The Michelin Guide Thailand Star Revelation 2024, held on December 13, 2023, unveiled two restaurants that earned a second Michelin star. Among them is Gaa in Bangkok, a contemporary Indian restaurant led by Chef Garima Arora. This highly esteemed accolade, often regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the culinary world, establishes Chef Garima as the first female Indian chef to achieve the distinction of not one, but two Michelin stars.
As per the Michelin Guide’s official website, Garima’s restaurant is described as having a traditional exterior and a contemporary interior.
“Gaa’s location mirrors chef Garima Arora’s exquisite cooking: old-school at heart, transformed with modern techniques and presentation,” it explains.
The restaurant’s tasting menu features Chef Garima’s “reinterpretations of street food snacks.” The guide depicts her culinary style as “assured, understated, and skillful,” praising the finely balanced spicing, extraordinary flavor combinations, and contrasts in texture and temperature evident in her creations.
Renowned chef Vikas Khanna expressed his joy on Instagram to celebrate the news. He shared a brief video clip featuring himself alongside Chef Garima. In the caption accompanying the post, he wrote, “Today might be “one of the most historic days for Indian Cuisine on a global platform”. The Garima Arora was awarded 2 Michelin Stars by @michelinguide @michelininspectors making her the first female Chef from our country for this honour. Congrats to the brilliant team of @restaurant_gaa for making INDIA so proud. Proudest brother. V.”
In 2023, Indian cuisine has experienced remarkable success on the global culinary stage. Numerous Indian chefs and restaurants have garnered widespread acclaim, securing significant awards and prestigious rankings across the globe.
