Taste Asia Magazine Interview with Rajesh Suri

Every issue of Taste Asia begins with the belief that food becomes more meaningful when we understand the people, traditions and stories behind it. This edition continues that journey, looking beyond the plate to the chefs, cultures and communities that shape the way Asia eats. For our Issue 7 cover, we are delighted to feature  Rajesh Suri, a respected figure in Britain’s Indian dining scene whose career reflects both experience and evolution. From his years working within some of London’s most recognised Indian restaurants to his continuing work as a chef and consultant, Rajesh has witnessed enormous changes in the way Indian cuisine is understood and presented in the UK. His story represents something we value deeply at Taste Asia: respect for culinary heritage combined with the confidence to move forward.That same idea runs throughout this issue.We explore why India cannot be defined by a single cuisine, travelling conceptually from Punjab and Kashmir to Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and beyond, examining how geography, climate, religion, migration and family traditions have created extraordinary regional diversity. Elsewhere, we celebrate something seemingly simple but culturally powerful: jasmine rice. Its fragrance, texture and versatility have made it a familiar presence across Asian tables, while its importance reaches beyond nourishment to ideas of family, hospitality and tradition. Together, these stories illustrate what Taste Asia aims to be: not simply a magazine about restaurants or dishes, but a platform for the chefs, entrepreneurs, traditions, ingredients and journeys that continue to shape Asian food culture.And that conversation now travels far beyond the pages in your hands. Taste Asia is available in print across more than 190 countries and through over 40,000 networks and platforms, helping the people and stories we feature become part of a truly international conversation.We hope this issue encourages you to discover a chef you did not know, understand a cuisine differently, or simply look a little more closely at the story behind your next meal.