Anant Ambani wedding: World's top celebrity chef creates culinary magic with all-vegetarian menu

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's recent wedding at Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre dazzled guests with its opulence and star-studded guest list, including international celebrities and Bollywood luminaries such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Priyanka Chopra. The ceremony, themed "An Ode to Varanasi," paid tribute to the city's cultural richness, featuring elaborate decor and a blend of Indian and international cuisines.

Culinary Excellence by Virgilio Martínez

In a remarkable culinary feat, the Ambani family enlisted the talents of Virgilio Martínez, renowned for his Lima-based restaurant Central, crowned the world's best in 2023. Martínez and his team crafted an all-vegetarian menu specifically tailored for the Gujarati wedding, bringing exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru to Mumbai.

The menu, which drew curiosity and amusement alike, showcased dishes such as "Cashew roll, mountain chimichurri, fresh cheese," and "Extreme altitude seeds, smoked tomato," reflecting Martínez's signature style of using rare and innovative ingredients.


While the gastronomic choices sparked interest, some guests expressed light-hearted bewilderment at the unfamiliar names. One attendee humorously remarked, "Indian vegetarians like, what? No Paneer?" highlighting the absence of traditional Indian staples.

Global Culinary Fusion

Martínez, accompanied by a team of thirteen, ensured that the culinary experience matched the grandeur of the occasion, which has been hailed as one of the most expensive weddings in history. The event not only celebrated union but also showcased the fusion of global culinary excellence with Indian cultural traditions.

Anant Ambani, the youngest scion of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, exchanged vows with Radhika Merchant, daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchant, in a spectacle that blended luxury, tradition, and international flair.

The festivities continue with 'Shubh Aashirwad' on July 13 and the grand reception 'Mangal Utsav' on July 14, promising to further elevate the celebration of love and unity.