Culture Food & Travel News & features

Rohit Ghai and Judy Joo to unite Indian and Korean flavours for KorIndian feast at Vatavaran

Rohit Ghai and Judy Joo to unite Indian and Korean flavours for KorIndian feast at Vatavaran
Rohit Ghai and Judy Joo to unite Indian and Korean flavours for KorIndian feast at Vatavaran

Chefs Rohit Ghai and Judy Joo will collaborate on a one-night-only dining event at Vatavaran in Knightsbridge on Monday 23rd June. The exclusive Chef’s Table will feature a multi-course menu combining Indian and Korean culinary traditions, with specially paired cocktails. The event marks the launch of The Vatavaran Table series, which aims to showcase unique chef collaborations and inventive cuisine.

Ghai, who leads the kitchen at Vatavaran, has worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants including Jamavar, Trishna and Gymkhana, as well heading up his own ventures, Kutir and Manthan. Korean-American chef and television personality Joo is recognised for her modern approach to Korean cuisine and her cookbooks, including the recent K-Quick: Korean Food in 30 Minutes or Less. She has previously worked in kitchens such as The Fat Duck and The French Laundry.

The menu for the evening, titled the KorIndian Feast, will include dishes that blend elements from both culinary traditions. Starters will include Tandoori Soy BBQ Chicken with Pickled Uttapam, followed by main courses such as Lamb and Kimchi Biryani, Yuzu Fish Curry and Doenjang Lentils, with accompaniments like Cucumber Yuzu Raita and Kimchi Cheese Kulcha. Dessert will be an ice cream sundae with a KorIndian twist. Four cocktails or beer pairings have been selected to accompany the meal. Dinner will be served from 7.15pm, preceded by a drinks reception beginning at 6.30pm, with tickets priced at £65 per person (including the full tasting menu and drinks pairings).

Speaking about the collaboration, Ghai said: “This collaboration is about blending cultures and celebrating creativity. Korean and Indian cuisines share a love of depth, fermentation and punchy flavour; Judy and I are excited to explore that synergy together.”

Joo added: “KorIndian is not just a fusion, it’s a story of shared roots, reimagined. Rohit and I are creating something playful yet deeply meaningful, and this one-night feast will be full of delicious surprises.”

Vatavaran, which opened under the direction of Rohit Ghai and co-founder Abhishake Sangwan, offers a modern take on Indian fine dining with a focus on regional flavours. The restaurant has announced plans for further one-off chef collaborations as part of its new series.

Food Desk

The KorIndian Feast will take place at Vatavaran, 14-15 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 1NQ on 23rd June 2025. For further information or to book, visit the restaurant’s website here.

More in Food & Drinks

Bar Kroketa to bring Basque bar-crawl tradition to Broadgate Circle with Pintxo-Pote festival

Food & Travel Desk

Norman’s co-founder Elliott Kaye to open Marrion’s Bar in Hackney this September

Food & Travel Desk

Thai Square debuts Bangkok Mama Thai sourdough pizza concept in City of London

Food & Travel Desk

Rubicon and Sam’s Chicken to open free fruit-themed pop-up in Harlesden

Food & Travel Desk

Roxy Ball Room cues up third London site with Holborn opening

Food & Travel Desk

Fat Duck alumni to open The Jack O’Newbury pub with rooms after two-year renovation

Food & Travel Desk

Schofield’s Bar to open first London site in Covent Garden

Food & Travel Desk

The Ninth to close Single Ingredient Series with shellfish-led tasting menu this autumn

Food & Travel Desk

Mercato Metropolitano to mix fitness, food and music for August bank holiday weekend in Elephant & Castle

Food & Travel Desk