The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore announces the official launch of Zarqash, a reimagined culinary destination, under the mentorship of none other than Michelin-starred Chef Rohit Ghai, marking his long-awaited debut in India. Celebrated internationally for his mastery in progressive Indian dining, Chef Ghai brings his unique culinary philosophy to India, setting the stage for an extraordinary new chapter in the dining landscape.
Sharing his excitement on the launch, Reuben Kataria, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, says, “It is an honor to bring Zarqash to life under the mentorship of Chef Rohit Ghai. His food is soulful, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in Indian traditions, yet presented with a contemporary artistry that sets new benchmarks for dining in Bangalore. We believe Zarqash will become a landmark for guests seeking both comfort and culinary adventure.”
Food Menu Highlights:
Rooted in North-West Indian culture and redefined through a new lens, Zarqash comes from the concept of ‘embellished with gold’, reflecting a rich tapestry of heritage, artistry, and modern elegance. Guests can expect a symphony of bold, authentic tastes layered with a contemporary edge, where every dish is designed to tell a story.
The menu showcases Chef Ghai’s signature approach- rooted in nostalgia, elevated with refinement. The journey begins with playful small plates such as the Khaman Dhokla Apple—a whimsical twist on the Gujarati classic, the Lamb Shami Kebab with Churchur Paratha and Bone Marrow, and the Amritsari Fish elevated with Harissa and Turnip pickle. The Charred Salmon Tikka with Mooli textures delivers a perfect balance of smokiness and freshness, while vegetarian grills like the Edamame and Asparagus Seekh and Tandoori Morels with Broccoli showcase Chef Ghai’s flair for plant-forward creativity.
The mains pay homage to India’s soulful classics, reinterpreted with depth and refinement. Highlights include the indulgent Murgh Kala Masala, slow-cooked with burnt spices and bone marrow; the Lucknowi fish salan layered with yogurt and brown onion richness; and the Lamb Shank Nihari, braised to perfection with Kashmiri chilli and purple potato chokha. Vegetarian diners will revel in the Cauliflower Steak Makhani and Palak Paneer, both prepared with Ghai’s signature precision. And for a feast that speaks to his Punjabi roots, the Raan Sikandari—a slow-cooked kid goat finished with gold leaf—is an unforgettable showstopper. For a sweet finale, the Trio of Classics—gulab jamun, shrikhand, and besan ladoo—celebrates timeless indulgence with elegance.
Tasting Menu:
Zarqash will also offer a thoughtfully curated tasting menu that celebrates local ingredients with inventive techniques, presenting both vegetarian and non-vegetarian journeys. The experience balances classic Indian flavors with modern interpretations, ending on a sweet, indulgent note.
Seeing his vision come to life, Chef Rohit Ghai says, “Bringing my culinary journey back to India has always been a dream, and I couldn’t have imagined a better home for this debut than The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. Finding the right partner mattered deeply to me- one that resonates with my belief in quality, style, and true luxury- and I found that alignment here in abundance. I’m truly excited to welcome guests and share with them a modern yet soulful interpretation of Indian cuisine, crafted to be both memorable and meaningful.”
Beverage Program:
Complimenting the indulgent culinary offerings, a well-curated beverage menu will highlight artisanal cocktails inspired by the Silk Route, boutique wines, and modern reinterpretations of traditional Indian beverages- crafted to harmonize perfectly with the flavors on the plate.
We call it the ‘ Silks of India – Cocktails Woven Like Stories ’
From the golden boldness of Benarasi Resham, where smoky mezcal, tamarind, and passion fruit shimmer, to the deep contrasts of Kanchipuram Weave, blending coffee, whisky, and chocolate, the collection celebrates artistry in liquid form. Mysore Glow brings regal warmth with saffron and mushroom-laced whisky, while Patola Prism mirrors ikat precision in a curry leaf–kissed gin martini. Chanderi Charm reimagines a Negroni with betel leaf and coconut, while Baluchari Tales tells a story of vodka, mango, and sesame. The festive Pochampally Sun layers rum with saffron, rose, and clarified milk, and Muga Twilight captures Assam’s silk in a bittersweet rose highball. Together, these cocktails form a tapestry of taste—an ode to India’s woven legacies, retold through liquid art.
The menu also features timeless cocktails, wines from around the world, Spirits collection, and non-alcoholic inspirations.
The Culinary Team Behind Zarqash
Supporting Chef Ghai is a team of handpicked culinary professionals and service experts dedicated to delivering a flawless experience, right from kitchen precision to tableside warmth.
Bringing nearly two decades of culinary expertise, Chef Saurabh Tyagi leads as Director of Culinary at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, committed to honouring India’s heritage while embracing contemporary trends. Mentored by Chef Ghai himself, Chef Anshul Desai adds over six years of experience, including as part of the pre-opening team at Rivayat, Chef Ghai’s Indian restaurant at The Oberoi, Marrakech. Antara Goswami, with seven years of experience across luxury hotels and acclaimed restaurants in India and Thailand- including Gaggan, Bangkok- now will be steering the boat at Zarqash as Restaurant Manager. Completing the leadership team is Rupesh Karbhari, the first-ever sommelier at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, with 18 years of experience in luxury hotels and cruise lines spanning Cunard Cruise Lines, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.
With Zarqash, Chef Rohit Ghai and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore cement their legacy as pioneers of luxury dining in India, setting a trend in the industry and establishing the benchmark for elevated dining. More than just a restaurant, Zarqash is an ode to heritage, innovation, and hospitality — a place where every guest encounter is designed to be extraordinary.
- Name: Zarqash
- Concept: Progressive Indian Dining
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore
- Timing: 12:30 PM-3:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Seating Capacity: 80
- Average Price: INR 5000 two pax
