Chef Ahktar Nawab on new cookbook, diversity of dishes

Chef Ahktar Nawab on new cookbook, diversity of dishes

Chef Ahktar Nawab is a first-generation Indian-American with classical training in Italian and French and is now known for his Mexican cuisine. He worked in some of New York’s best-known restaurants before venturing out on his own. After 25 years in the...
Three Generations of the Nawab Family Gather in Louisville

Three Generations of the Nawab Family Gather in Louisville

Chef Akhtar Nawabʼs parents immigrated to the United States from India in 1969. Theyʼve been celebrating Thanksgiving in Kentucky ever since. Akhtar Nawab drops a fleck of flour into a pan of hot oil; it bubbles, so itʼs time. Beside him, his mother, Sahro, whom he...
The Fantasy of a Personal Chef, with CookUnity

The Fantasy of a Personal Chef, with CookUnity

The subscription service delivers diverse, ready-to-heat meals by some of New York’s most prominent restaurateurs, including Dan Kluger, of Loring Place; Einat Admony, of Taïm; and Esther Choi, of Mökbar. On a recent Monday, I received a large tote filled with a dozen...
Akhtar Cooks with MingTsai

Akhtar Cooks with MingTsai

This week on “Simply Ming,” chef Akhtar Nawab, recently honored with the Bib Gourmand distinction from the 2018 Michelin Guide, stops by Ming’s loft to cook with delectable mushrooms. Akhtar makes a hearty mushroom Bolognese with homemade ligurian...
Akhtar Nawab’s Bison Burger with Balsamic Onions

Akhtar Nawab’s Bison Burger with Balsamic Onions

Bison is super lean and high in protein compared to other meats. It is also lower in calories and cholesterol than beef and has a lot of flavor in it. It’s a little gamey but not overpowering. It gives you a meaty burger that sears and caramelizes well without...
Akhtar Cooks with MingTsai

How an Indian-American from Kentucky became a Mexican chef

Louisville, KY, is the earliest place Akhtar Nawab can remember. He still feels rooted to the city, even though growing up there the chef knew only one other Indian family. “There is a real truth to Southern hospitality,” Nawab said. “I always felt...
Food halls: Redesigning the dining experience

Food halls: Redesigning the dining experience

Once upon a time, Americans actually left their houses to shop. But with the rise of online shopping, thousands of brick-and-mortar retail stores have closed – and some developers are hoping to fill that empty space by filling eager bellies. “Even if...
Communal Table Podcast: Akhtar Nawab

Communal Table Podcast: Akhtar Nawab

Akhtar Nawab talks about unhealthy stress, smart partnerships, and present parenting. Listen Here Chefs and restaurant workers take great care of everyone else, but often they need a little help themselves. Each week, Food & Wine senior editor Kat Kinsman talks...
Akhtar Nawab Brings His Mexican-Indian Cooking to New Orleans

Akhtar Nawab Brings His Mexican-Indian Cooking to New Orleans

Otra Vez opens April 15 with Nawab’s famous shrimp tacos, pumpkin blossom quesadillas, and plenty of Gulf seafood. A quick look at the menu at Otra Vez, Akhtar Nawab’s new restaurant in New Orleans, reveals many of the same classic Mexican dishes he serves at...
Akhtar Cooks with MingTsai

10 Dishes With Chef Akhtar Nawab

The chef and owner of New Orleans’ Otra Vez and New York’s Alta Calidad tackles our speed round of questions. by Noah Rothbaum After a shift, what is your favorite guilty pleasure to eat?“Anything from a Chinatown in any city. I always go for dishes like jellyfish...