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Chef Sujan Sarkar 2

Credit: Neil John Burger

Sujan Sarkar Is Redefining Indian Fine Dining—And Building a Culinary Legacy Along the Way

13 Minute read

Nurturing the Next Generation

Though constantly expanding his restaurant portfolio, Sarkar remains deeply committed to developing young talent—mentoring chefs like Sethi and Kishinchand and giving them space to lead. “I have no problem with experienced people, but young people bring fresh perspectives,” Sarkar says. “Everything should be new and that can only happen if you give opportunities to young people who are capable.”

That same spirit extends to Indienne’s wine director, Tia Polite, who created what Sarkar calls “one of the most dynamic small wine lists in the country.” For that list, she organized selections around art movements like Pop Art, Impressionism, and Baroque rather than traditional wine categories. The concept emerged from a simple prompt Sarkar offered: “Can you do something with art?” “I had no other influence,” he admits. “She came up with the idea.”

This hands-off approach allows Sarkar’s collaborators to develop their creative voices while operating within a structure that sets them up for success.

A Hospitality Philosophy Built on Saying ‘Yes.’

At the core of Sarkar’s success is a service philosophy rooted in one idea: give people what they want.

“There’s a book, The Answer is Yes [Now What Is the Question?],” Sarkar says. “Whatever people ask, we try to say yes. Whether allergies or dietary restrictions, we make it work.”

That ethos also shapes his leadership style. Rather than ruling with rigid discipline, Sarkar creates an environment where creativity can thrive. “The moment they’re under pressure you won’t get the best out of them,” he says of his employees, both in the kitchen and on the floor. “They should be free to make mistakes.”

Sarkar is content with Indienne’s standing as a Michelin one-star restaurant and sees no need to sacrifice what he and his team have built in pursuit of another accolade. “We aren’t going to drop down to 40 [covers] and go for two stars and do $250 per person,” he says. 

Instead, he focuses on making each day’s service better than the last—balancing innovation with accessibility. By elevating Indian cuisine to fine dining status at Indienne and showcasing regional traditions at Nadu, Sarkar is creating a more complete picture of one of the world’s most diverse culinary traditions.

Through his cooking, mentorship, and hospitality philosophy, Sarkar isn’t just changing how Americans experience Indian food—he’s redefining what fine dining itself can be: progressive yet accessible, ambitious yet grounded, innovative yet authentic.

In doing so, he’s carving a legacy that extends far beyond the plates that leave his kitchen—while staying grounded in gratitude. “If I am full every night,” he says, “I am good.”

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