Ritu Dalmia is an Indian Chef and restaurateur credited with introducing authentic Italian cuisine to India. Her precise technique and warm hospitality helped shape Delhi's dining scene while her public voice champions culinary culture and LGBTQ+ rights.
| Born | 1972, Kolkata, India |
|---|---|
| Style | Italian, Mediterranean, Contemporary Regional Indian |
| Notable Restaurants | Diva; Cittamani; Spica; Atrangi |
| Awards | Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity; Ordine della Stella d'Italia |
Ritu's Formal Culinary Training
Ritu Dalmia did not follow the classic culinary school route. Born into a Marwari business family in Kolkata, she began working in the family marble business at 16 and traveled frequently to Italy to source stone. Those trips became an informal culinary education as she absorbed regional Italian techniques, flavors and traditions.
Over time Dalmia studied with local cooks, apprenticed in kitchens and learned on the job. Her approach combined hands on experience in Italy with experimentation back in India, resulting in a deep, authentic understanding of Italian regional cooking rather than a single formal credential.
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Ritu Dalmia Restaurants & Businesses
Ritu Dalmia built a reputation by opening restaurants that emphasize regional authenticity, simplicity and high quality ingredients.
- MezzaLuna (1993) – Her first restaurant in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi, focused on Mediterranean and Italian flavors. Although she later sold MezzaLuna after a few challenging years, it marked her entry into the restaurant world.
- Vama (1996) – A fine dining venture on King’s Road in London in partnership with Andy Verma that earned positive reviews. Dalmia later sold her stake and returned to India.
- Diva (2000) – Co founded with Gita Bhalla in Greater Kailash II, Delhi, Diva became her signature restaurant and a benchmark for authentic Italian cuisine in the city.
- Latitude 28 – A casual bistro at the Alliance Française in Delhi blending Italian and French influences.
- Diva Café – A more relaxed neighborhood outpost in Greater Kailash I offering accessible Italian fare.
- DIVA Piccola – A compact, lively spot in Hauz Khas Village focused on classic Italian preparations.
- Cittamani (2017) – Opened in Milan, this project reflects Dalmia’s interest in blending Italian technique with Indian sensibilities and ingredients.
- Spica – A collaboration in Milan with Michelin starred Chef Viviana Varese, exploring a dialogue between Indian and Italian cuisines.
- Atrangi (2023) – A Dubai restaurant showcasing regional Indian dishes with a contemporary and theatrical presentation.
Some earlier projects were sold or closed as her focus shifted, but Diva and her international collaborations remain central to her culinary identity.
Ritu Dalmia's Other Ventures
Beyond restaurants, Dalmia extended her influence through media, writing and activism.
- Cookbooks: She authored Travelling Diva: Recipes from Around the World and other collections that reflect her global approach to home cooking.
- Television: Dalmia hosted shows such as Italian Khana and Travelling Diva, bringing regional Italian recipes to Indian audiences.
- Consulting and Collaborations: She has partnered with international chefs and hospitality groups to launch projects in Europe and the Middle East.
- Activism and Philanthropy: An outspoken LGBTQ+ Activist, Dalmia has used her platform to support equality and social causes, including participating in the 2016 legal challenge to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
Ritu Dalmia Shows
Dalmia translated her kitchen knowledge to television and public events, using media to teach techniques and share stories about regional ingredients.
- Italian Khana – A TV series introducing Italian recipes and regional traditions to Indian home cooks.
- Travelling Diva – A travel and food program that tied recipes to places, people and memories, and inspired her book of the same name.
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Ritu Dalmia Awards and Accolades
Her work promoting Italian culture and cuisine has been recognized by Italy and by the culinary community.
- Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity – Awarded by the Italian government in 2011 for promoting Italian cuisine abroad.
- Ordine della Stella d'Italia – A high civilian honor from Italy, conferred in 2017 in recognition of cultural and culinary contributions.
- Professional Recognition – Diva and Dalmia have been widely praised in domestic and international media as key contributors to India’s modern dining scene.
Ritu Dalmia Personal Life
Ritu Dalmia was born in 1972 in Kolkata and grew up in a Marwari business family. Early work in the family marble business brought her to Italy, where food and culture captured her imagination and set her on a different career path.
Open about her sexuality, Dalmia became a prominent LGBTQ+ Activist in India. In 2016 she and others filed a writ challenging Section 377; the Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that decriminalized consensual same sex conduct marked a landmark moment in which she played a visible role.
In November 2024 she married her partner, Michaela Tedsen, in a ceremony at Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, South Africa.
Ritu Dalmia Family and Friends
Dalmia remains connected to her family business roots while surrounding herself with chefs, restaurateurs and cultural collaborators. Her professional friendships include international chefs such as Viviana Varese with whom she has launched projects in Milan.
Her marriage to Michaela and her public advocacy have made her a visible figure in both culinary and social spheres, where she continues to mentor young chefs and support hospitality initiatives.
Ritu Dalmia Chef Profile: Conclusion
Ritu Dalmia is a Chef and restaurateur who helped introduce authentic, regional Italian cooking to India while building bridges between cuisines. Her career blends hands on learning, thoughtful restaurants and media work with a commitment to social change.
From the early days of MezzaLuna to international ventures like Cittamani and Spica, Dalmia has shaped a modern conversation about food, culture and identity. Her legacy is as much about flavor and technique as it is about using a public platform for progress.
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