Chef Unnati Gupta

In the bustling world of culinary arts, there are few figures as inspiring as Chef Unnati Gupta, the visionary founder of Tari India. With a deep-rooted passion for food that began in her childhood, Chef Unnati's journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.

Born and raised in the heart of the old Lucknow city, Chef Unnati's culinary journey started at the tender age of 12. It was during family gatherings that she discovered her love for cooking, often assisting her mother in the kitchen and eagerly experimenting with new dishes. Her first foray into cooking was a humble yet flavorful attempt at replicating soya kebabs on a sizzler plate, inspired by a television show. Little did she know, this simple dish would ignite a lifelong passion for the culinary arts.

Growing up amidst the rich culinary heritage of Lucknow, Chef Unnati found herself drawn to the intricate flavors and traditional recipes of Awadhi cuisine. She would often venture outside to observe the Eid meals being prepared for the community, fascinated by the age-old techniques and secret recipes passed down through generations.

Fuelled by her passion, Chef Unnati pursued formal training at the prestigious Oberoi STEP programme, where she honed her skills under the guidance of seasoned chefs. Her journey took her to the enchanting city of Udaipur, where she spent three years immersed in the kitchens of the Oberois Group, learning the art of crafting exquisite dishes like the renowned Lal Maas.

After completing her studies and gaining invaluable experience, Chef Unnati embarked on a new chapter in her career, moving to Delhi to further refine her culinary prowess. Under the mentorship of Chef Dhruv at Olive Bar and Kitchen, she continued to push the boundaries of her creativity, experimenting with flavors and techniques to create unforgettable dining experiences.

In 2018, Chef Unnati took a leap of faith and ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Bawarchi Cucina, a boutique catering company that would later evolve into Tables by Unnati. With a focus on personalized service and culinary innovation, she quickly gained recognition for her unique approach to catering and pop-up events.

However, like many others, Chef Unnati's journey faced unexpected challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, she returned to her roots in Lucknow, using the time to delve deeper into the nuances of Awadhi cuisine. Despite hailing from a vegetarian household, Chef Unnati embraced the culinary traditions of her hometown, mastering authentic chicken and mutton dishes with finesse.

It was during this transformative period that the idea for Tari India was born. Drawing inspiration from her experiences and newfound expertise, Chef Unnati returned to Delhi and launched Tari in March 2023. Named after the traditional Lucknavi term for "flavor," Tari embodies Chef Unnati's vision of bringing the rich culinary heritage of Awadh to the capital city.

Today, Tari India stands as a testament to Chef Unnati's unwavering passion, creativity, and dedication to her craft. With each dish meticulously curated and infused with the essence of Lucknow's vibrant culture, Tari continues to captivate the palates of food enthusiasts across the city, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of India.