diets, therefore experimenting with new products and replacing meals with plant-based combinations is the perfect solution. Until not so long ago, the focus of plant-based foods was mainly on meat and milk substitution, but as this trend continues to grow, expect to see your favourite foods become plant-based. Rumour has it, 2020 will be the year of vegan cheese, an exciting development that for sure will come with new tasty alternatives in the nearby future.
MOCKTAILS ARE THE NEW HOT DRINK
The days of settling for a San Pellegrino with lime are over, as non-alcoholic drinks make their way onto menus at bars and restaurants across the world. The current wave of wellness is clearly becoming more imprinted in our day to day lives and people are more aware of what they eat, how many calories they consume, and want to avoid hangovers at all cost; hence the rise in the trend of alcohol abstinence. For many years, alcohol-free drinks were restricted to juices, sodas and sparkling water, but as this exciting new trend continues to grow, we’re seeing a wide range of quality products appear such as blends of teas, coconut creams, fruit extracts, and a slew of different spices as well as alcohol-free beers, wines and liquors. Next time you’re out socialising, change your G&T for something a little more creative and alcohol free, and join the ever-growing “sober curious” movement.
