CHEF ANIRBAN DASGUPTA INSPIRES YOUNG CHEFS THROUGH CULINARY HISTORY AND SUSTAINABLE COOKING: Part-11.

Thursday, 27/08/2026: Chef Anirban Dasgupta believes that aspiring chefs must build their culinary careers on a strong foundation of knowledge, curiosity and respect for the origins of food. His message to budding chefs entering the hospitality industry is clear: technical cooking skills alone are not enough to become a successful culinary professional. A chef must understand culinary history and explore the food habits, traditions and eating cultures of different regions across the world. According to him, every cuisine carries a story shaped by geography, climate, local produce and generations of culinary wisdom. Understanding these traditions allows young chefs to develop a deeper connection with food while expanding their creativity and professional perspective. Chef Anirban encourages the next generation to remain lifelong learners who continuously explore the evolution of global cuisine and the cultural influences that have shaped the culinary world.

Onam Thali

Along with culinary history, Chef Anirban places significant importance on understanding farming and the journey of natural ingredients from the soil to the professional kitchen. He believes that chefs must develop greater awareness about the cultivation, seasonality and quality of the ingredients they use every day. This knowledge not only strengthens a chef’s relationship with food but also encourages more responsible and sustainable cooking practices. For Chef Anirban, respecting natural ingredients begins with understanding where they come from and recognising the effort involved in their production. He encourages young culinary professionals to look beyond the finished plate and appreciate the farmers, producers and natural resources that make every ingredient possible. This approach can help chefs make informed choices while promoting ingredient quality, sustainability and responsible kitchen practices in the hospitality industry.

Chef Anirban Dasgupta

Chef Anirban Dasgupta’s earliest culinary inspiration came from his mother and grandmother, both were the exceptional home cooks whose creativity left a lasting impression on him during his childhood. He watched them transform simple ingredients and food that might otherwise have been wasted into flavourful and memorable dishes. Their ability to practise resourceful cooking taught him an early lesson about creativity, sustainability and respect for food. Later, during his college years, his mentor Chef Arijit Sarkar played a significant role in encouraging him to pursue a professional career as a chef. The inspiration he received from his family and mentor helped shape his culinary journey and continues to influence his philosophy today. Through his experiences, Chef Anirban offers an important message to young chefs: learn from history, understand global food cultures, respect natural ingredients and never stop discovering the deeper stories behind the food you create.

INTERVIEWED AND PICTURE COURTESY BY: Chef Anirban Dasgupta.

INTERVIEW TAKEN BY: Khatibah Rehmat

(Senior Journalist).

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