And to commemorate the event, Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore hosted a celebratory event “Taste of Triumph,” featuring the culinary artistry of Chef Naresh Hari, Chef de Cuisine at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. As India’s champion, Chef Naresh will represent the country at the upcoming Barilla Pasta Championship Asia 2024 in Manila.
Chef Naresh Hari, The RItz-Carlton, Bangalore
As India’s representative, Chef Hari will advance to the Grand Finals in Manila, where he will compete against winners from seven other countries in the Asia region on 25th October 2024. The top three winners for the grand finals will not only receive prestigious titles but also opportunities to discover Italian gastronomy on a specially curated experiential tour to Parma, Italy.
The exclusive event held at The Market, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant treated its guests to Chef Hari’s signature dish: Spaghetti Uovo with Smoked Prosciutto Mousse, Parmesan Chive Foam, and Crisp Green Leeks—a contemporary twist on Carbonara, now on the restaurant’s menu for all of October. This is the innovative creation that won him recognition at the inaugural Barilla Pasta Championship Asia 2024 organized at St Regis Mumbai by UDI. Judged by a distinguished panel including Chef Andrea, Barilla Executive Chef Asia Pacific; Chef Swarup Solgaonkar, Corporate Chef of McDonald’s India; Chef Yogesh Utekar, Principal of Ramanath Payyade College of Hospitality Management Studies; and Luigi Cascone, Deputy Consul General of Consolato Generale D’Italia.
Ahead of the competition, Chef Naresh Hari responds to our queries.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Chef de Cuisine, Chef Naresh Hari
The Luxury Chronicle – October is the National Pasta Month. How popular is pasta in India?
Chef Naresh Hari – Pasta has become incredibly popular in India, particularly among women and younger generations. Its appeal lies in the versatility of the sauces and the variety of flavors it can offer, making it a go-to dish for those who enjoy experimenting with their palate.
In your qualifying round at the Mumbai event of Barilla Pasta Championship Asia 2024, your dish of Spaghetti Uovo with Smoked Prosciutto Mousse, Parmesan Chive Foam, and Crisp Green Leeks made you the winner. Please share what made your dish stand out?
The innovation in my dish was its simplicity, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. The sauce was kept minimal, made with fresh egg yolk and Parmesan cheese to maintain the authentic taste. However, what truly distinguished the dish was the Smoked Prosciutto Mousse, which added depth and a smoky flavor reminiscent of a classic Carbonara, which offered something new and memorable for the judges. I believe, this subtle balance of tradition and creativity made the dish stand out.
How are you preparing for the grand finale of the upcoming Barilla Pasta Championship Asia 2024 in Manila?
With eight other national chefs competing, my focus is on refining my dish and staying dedicated. The competition pushes me to sharpen my skills and present something truly exceptional, while staying true to the simplicity that defines great pasta.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Chef de Cuisine, Chef Naresh Hari to Represent India in Manila
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore Chef de Cuisine, Chef Naresh Hari to Represent India in Manila
Will you have to make the pasta from scratch? Or use the packaged Barilla product brand?
I will be using Barilla’s packaged spaghetti, made from 100% durum wheat. It’s a high-quality product that complements my dish and allows me to focus on perfecting the sauce and other elements.
Such events play a huge part in promoting the cuisine of Italy globally. Indian cuisine is gaining popularity worldwide. Do you think there could be any such contest for an Indian dish? If yes, what would that be?
Absolutely. Indian cuisine is already making waves globally, with several Indian restaurants earning Michelin stars. A competition focused on Indian cuisine would be a natural next step, celebrating the diversity and richness of our culinary traditions.
If there were to be a competition focused on Indian cuisine, I believe millets would be a strong contender. Given their versatility and health benefits, millets could represent a modern take on traditional Indian ingredients in a competitive setting.
