Global Inspiration Shaping Modern Indian Palate Like Never Before
When Chef Kunal Kapur talks about flavour, there is a spark that instantly draws you in. His curiosity for flavours, textures and unexpected combinations is what makes him one of India’s most influential culinary voices; and it’s the same instinct that brought him to his latest collaboration with Red Rock Deli. For him, this partnership is all about celebrating the joy of discovering something new. “I’ve always been a big fan of flavors,” he says, “When you get the chance to explore new flavor combinations, you grab it.”
While making Red Rock Deli’s debut in India, Chef Kunal stepped in not just as a collaborator but also as someone who is truly excited to understand the craft behind each chip. “There’s always a new flavor in town,” he says. “You want to understand the thinking behind it, the market behind it. And with these four new flavors, they’re all amazing. Everyone will find the flavor that hits the right spot.”
For the launch showcase, he organized a tasting experience designed to get people to slow down and really taste each layer. “How do you attract attention when there are close to a hundred people in a room?” he asked. “You pause them. After taking a bite, you ask; what did you feel first? Sweet, salty, savory, spicy? When you poke the mind, people stop chatting and start experiencing.”
As the audience explored each flavor, he guided them through the sensory journey: first hit, middle notes, aftertaste. In that moment, a simple chip turned into a masterfully crafted flavor experience.
He believes this shift reflects a larger shift in India’s snacking culture. “The Indian snacks market is growing rapidly,” he explains. “People are traveling more, exploring more, cooking more. They want their favorite chip in a new avatar; something gourmet, something global.”
He keeps it simple when it comes to layering flavors: The chip needs to carry its own story. “A chip needs to have a flavor that doesn’t require sauce,” he says. “It should complete all sensory pleasure on its own. But if you want to pair it with something, go ahead, make it your own.”
He says global inspiration is shaping the modern Indian palate like never before – from Thai chilli profiles to parmesan risotto-style notes to the Korean bulldak variety that is fast becoming a crowd favourite. “People still love traditional flavors,” he said, “but they also want something new. And when they find it, they ask: where has this been all this time?”
According to him, the foundation of premium snacks is authenticity. “If the package says olives, you should taste the olives, if it says parmesan risotto, you should feel that creamy parmesan character,” he says. “People know what they want, and when they find it, it’s simple: they get it.”
However, under every innovative taste lies an unshakable rule: Get the foundation right. “Every chip needs a solid foundation,” he says. “If your base chip is perfect, the flavors fall into place.”
With this collaboration, Chef Kunal Kapur brings a chef’s precision, a traveler’s curiosity and love of storytelling to everyday snacks. As Red Rock Deli ventures into India, it opens up a new world of gourmet flavor experiences, one crisp, layered chip at a time.
