Rohit Ghai announces charity menu at Kutir, in support of India’s Covid crisis

Acclaimed chef Rohit Ghai has announced a charity drive in support of India’s catastrophic Covid situation, as it’s reported that the Ganges is swollen with dead bodies.

Ghai is urging customers to book for his two new six-course menus, which will be served throughout the day on Monday May 31. The day’s profits will go directly towards helping the Brij healthcare and research centre purchase medical-grade oxygen concentrators. The charitable hospital is based in Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, a few hours south of New Delhi and in the heart of crisis.

Highlights of the menu include soft shell crab with chickpeas, Tandoori lamb chops spiced with black cumin, and the crispy potato cake Aloo Tikki, which will come served with honey yoghurt and mint chutney. A meat-free menu will also be offered.

Ghai said of the event: “We couldn’t stand by and watch the worsening health crisis develop in India without trying to help as best we can.

“We hope this dinner raises much needed funds, as well as giving visibility to the struggle India is going through at the moment. We’ll also be matching donations from our generous guests throughout the month in the hope that we can really make an impact.” 

As Ghai alludes to, as well the Monday event, the restaurant is encouraging guests to donate to the cause, and has set up a Go Fund Me for donations, which it intends to double.

Kutir’s support comes as India’s death-toll surges; while the country has officially reported 275,000 deaths, experts have estimated the actual figure may be as high as five times that. Reports from the striken country show dozens of muslin-wrapped bodies washing up on river banks as funeral pyres burn night and day. Ghai, who was born in Punjab, still has family there.

Tables will be available from 1pm with a last sitting at 9.30pm, and can be booked at kutir.vouchable.co.uk