Flavours of India: Yatra by Rohit Ghai

Begin your Indian food journey with Yatra, the debut cookbook by Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Rohit Ghai. Known for founding acclaimed restaurants such as Vatavaran, Kutir, and Manthan, Ghai brings his culinary finesse and deep-rooted connection to his homeland into a cookbook that’s part travel diary, part cultural exploration – and wholly delicious.

India is a vast and richly diverse country, and its cuisine reflects this tapestry of culture, geography, and tradition. With Yatra (meaning ‘journey’ in Hindi), Ghai invites readers to join him on an intimate voyage through India. Each region offers unique flavours, ingredients, and stories that reflect its rich heritage.

A Michelin-Starred Lens on Authenticity

Rohit Ghai isn’t just any chef – he’s one of the most celebrated Indian chefs in the UK, having earned his Michelin star in record time. At his restaurants, he’s known for pairing tradition with elegance and refinement, and Yatra captures this same balance. Each page is a celebration of real Indian cooking, yet elevated and approachable, making it ideal for home cooks and food lovers alike.

This isn’t just about complex restaurant-style cooking. Instead, Ghai’s vision was to create a book that’s as much about soul as it is about spice. Consequently, the recipes are designed to be cooked in your own kitchen without compromising on flavour, tradition, or integrity.

Ten Regions, Countless Stories: Indian Food Journey

The book is organised around ten key regions of India, each known for distinct culinary traditions. From the spice-laden coasts to the rich heartlands, Ghai offers readers a taste of each locale’s most iconic dishes—often with personal anecdotes and modern twists.

Andhra Pradesh: Bold and Tangy

Known for its fiery heat and tangy profiles, Andhra cuisine is not for the faint-hearted. In Yatra, Ghai shares recipes like Egg Kurma, a creamy, spiced egg curry, and Pesarattu Dosa, a crispy green gram pancake that’s both nutritious and satisfying. These dishes show off the region’s love for bold masalas and hearty home-style food.

Goa: Coastal Comforts

“Goa brings a burst of sunshine and coconut to the table. Moreover, with its Portuguese influence and tropical bounty, the food here is rich and flavourful. For example, try the Fish Cafreal, a green-spiced grilled fish dish that’s full of herbs and heat, or Chicken Xacuti, skewered and grilled with a fragrant blend of coconut and spices. As a result, Ghai captures the essence of laid-back beachside dining with finesse.

Punjab: The Heart of North Indian Cuisine

Punjab, the land of tandoors and dairy-rich decadence, delivers some of India’s most iconic dishes. Ghai’s Butter Chicken is a must-try – succulent, creamy, and rich with tomato and fenugreek. Paired with Dal Makhani, a slow-cooked black lentil dish finished with cream and butter, you’re in for an indulgent yet comforting northern feast.

Bihar: Underrated, Unforgettable

Often overlooked in culinary circles, Bihar is a hidden gem. In Yatra, Ghai pays homage to this eastern state with dishes like Champaran Mutton Curry, slow-cooked to tenderness. Additionally, he presents Laung Lata, a deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and spiced with cloves. These dishes highlight the richness of Bihari cuisine and its depth of flavour.

Recipes Rooted in Heritage: Indian Food Journey

While Yatra does showcase classics like biryanis, dals, and kebabs, it also dives deep into regional specialities that even seasoned Indian food lovers may not know. What makes this book special is Ghai’s commitment to authenticity – yet he isn’t afraid to modernise where needed. He provides context for each recipe, explaining the origin, usage of spices, and personal relevance. The result is a cookbook that reads more like a storybook.

You’ll find a balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, as well as dishes suited for quick weekday meals and celebratory feasts alike. From slow braises to street food snacks, Ghai offers something for every kind of cook.

Visually Rich and Designed for the Home Cook

The design of Yatra is just as elegant as the food it features. In addition, the photography is sumptuous and vibrant, with plates that pop off the page and scenery that evokes the regions explored. Furthermore, each chapter feels like stepping into a different part of India, with the textures, colours, and warmth of each area brought vividly to life.

But beyond the aesthetics, this is a working cookbook with clearly explained reciBut beyond the aesthetics, this is a working cookbook with clearly explained recipes and step-by-step instructions. Moreover, the ingredients are widely accessible, especially in the UK and Europe.​ _pes and step-by-step instructions. Moreover, the ingredients are widely accessible, especially in the UK and Europe. Ghai is mindful of the home kitchen, offering tips for substitutions and technique tweaks where needed.

A Culinary Love Letter to India

At its core, Yatra is more than a cookbook – it’s a love letter to India’s diversity. Rohit Ghai explores these regions to rediscover traditional recipes. Moreover, he honours Indian roots while making them globally approachable.

Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a lover of Indian food, or someone keen to explore the country through its dishes, Yatra delivers a rich, sensory experience. It invites you to travel without leaving your kitchen – through spice, flavour, and story.

So grab your apron, stock your spice rack, and get ready for a journey that’s as delicious as it is enlightening.