Head Chef- Abhishek Gupta, The Leela Ambience Gurugram on The Business Of Menus

How do you translate your culinary vision into the language and design of a menu? 

Our culinary philosophy at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is rooted in celebrating authentic flavours while embracing innovation and evolving global dining preferences. This vision is reflected across every menu, whether it's our all-day dining offerings, extensive buffets or the carefully curated menus. Each restaurant has a distinct culinary identity, with menus that are thoughtfully designed to showcase authentic regional and international cuisines while staying true to their unique concepts. At the same time, we continually evolve our offerings to reflect changing guest preferences and global food trends, incorporating plant-based cuisine, vegan selections, refined sugar-free alternatives and other mindful dining options. By refreshing our menus seasonally and embracing innovation without compromising on quality or authenticity, we ensure every dining experience remains memorable, relevant and reflective of our commitment to true Indian luxury hospitality.

How much does the story behind a dish influence how you describe it on the menu?

Every great dish has a story, and we believe that story is an integral part of the dining experience. While the quality of the ingredients and the execution are paramount, sharing the inspiration, heritage or craftsmanship behind a dish creates a deeper connection with our guests. Whether it's our signature dish Raan-e-Diya at Diya, handcrafted Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli at Zanotta, or authentic Neapolitan Pizzas at Spectra, each dish is thoughtfully presented to reflect not only its flavours but also the traditions, techniques and culinary inspiration that define it. We want every menu to spark curiosity and every plate to tell a story that lingers long after the meal is over.

What's the right amount of narrative — when does menu language become too much, or not enough?

The key is striking the right balance. A menu should be engaging yet concise, offering just enough context to inspire a guest without overwhelming them. Today's diners are more informed and adventurous than ever, they often know the cuisine they want to explore and have a clear idea of what they're looking for. Our approach is to let the quality of the ingredients and the craftsmanship of the dish speak for themselves, complemented by a brief, thoughtful description that highlights its essence. We believe a well-written line is often far more impactful than an overly detailed narrative, allowing the dining experience to unfold naturally at the table.

How do you write menu descriptions that create desire without overpromising?

 The key is to keep menu descriptions simple, honest and informative. Rather than relying on exaggerated language, we focus on clearly communicating the essence of each dish, its cooking technique, key ingredients and flavour profile, allowing guests to make informed choices. Equally important is providing details such as portion size, calorie information and allergen guidance, ensuring transparency and enhancing the overall dining experience. 

Is there a dish on your current menu that you're particularly proud of — and how did it find its way there?

 One dish that I am particularly proud of is The Leela Signature Strawberry Tart at Le Rêve. A dessert that truly reflects our philosophy of celebrating exceptional ingredients with impeccable craftsmanship. What makes it especially unique is that the strawberries are handpicked from The Leela Farm, ensuring natural flavour and quality. Paired with a delicate buttery tart shell and silky pastry cream, the dessert showcases the beauty of seasonal produce through refined French pastry techniques. It earned its place on the menu as a signature creation that embodies Le Rêve's artisanal approach to pâtisserie, while reinforcing our commitment to provenance, sustainability and unforgettable culinary experiences. 

How do you decide what makes it onto the menu — and what doesn't, no matter how good it tastes? 

Our menus evolve through a combination of culinary creativity, guest insights and continuous refinement. Every new dish is tested and perfected through multiple iterations to ensure it meets our standards of taste, presentation and overall dining experience. We also regularly review menu performance to understand changing guest preferences, while feedback from our Food & Beverage teams plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Their close interactions with guests provide valuable insights that help us create menus that are relevant, balanced and reflective of what today's diners are looking for.