New Delhi, Aug 15 — A young chef from Delhi is making waves in the culinary scene by bringing back nearly forgotten Indian regional recipes through a sustainable farm-to-table restaurant concept.

Chef Aarav Mehta, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, has opened Ankuran, a dining space that sources 90% of its ingredients from small-scale farmers across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. The menu focuses on dishes once common in rural households but rarely seen in modern urban kitchens.

Signature offerings include kachri ki chutney from Rajasthan, smoked lentil curry from Himachal, and millet-based flatbreads inspired by Bundelkhand traditions. The chef also uses heirloom rice varieties, forest-foraged greens, and traditional spice blends prepared in stone grinders.

Mehta says his mission is to protect culinary heritage while supporting rural farmers. “Food is history on a plate. Every recipe tells the story of a community, its struggles, and its celebrations,” he explains. By working directly with producers, the restaurant ensures fair prices and seasonal menus that reduce food waste.

The restaurant has also introduced weekly “heritage tables,” where diners are guided through the origins, cooking methods, and cultural significance of each dish. This initiative has attracted both food enthusiasts and researchers documenting India’s disappearing culinary traditions.

Ankuran has quickly become a cultural hotspot in Delhi, proving that slow, sustainable dining can find a place in a fast-paced city.