Rajasthan on Plate: Chef Chetan Brings Rajasthani Cuisine to Hyderabad

Chef Chetan Singh has a strong foundation in regional cooking, age-old recipes, and food that carries the culture of his state, Rajasthan. On January 31st, he arrived in the city of Hyderabad at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre to introduce us to the age-old tastes of rich Rajasthani cuisine. His approach remains true to Rajasthan’s ancient heritage, while also being appealing to modern tastes.

The vibrant spirit of Rajasthan came alive in Hyderabad on January 31st. At ‘Padhaaro Mhare Desh’, a specially organised Rajasthani food festival at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, the aroma of Rajasthani cuisine seemed to dominate the environment of the 5-star hotel. Designed as a tribute to the desert state’s rich culinary legacy, it offered foodies from all over the world a journey through various dishes preserved from generation to generation. The master chef who brought these dishes to life was Chef Chetan Singh, who joined us all the way from Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre.

Just before the showcase of the rich cuisine, Chef Chetan Singh spoke to Deccan Chronicle about his journey as a chef, his love and passion for Rajasthani cuisine, and his love for cooking. We had a truly soulful conversation that made us learn not only about the rich culinary history of Rajasthan, but also about Chef Chetan Singh as a person.

Khamma Ghani (Traditional Rajasthani Greeting)

“I come from a small village near Ajmer, from Beawar district.
I have come for the Rajasthani food festival in Hyderabad.”

So why did you come to Hyderabad today? What is your motive to be here?

Sir, I want to tell you that Rajasthani food is not only about taste, but it represents a very rich history and culture, and I want to put that on my guest’s plate.
My main motive is to bring back and serve the old recipes of Rajasthan, even those which have gone extinct from mainstream restaurants. I want to work on that and bring the old taste back — the food of our forefathers. I want to make sure it reaches everyone’s plate.

So, I am someone who is from here (Hyderabad), and I have never tasted any Rajasthani food. For a non-Rajasthani like me, what dish would you recommend? Because I really want to have the taste of Rajasthani cuisine.

You should definitely try Rabodi ki sabji and Chakke ki sabji, which are basically made from pure desi ghee and also have curd and Indian spices.

Apart from Rajasthani cuisine, which other Indian state’s cuisine appeals to you the most?

Basically, I have been making Rajasthani food for more than 20 years in many 5-star hotels. Apart from this, I really like South Indian food — like dosa and all. I really like it!

As you know, you are in the ‘City of Nawabs’, which itself has a royal cuisine. So, is there any Hyderabadi dish that you really like?

Yeah, of course! Hyderabadi biryani is my favourite. I have tasted it — it has a great taste and a very royal aroma.

What is your favourite Rajasthani dish, your famous dish?

My famous dish is Jodhpuri Laal Maas. It is basically marinated in Mathania chilli paste.

What is your uniqueness in it?

The uniqueness of the dish is mainly the spices — especially the flavour of Mathania chilli, which I get from Jodhpur myself.