Culinary Maestro Kunal Kapur Unveils PINCODE: A Gastronomic Journey Through India’s Pincodes

Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur, renowned for his culinary expertise, has brought his latest venture, PINCODE, to Select CityWalk Mall in Saket. More than just a restaurant, PINCODE is a tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors, preserving traditional tastes from lesser-known pincodes while infusing creativity for a modern twist. In an exclusive interview with YS Life, Chef Kapur reveals the heartwarming story behind the restaurant’s name and the culinary inspirations that drive his passion.

Chef Kunal Kapur’s culinary journey has been a blend of honing traditional skills and infusing creativity into classic dishes. With PINCODE, he aims to achieve a dual objective: preserving the purest regional flavors from lesser-known pincodes and offering innovative, modern creations for the well-traveled generation. The menu at PINCODE tells a story of diverse cultures and regional uniqueness, uniting people through the universal language of food.

The restaurant’s name, PINCODE, holds a special place in Chef Kunal Kapur’s heart and is deeply intertwined with his family’s legacy. Growing up, Kapur’s grandmother would send letters to distant family members, meticulously writing down pincodes to ensure the letters reached the right destinations. This simple act symbolized connectivity, reflecting the essence of India’s diverse culture and regional distinctiveness. Naming the restaurant PINCODE is a homage to his grandmother and the unifying power of food that transcends borders and backgrounds.

Each item on the PINCODE menu represents a pincode with a story close to Chef Kunal Kapur’s heart. For instance, pincode 261203 brings the royal flavors of Uttar Pradesh with Mahmudabad’s shami kebabs, while Kalpetta’s coastal chicken curry (673121) captures the aromas of Kerala. The menu spans from Old Delhi’s gadbad falooda (110006) to Mumbai’s vibrant street food with Girgaon’s bunny bhaji (400004).

Delhi’s culinary heritage holds a special place on the PINCODE menu, offering Chef Kapur a journey back to his roots. Signature dishes like enriched nalli nihari, butter chicken, and tandoori chicken tikka evoke fond memories of family gatherings and special occasions. The menu also features saffron almond kulfi on a stick, reminiscent of carefree summer days in Delhi. PINCODE’s interior design strikes a perfect balance between traditional and modern elements. Pandomo flooring, distressed floor tiles, and historical photos of Delhi on the walls create a space that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. The ambiance complements the culinary experience, providing patrons with a visual and gastronomic journey.

While Chef Kapur is currently savoring the success of PINCODE, he reflects on a significant opportunity in his career—cooking for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015. Faced with the challenge of accommodating both leaders’ dietary preferences, Kapur crafted a satvik meal that delighted both dignitaries, showcasing his culinary finesse on a global stage. Looking ahead, Chef Kunal Kapur envisions launching two new outlets, with a grand vision of establishing a total of 20 new PINCODE outposts across the country. The culinary maestro remains dedicated to preserving India’s diverse flavors and creating memorable dining experiences for patrons.

In the realm of gastronomy, Chef Kunal Kapur’s PINCODE emerges as a testament to the power of food in connecting people, celebrating diversity, and honoring familial legacies.