A Mumbai-based restaurateur, self-taught chef, and founder of Masque, Aditi Dugar’s culinary journey demonstrates that the most innovative ideas are ultimately a culmination of the things you are most passionate about. Before elevating Indian cuisine to new heights through constant innovation, Aditi worked in finance–until her family’s legacy of passionate cooks rekindled her love for the food industry. Thus, in 2012 after quitting her job, Aditi founded her first boutique catering service–Sage & Saffron. Meanwhile, she had also embarked on an odyssey of diverse culinary exploration– from Michelin star restaurants, Le Gavroche and La Petite Maison, to Bangkok’s acclaimed Zuma, Tsunami, Bo.lan, and even trained with the food vendors of the city. Aditi then realized the lack of creativity in Indian fine dining options and decided to put its potential on the map. Thus, Masque debuted in 2016 by reimagining local Indian ingredients with innovative techniques and placing them on a global palate. It became the first restaurant in India to serve a single chef's tasting menu using only locally sourced ingredients, and it has since received many prestigious ranks and awards. Today, Aditi runs Urban Gourmet India Pvt. Ltd, her bakery TwentySeven Bakehouse, and the kitchen at Seesaw Café in Mumbai. She is also an advisor to ARAKU Café–and while her prowess wears many hats, Aditi’s vision to pay tribute to India’s bountiful produce remains intact.