NOBLE FOODS
BINOD BARAL
Tourism & Business Advisor of Nepal | Honorary Goodwill Ambassador | Chief Judge Asian Curry Award UK | Visiting Faculty Oxford College of Engineering & Management | Weekly Food Columnist Annapurna Express
Borderless Kitchens and the Ethos of Noble Food
In the world of cuisine, I have never been bound by the borders of any particular region.
My philosophy is simple:
Food is a universal language, and in my kitchen, that language is spoken without borders. While many chefs are deeply rooted in the traditions of their homelands, and indeed, these traditions offer endless wisdom, I have chosen a different path—one where noble food reigns, untethered to specific nationalities or cultural labels.
What do I mean by noble food? It’s not tied to grand gestures or elaborate presentations. Noble food is about integrity and balance. It is food that honors the ingredients in their truest form while ensuring every dish is not just delicious, but also wholesome, light, fresh, and healthy. This ethos isn’t defined by whether the dish has a particular spice, follows a specific recipe, or hails from a renowned culinary heritage. It’s defined by how it makes you feel when you eat it. Food should nourish, not overwhelm.
I believe in a borderless kitchen, where creativity flows freely across the lines that typically separate cultures and cuisines. A kitchen where the freshness of Mediterranean olive oil can mingle with the spice of a Nepali Timur, where Japanese simplicity meets the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality. It’s in this fusion that I find the true art of cooking. The goal is not to combine flavors for the sake of novelty, but to extract and elevate the essence of each ingredient, wherever it may come from.
In a world obsessed with food trends, I remain committed to simplicity and authenticity. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or bound to the latest fads. Good food, in my view, is light on the stomach, clean in its execution, and mindful of our bodies. It should be full of flavor but not overly rich. It should provide comfort but not leave us sluggish. And most importantly, it should respect the health of those who eat it.
Each dish I create is a testament to this principle.
Whether I’m working with fish from the coastal regions, vibrant herbs from the hills, or exotic spices from distant lands, my goal is to create harmony in flavor and balance in nutrition. The dishes are crafted not to conform to a particular cuisine, but to respect the ingredient’s innate goodness and serve a purpose beyond just taste. Every bite must tell a story of wholesomeness and health.
This isn’t about rejecting my Himalayan roots or the incredible cuisines from top of the world. I’ve encountered in my culinary journey. I cherish the influence of Nepal’s soulful spices, the rich traditions of Indian kitchens, and the time-honored techniques passed down through generations. But I see food as more than a representation of place. To me, it is a universal language of wellness, a tool to bring joy and vitality to our lives.
In this borderless kitchen, there is freedom. There’s no pressure to stick to the rules, no need to adhere to predefined flavors. It’s an invitation to play with the senses, to embrace the diversity of the world’s pantry while keeping the focus on what truly matters—creating food that is tasty, light, and nourishing.
Ultimately, my ethos is one of respect—for the ingredient, the process, and the person who will enjoy the dish.
Noble food transcends culinary tradition. It is not defined by where it comes from but by how it nurtures both body and soul. That, to me, is the essence of cooking. That is the heart of a borderless kitchen.