Meet the Culinary Innovators Transforming Indian Cuisine in Kansas City
In the bustling food scene of Kansas City, two chefs are carving a niche that marries tradition with modernity, offering a fresh take on Indian cuisine. Ameet Malhotra and Swetha Newcomb are trailblazers pushing the boundaries of flavor, creating dishes that captivate both palate and imagination. Their commitment to culinary heritage while embracing innovation is a delightful breath of fresh air amidst more conventional Indian dining experiences.
Swetha Newcomb: The Visionary Behind Of Course
Swetha Newcomb has been delivering her unique Midwestern-influenced Indian fusion food at her restaurant, Of Course, for two years and is thriving in her culinary journey. What sets her apart is her willingness to embrace her roots. "At first, I kind of wanted to stay away from the Indian-ness of it all," she admits. "But as time went on, I realized that is an integral part of who I am."
Newcomb developed her skills as a private chef, but her desire to break free of conventional labels led her to initially refrain from identifying Of Course strictly as an Indian restaurant. However, her culinary DNA continued to pull her toward familiar flavors and cooking styles, prompting her to invite her mother, Geetha Gondi, from Hyderabad to share authentic lessons about spices and recipes.
Signature Culinary Creations
The foundation of Newcomb’s dishes often includes an Indian rendition of mirepoix, enhanced with ginger and garlic paste, as well as spices like cumin and mustard seed that invigorate classic Midwestern comfort foods. From grilled ribeyes to Caesar salads, each dish subtly reflects Indian influence, yet remains approachable.
At Of Course, sharing is part of the experience. Inspired by family-style dining, her menu encourages patrons to savor meals together. For example, guests can dive into egg curry toast paired with sourdough bread or scoop up a rich duck curry with a crunchy tostada.
The restaurant itself reflects a modern homage to Indian culture—with vibrant decor and a stunning bar perfect for enjoying happy hour. For those hesitant to venture into Indian flavors, Newcomb confidently suggests starting with the burger: “Everyone is going to love the burger,” she asserts.
Ameet Malhotra: The Culinary Maverick at Elephant Wings
While the pandemic devastated many restaurants, it also gave rise to the culinary talents of Ameet Malhotra. A native of Mumbai, Malhotra’s journey to opening Elephant Wings began when he was laid off from his job at Hallmark in 2020. In response, he started cooking and selling his beloved butter chicken from home, quickly discovering a captivated audience.
Having learned the art of Indian cooking from his father, Malhotra adds his imaginative flair to each dish. He often dreams of fusion creations that embody the best of both worlds. From Indian-style ramen to lamb rogan josh rigatoni, his menu at Elephant Wings reflects his artistic vision of Indian cuisine infused with global inspirations. Tantalizing offerings such as cumin chicken bahn mi and tikka masala poutine are sure to ignite your taste buds.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Initially promising himself to avoid traditional staples like butter chicken or tikka masala, he has since embraced these dishes, understanding the necessity of familiar flavors for adventurous diners. Malhotra says, "I feel like I need to have something recognizable, something familiar."
The challenge he faces? Convincing customers who may be wary of fusion food to keep an open mind. "My message to them is to try and embrace the unexpected," he urges. Those skeptical about dishes like masala mac and cheese or chili tandoori fries can rest easy knowing Malhotra skillfully marries his Indian heritage with contemporary culinary techniques.
His creative prowess was recently highlighted when he emerged victorious in a taco competition against notable chefs, showcasing his talent with a dish that combined cumin chicken, coriander chutney, and more.
Discovering Indian Flavors in Kansas City
If you’re inspired to explore the vibrant world of Indian cuisine or seek out ingredients for your cooking adventures, Kansas City boasts an array of Indian-centric markets suitable for every culinary need.
Notable Indian Markets around Kansas City
Ambica Foods
9054 Metcalf Ave., Overland ParkHimalayan Grocery
1406 Minnesota Ave., KCKJS Taj Grocers and Sweet Shop
11830 Quivira Road, Overland ParkKC India Mart
8542 W. 133rd St., Overland Park- Other Local Favorites:
- Midtown Market: 3967 Main St., KCMO
- Pak Halal International Foods: 12259 W. 87th St., Parkway, Lenexa
With vibrant flavors and daring fusion, Ameet Malhotra and Swetha Newcomb are redefining the Indian dining landscape in Kansas City—one dish at a time. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, their culinary creations promise to leave you inspired and yearning for more.
