Chef Garima Arora blends Indian heritage with Thai sensibilities at Gaa, creating a modern culinary experience that celebrates culture, creativity, and sustainability.
Gaa is a restaurant in the heart of Bangkok that tells a story that goes beyond food. It is a story about tradition, new ideas, and a woman who has changed fine dining forever. Chef Garima Arora is the first Indian woman to win two Michelin stars. She is now a symbol of culinary excellence and cultural pride all over the world.
Garima once said, “My food is about memory, culture, and connection.” That idea is present in every dish at Gaa. The Indian flavors on her menu mix with the bright Thai ingredients to create a meal that feels both familiar and completely new.
A Modern Take on Tradition
Garima doesn’t just cook at Gaa; she puts feelings on a plate. She has a new and creative way of cooking Indian food, incorporating methods that she learned from her former years working in acclaimed restaurants worldwide. But what makes her unique is how she celebrates simplicity with a purpose.
“I believe food should have a sense of place,” she shares. This belief makes her very dedicated to getting local and seasonal ingredients from all over Thailand, from tropical fruits to vegetables grown in her own garden. Her food turns simple fruits and vegetables into beautiful, complex dishes that pay homage to both Thai and Indian culture.
The Vegetarian Vision
Garima has also become a leading voice for vegetarian innovation. At Gaa, vegetables are treated with the same respect as any luxury ingredient. Each plate reflects her dedication to balance, beauty, and mindfulness. Inspired by the way Indian cooking celebrates plant-based cuisine, she reimagines it through Thai techniques proving that vegetarian food can be both soulful and extraordinary.
Garima says, “Vegetables have a quiet power they let you show subtlety.” Her food reflects this way of thinking by serving elegant, meaningful, and deeply satisfying dishes.
Garima’s journey from Mumbai to the world stage shows her passion, discipline, and vision. Her success is not only a personal victory, but it also serves as an example for women who work in hospitality. Gaa keeps showing how food can be a way to express who you are, what you care about, and how you feel.
She thinks, “Cooking isn’t about getting everything right it’s about seeing things from a different angle.” Because of this way of thinking, Gaa is more than just a restaurant. It’s a creative space where people from different cultures talk to each other, ingredients tell stories, and every meal is a chance to learn something new.
If you think food should be more than just taste, you have to go to Gaa. It’s a place where new ideas meet real life, and every bite reminds you that beauty is in the simple things.
Experience Garima Arora’s world at www.gaabkk.com.
