From theatre to the President’s table: Sunil Mattoo’s culinary journey

For Sunil Mattoo, the journey from television and theatre to Rashtrapati Bhavan has been a long and fulfilling one. An actor who once pursued opportunities in the entertainment industry, Mattoo eventually followed his passion for food, dedicating himself to preserving and popularising the culinary traditions of Kashmiri Pandits. His journey has now reached a significant milestone, with Kashmiri delicacies featuring at a state banquet hosted recently at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of visiting Swiss President Guy Bernard Parmelin and his wife, Caroline Parmelin.Mattoo, who has spent over two decades championing Kashmiri cuisine and introducing its distinctive flavours to audiences in India and abroad, says the invitation was a moment of immense pride. “As part of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s commitment to promoting India’s culinary heritage, I had the opportunity to create an authentic Kashmiri menu for the visiting dignitaries. Cooking for the President of India and her guests was a once-in-a-lifetime honour. The special appreciation I received from the President made the occasion even more memorable. She also introduced me to Caroline Parmelin, which made the experience all the more special. It was truly an honour.”For Mattoo, the occasion was about much more than preparing an elaborate meal. It was an opportunity to present a part of Kashmir’s cultural identity on a prestigious national platform. Kashmiri cuisine, he believes, carries within it stories of the region’s history, traditions, seasons and community life.“Food is one of the strongest ways to introduce people to a culture. Every traditional Kashmiri preparation has a story behind it, from the ingredients and cooking techniques to the rituals associated with serving it. To be able to represent that heritage at Rashtrapati Bhavan was deeply meaningful for me,” he says.A JOURNEY THAT TOOK AN UNEXPECTED TURNMattoo’s professional journey began in the entertainment industry. Having worked in television and theatre, he moved to Mumbai to explore opportunities in acting. However, his love for food gradually took centre stage, eventually leading him and his wife Seema, to establish KongPoush, a venture dedicated to Kashmiri cuisine.Over the years, he has worked towards introducing diners to the diversity of Kashmiri cooking, particularly the lesser-known traditions of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine. While the region is widely associated with the elaborate Wazwan feast, Mattoo has sought to highlight the distinct ingredients, techniques and preparations that define his community’s food heritage.“Growing up with Kashmiri food, you tend to take many of these flavours and traditions for granted. But when you move away from home, you realise how deeply food connects you to your roots. I wanted people to experience the cuisine in its authentic form, rather than see it as just another regional menu,” he says.PRESERVING A CULINARY LEGACYFor Mattoo, one of the biggest challenges has been making traditional Kashmiri food accessible to contemporary diners without diluting its character. “People are often surprised when they discover the range and complexity of Kashmiri vegetarian food. There is so much to explore beyond the dishes that are already popular. My endeavour has always been to bring these forgotten or lesser-known preparations into the spotlight while remaining faithful to their roots,” he says.Sunil adds, "For nearly 25 years, I have followed a disciplined lifestyle centred on healthy eating and fitness, which is also reflected in my culinary philosophy. I place great emphasis on the quality, purity and nutritional value of ingredients, creating authentic food that is flavourful, wholesome and thoughtfully prepared.”He sees the Rashtrapati Bhavan banquet as an important milestone in a journey driven by his desire to preserve a culinary legacy. For him, the larger reward lies in ensuring that Kashmiri food continues to find new audiences, while retaining the memories, traditions and identity that make it distinctive.Get the latest TV News, TV Shows and more. Download the TOI app.