Culinary maestro Manu Chandra is famous for revolutionising the dining scene in Bangalore. Initially starting in The Olive Group in Mumbai, he headed further south and left a tasteful impact like no other. His recent brainchild, Lupa, inspired by the mythological she-wolf "La Lupa" in Italian, is a blend of his signature European flavours with local ingredients. We talked to chef Manu about all his favourite kitchen essentials that help him ace the cooking game, and here's everything he said!
A Few Of Chef Manu Chandra's Favourite Kitchen Brands
Favourite Electric Kitchen Appliance
The multi-attachment blender from Kitchen Aid. It is a versatile and user-friendly appliance, well-suited for various kitchen tasks.
Favourite Kitchen Essential

A great, reliable chef’s knife is always the most essential. This knife, from Japanese Gyuto knife from Kanetsune, features hammer-patterned blades with a core of DSR-1K6.
Favourite Homegrown Kitchen Brand
Häfele for its modular adaptability. The products are durable, with excellent after-sales support.
Must-Have Kitchen Appliances
The first is an overhead exhaust system, love this one by Crompton, as it is a trusted brand with a great auto-cleaning function. Also, the built-in heat sensor is a rather helpful feature.
The second is an oven capable of high heat. I like this one by BOSCH. The smart control feature allows remote monitoring and control, further enabling integration with smart home systems and voice assistants.The third is an espresso machine that makes good-quality espresso, like this one by Rancilio.



Kitchen Essentials That Beginners Should Cop
There are three kitchen essentials that a beginner who is just getting into cooking should have. One, a seasoned, cast-iron skillet. I like this one by Lodge. It offers exceptional heat retention and even cooking, making it perfect for searing, frying, baking, and more. Its pre-seasoned, ultra-durable build works on all heat sources.
Second, knives and sharpening stones. I would recommend this one by Tolsen. It offers a dual-grit design with one side for coarse sharpening and the other for fine honing, making it versatile for various tools like knives and scissors. And lastly, a few clean, absorbent kitchen towels.

Favourite Grill


This one by Weber & Traeger. It has a classic design with outstanding modern features, like Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) Cooking Grate and has superior heat retention.
Favourite Fryer

Cuisinart. This stainless steel appliance designed for home use, offers several advantages for those seeking a convenient and efficient frying experience.
Favourite Oven
This one by Miele. It has an exceptional quality, innovative features, and a sleek design.
Favourite Toaster
KitchenAid's toaster. It combines functionality with a vibrant design. It also offers wide slots for toasting everything from thick bagels to artisan bread, with adjustable shade control for perfect browning.
Must-Have Dishes At Lupa
For non-vegetarians: House Cured & Applewood Smoked Salmon, Lamb Chelo, 14-Hour Braised Short-Rib
For vegetarians: Slow Smoked Roma Tomato Galette