Chef Priyam Chatterjee became the first Indian chef to be awarded France’s ‘Order of Agricultural Merit’ for revisiting dishes from West Bengal and giving them a “French twist”.
Born into a family of cooks and artists, Chatterjee has worked with many international chefs and at restaurants including Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, Rooh & Qla in Delhi as well as Jaan Restaurant Yacht in France.
Chatterjee told The Indian Express,
“I was hell-bent on joining the Army. But, yes, having born into a family of exceptional cooks, I think it ran in my blood. I have always been inclined towards art and I found food as my voice of expression.”
Chatterjee believes that Indian cuisine is in great need of elevation to think beyond curries. He added,
“The key is to keep the taste and authenticity intact, but giving it a fresh perspective, a unique compelling curiosity and madness.”
He was named Forbes 30 under 30 in 2018 and is the 2019 Ambassador of Cuisine in France.
