Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture bring the World’s Best Restaurant – Central from Peru to India for the first time in partnership with American Express. Led by the renowned Chef Virgilio Martínez, Central will journey from Lima to cook two exclusive dinners at The St. Regis Mumbai, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
As the reigning ‘World’s Best Restaurant 2023’ according to the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Central’s debut in India promises to be a momentous occasion. Diners will have the unique opportunity to indulge in a six-course tasting menu showcasing the celebrated flavours of Peru, featuring signature dishes meticulously crafted by Chef Martínez. These special dinners will take place on May 24-25, 2024 at Koishii, The St. Regis Mumbai.
Chef Virgilio Martínez, driven by a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery, found a medium for his boundless creativity in cooking. After traveling and working in kitchens around the world, he felt compelled to return to Peru, connect with its territory, people and culture to create something truly exceptional. Thus, Central was born in 2008. Martínez’s culinary prowess was recognised the world over as Central topped the list of Latin America’s Best Restaurants for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 and 2016) and has ranked as one of the top five restaurants in the world for seven years in a row. Central was also honoured with a coveted spot on Time Magazine’s prestigious list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places in 2018.
Central’s culinary philosophy, encapsulated by the motto “outside there is more” embodies a spirit of exploration, curiosity, and limitless creativity. It is recognized worldwide for being a showcase of Peruvian biodiversity, offering a unique sensory and visual route, designed around heights and ecosystems, including ingredients from -15 meters above sea level to 4200 meters above sea level.
“We’ve been working on this event since 2019 when I first met Virgilio and invited him to visit India. Central in Peru stands as a pinnacle of culinary excellence, it has won every award conceivable and is on every global gourmet’s bucket list. At Culinary Culture our mission is to bring the world’s best to India, and we’re thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience to Indian diners in Mumbai. I’m grateful to Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, The St Regis Mumbai, American Express and Diageo who have made this event possible with their support.”, said Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture.
Culinary Culture’s collaboration with Masters of Marriott Bonvoy to introduce Central to India marks the continuation of a successful partnership that has previously brought renowned World No.1 restaurants to Indian gastronomes. Past collaborations have featured acclaimed restaurants such as Osteria Francescana from Italy in 2022 and Mirazur from France in 2020 among others. Guests dining at Koishii, the exclusive Peruvian and Nikkei-focused restaurant at The St. Regis Mumbai, are in for an unforgettable culinary journey. Central’s exceptional cuisine will take centre stage, set against the backdrop of the hotel’s opulent ambiance and distinguished service.
