/elle-gourmet-india/media/agency_attachments/2025/03/08/2025-03-08t065857820z-elle-gourmet-logo.png){kind=logo}
/elle-gourmet-india/media/agency_attachments/2025/03/08/2025-03-08t065857820z-elle-gourmet-logo.png){kind=logo}
/elle-gourmet-india/media/media_files/2025/09/10/elle-gourmet-banner-48-2025-09-10-12-37-56.png)
What happens when some of the country’s finest chefs walk into a room? Instant fun, a whole lot of camaraderie, enough food talk, and simply wholesome vibes. For ELLE Gourmet India’s first-ever cover, we had the pleasure of hosting culinary powerhouses Hussain Shahzad, Manu Chandra, Saloni Kukreja, Pooja Dhingra, Varun Totlani, Niyati Rao, Gresham Fernandes and Suvir Saran – a group where friendship flows as easily as their passion for food – over a fun brunch party.
These chefs are more than culinary names; they’re game changers who’ve redefined fine and immersive dining in India. In an era where trends come and go by the minute, they’ve proven that standing out requires far more than a fancy garnish or a sizzling pan.
/elle-gourmet-india/media/post_attachments/7ed70028-c50.jpg "publive-image")
On Suvir Saran: Full look by Crimsoune Club. Rings and choker, all by Roma Narsinghani. Watch by Britime London.
On Gresham Fernandes, Varun Totlan, Hussain Shahzad and Manu Chandra: Full look by Crimsoune Club
On Saloni Kukreja: Full look by Crimsoune Club. Rings and earrings, all by Ishhaara
On Niyati Rao: Full look by Crimsoune Club. Necklace by Swarovski.
On Pooja Dhingra: Full look by Dehi. Rings, all by E3K Jewellery. Earrings by Simran Chhabra Jewels
Cookware Partner: Ember Cookware
As the shoot unfolded, each chef brought out their magnetic energy – a fun, vibrant personality you’ll only see outside their kitchens. With laughter, inside jokes, and seamless poses throughout, it felt less like a photoshoot and more like a reunion. They cooked, ate and left no crumbs!
Here’s your backstage pass into the world of gourmands who cook, connect and create with heart.
Meet The Cover Stars
/elle-gourmet-india/media/post_attachments/e6344f36-388.png "publive-image")
On Suvir Saran: Full look by Crimsoune Club. Rings and choker, all by Roma Narsinghani. Watch by Britime London.
On Gresham Fernandes, Varun Totlani, Hussain Shahzad and Manu Chandra: Full look by Crimsoune Club
On Saloni Kukreja: Full look by Crimsoune Club. Rings and earrings, all by Ishhaara
On Niyati Rao: Full look by Crimsoune Club. Necklace by Swarovski.
On Pooja Dhingra: Full look by Dehi. Rings, all by E3K Jewellery. Earrings by Simran Chhabra Jewels
Cookware Partner: Ember Cookware
Suvir Saran: Author, Columnist, Podcast Host and Culinary Director at True Palate Hospitality
Gresham Fernandes: Chef-Partner, Bandra Born
Varun Totlani: Head Chef, Masque
Saloni Kukreja: Chef, Content Creator and Founder, Indu Ice Cream
Hussain Shahzad: Executive Chef at Hunger Inc. Hospitality (Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Veronica’s and Papa’s)
Manu Chandra: Co-founder, Lupa and Single Thread Bespoke Catering
Pooja Dhingra: Founder, Le15 Patisserie
Niyati Rao: Head Chef and Partner, Nisa Experience (Ekaa, KMC and Bombay Daak)
Stay tuned as we unveil each chef’s cover story, diving into their unique journeys, flavours, and inspirations.
Editorial Director: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi; Digital Editor: Isha Mayer; Photographer: Meetesh Taneja; Stylist: Idris Nidham; Jr Graphic Designer: Radhika Trivedi (Cover Design); Set Design: Purnima Nath; Food Stylist: Nikhil Bendre; HMUA: Daniel Bauer Academy; Claire Carmelina Gil (rep by Anima Creatives) for Suvir; Creative production: Anushka Patil and Rishith Shetty; Assisted by: Aafreen Anjum, Ishan Sharma (styling), Sneh Lad (creative production), Vaishnavi Rana; Production: Cutloose Productions.