During the extravagant pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies of their youngest son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Mukesh and Nita Ambani incorporated various elements of their family’s culture, including traditional dishes that reflected their heritage.
Throughout these events, guests were treated to cuisine from Gujarat’s Kathiyawadi tradition, known for its intensely spicy flavors derived from local ingredients. Mukesh Ambani’s search for authentic Kathiyawadi food culminated in January 2024 when he discovered Nikunj Vasoya, based in Jamnagar.
In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, 35-year-old Vasoya recounted his introduction to the Ambani family, starting with a successful New Year’s dinner that earned him repeated bookings. He mentioned preparing Kathiyawadi specialties over a dozen times for the Ambanis, including a grand dinner at Anant’s wildlife sanctuary project, Vantara, on July 9 and 10 as part of the pre-wedding celebrations.
Among the dishes served were Jamnagari Sev, Mamra Lili Chutney, Desi Sev Tamera Shaak, and Bajri Rotla, tailored to accommodate the international guests’ preferences for less spicy and oily foods.
Kathiyawadi cuisine, one of India’s oldest, boasts a diverse thali featuring wholesome meals made from locally sourced ingredients like potatoes, millets, tomatoes, and brinjals, suited to the region’s arid climate.
Vasoya emphasized the cuisine’s reliance on natural and organic produce, highlighting its nutritious yet flavorful appeal compared to the more limited options of Gujarati cuisine.
With over two decades of culinary experience, Vasoya personally sources organic seasonal ingredients and often prepares dishes himself, sometimes assisted by family members or additional chefs depending on the scale of the event.
Proudly showcasing his skills on his YouTube channel, Vasoya utilizes traditional methods such as cooking on a chulha (charcoal stove). He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to showcase authentic Kathiyawadi cuisine at such prestigious wedding ceremonies, an experience he cherishes deeply.