Marking International Women’s Day, Zuki Noida brought together influential voices from the culinary, hospitality and digital spaces for an engaging panel discussion titled “The Tastemakers’ Dialogue.” The evening celebrated women leaders, creative entrepreneurship and evolving food culture through conversation, collaboration and a curated culinary experience.
The discussion was moderated by Shreya Nair, Business Head at marketing agency Consider Done. The panel featured a diverse mix of founders, chefs and creators who are shaping modern food businesses and digital storytelling.
Among the key speakers was Deepak Gupta, founder of Zuki, luxury catering venture Global Kitchen Catering, and Italian restaurant Autumn House Delhi. A seasoned restaurateur, Gupta’s career spans more than two decades and closely mirrors the transformation of Delhi NCR’s dining scene. His ventures range from intimate dining concepts to large-scale catering experiences, reflecting a deep understanding of hospitality and evolving guest expectations.
Joining him on the panel were Akaanshha Kohli, founder of Saffron Gourmet Foods; Ssareena Gupta, digital creator and lifestyle tastemaker; Apeksha Jain, founder of The Gourmet Jar; Chef Gauri Varma, founder of Confect; and Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, Culinary Director at Zuki.
The conversation explored the realities of building food and hospitality businesses today. Speakers discussed turning passion into profession, navigating entrepreneurship, and adapting to a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. They also shared insights into creativity, resilience and the growing influence of digital communities in shaping dining culture.
The evening also highlighted Zuki’s growing identity as a cultural venue. While restaurants traditionally focus on dining experiences, Zuki continues to position itself as a space for ideas, storytelling and industry dialogue. By hosting forums such as The Tastemakers’ Dialogue, the restaurant brings together culinary leaders, creators and entrepreneurs under one roof.
Speaking about the initiative, Deepak Gupta, Founder of Zuki, Global Kitchen & Autumn House, said,
“Hospitality has always been driven by passion, creativity and resilience, qualities that women bring to the table in remarkable ways. Through The Tastemakers’ Dialogue, we wanted to create a space where inspiring voices from the culinary and hospitality world could share their journeys and experiences. Celebrating these stories is important because they encourage more women to step forward, lead and shape the future of the industry.”
Adding to the experience, guests enjoyed a curated Pan-Asian tasting menu created by Chef Vaibhav Bhargava. The selection included Gold-Foiled Cream Cheese & Truffle Oil Dim Sums, Japanese Avocado Pizza, Chongqing Tofu, Chicken and Water Chestnut Gyoza, Thai Crispy Sole, Dynamite Prawns, and sushi highlights such as the Duet of Salmon and Avocado Roll.
Through thoughtful conversation and a vibrant culinary showcase, the evening celebrated the women and innovators shaping the future of food, hospitality and dining culture.