New Delhi: India’s vibrant culinary culture witnessed a turning point last evening, as “Culinary Culture”— the independent authority on food, co-founded by Vir Sanghvi and Sameer Sain, and led by CEO Raaj Sanghvi—brought global gastronomic royalty to the capital. In a landmark partnership with The Oberoi, New Delhi and Don Julio, the organization hosted the first ever India showcase by Disfrutar, Barcelona—currently ranked No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants—making it an unforgettable occasion for the country’s culinary community.
At the heart of this invite-only gathering was Oriol Castro, Disfrutar’s charismatic Head Chef and Co-Owner. Revered worldwide for spirited innovation and uncompromising craftsmanship, Chef Castro delivered an immersive masterclass, demystifying the theatrical, boundary-pushing techniques that have set Disfrutar apart as a singular force in contemporary cuisine.
A Gathering of Culinary Trailblazers
The event, housed in the elegant ballroom of The Oberoi, New Delhi, attracted a galaxy of India’s top chefs, restaurateurs, F&B professionals, culinary executives and passionate food aficionados. Curated as part of Culinary Culture’s renowned Culinary Exchange series—whose past editions have starred legends like Massimo Bottura, Heston Blumenthal, and Alain Ducasse—the evening offered attendees something truly rare: direct engagement with the creative mind behind one of the planet’s most influential restaurants.
“This is a privilege for India’s culinary community. Having Chef Oriol Castro and the Disfrutar ethos here not only bridges gastronomic lands, but sets new benchmarks for creativity and collaboration,” said Vir Sanghvi, opening the session.
Unveiling the Disfrutar Philosophy
Chef Castro’s demonstration enthralled attendees. In a captivating display of avant-garde technique and artistic imagination, he revealed the making of signature Disfrutar dishes. Attendees marveled as traditional Spanish ingredients were transformed—sometimes through liquid nitrogen, sometimes via intricate molecular manipulation—into multisensory narratives, balancing taste, aroma, texture, and visual drama.
“India is one of the world’s greatest culinary cultures, and unfortunately one place we have not had an opportunity to visit—until now. We are grateful for the invitation to showcase a little of what we do at Disfrutar in Barcelona. I’m excited to visit New Delhi, discover India’s cuisine, and take back inspiration with us. Thank you to Culinary Culture, The Oberoi, and Don Julio for making this possible,” expressed Chef Oriol Castro, as he dived into the interactive session.
Founded in 2014 by Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas—all alumni of the legendary elBulli—Disfrutar is widely regarded as the modern standard-bearer of culinary innovation, where artistic intuition meets hard science to push gastronomic boundaries.
A Philosophical Exchange
The event’s highlight came during an in-depth conversation between Vir Sanghvi and Chef Castro. Addressing the ongoing debates over molecular gastronomy, Castro commented, “At the end of the day, it is not the scientists, but the chefs who are creating change. It’s all about how much emotion and heart you pour into your work, not just the science and methods. That’s what truly defines success.”
A question about the culture of secrecy among top chefs versus Disfrutar’s passionate advocacy for openness prompted a warm response. “We come from a school of thought that believes sharing is the highest form of achievement. If today chefs around the world can put Spanish cuisine on the map, it is because of sharing—ideas, recipes, inspiration. When we give, we all grow,” Castro explained, striking a chord with the captivated audience.
Talking on the occasion, Abhishek Panshikar, Vice President and General Manager, The Oberoi, New Delhi reflects, “We are delighted to partner with Culinary Culture to bring Disfrutar, the reigning World’s No. 1 restaurant to India. As we celebrate 60 years of The Oberoi, New Delhi, we are curating a series of exceptional experiences. What better way to begin this milestone year than by hosting Disfrutar at our iconic hotel,”
An Inspiring, Flavorful Finale
The evening wound down with lively networking exchanges, Q&A sessions, and opportunities for audience to interact with their idols. The feast—curated exclusively for the occasion—paired inventive canapés with exquisite Don Julio pours, creating a heady atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.
Also in attendance were titans of India’s restaurant scene, prominent food writers, and rising stars from F&B schools, all united in one sentiment: this session was indeed transformative.
By bringing the world’s best to India, Culinary Culture continues to set the stage for dialogue, discovery, and the evolution of what modern Indian gastronomy can be.
