Chef Yojana Khanduri and her pop-up at Barbeque Nation

From the misty mountains of picturesque Uttarakhand to the bustling heart of urban Delhi, Chef Yojana Khanduri is cooking up quite the storm… and trust us, it’s nothing less than amazing. Known for her ability to bottle up the soul of the hills and serve it with a dash of bold innovation, she brings flavours that are both rooted and revolutionary. Whether it’s the earthy comfort of Chapchapa Mutton or the unexpected kick of Bhaang Chicken, Chef Yojana’s pop-up at Barbeque Nation Delhi till October 12, 2025; proves she’s not just stirring pots, she’s stirring memorable ‘yum’milicious flavours.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Chef Yojana Khanduri talks to Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, about flavourful journeys, soulful food, and why Delhiites can’t seem to get enough of her pahadi punch.

Over To Chef Yojana Khanduri on Her Pop-up at Barbeque Nation, Delhi

Chef Yojana, what was the inspiration behind curating the menu for this special pop-up at Barbeque Nation Delhi? Why a pop-up?
The inspiration behind this menu was to offer the people of Delhi a true essence of Uttarakhand, through its diverse cooking techniques and my hime recipes with distinct mountain flavours. I choose to do pop-ups because they allow me to share these experiences while giving me time in between to delve deeper into the cuisine and refine my skills further.

Delhiites love bold flavours, how did you balance traditional Barbeque Nation favorites with innovative twists for this event?
The menu was thoughtfully crafted keeping Delhiites’ taste preferences in mind, balancing bold flavours with subtle delicacy. Each dish is flavourful yet soulful, offering something unique beyond the regular spread. Techniques like grilling were seamlessly combined with my signature masala marinades, creating a perfect harmony between my culinary style and Barbeque Nation’s expertise.

What’s the one dish from the pop-up menu that you feel captures the true spirit of Delhi?
Chapchapa Mutton perfectly captures the true spirit of Delhi, bold in flavour, yet comforting and authentically homely.

As a chef, how do you keep the experience fresh and exciting for loyal Barbeque Nation diners who come back again and again?
As a chef, I strive to keep every experience fresh and exciting by valuing the feedback and appreciation shared by diners. My loyal guests were delighted to savour something unique yet irresistibly flavourful,  the kind of authenticity that keeps them coming back for more, as such tastes are rarely found elsewhere.

Can you take us behind the scenes, what was the most fun (or challenging!) part of preparing for this pop-up?
The fun part about this pop-up was that most of the kitchen staff hailed from Uttarakhand, and they were genuinely thrilled to see ingredients from their homeland featured in their own workspace. The challenging part, however, was adapting the team to my style of preparation, since the chefs at Barbeque Nation are used to a fixed format and set recipes, it took a little time for them to adjust to a new rhythm and approach yet they were very supportive and helpful.

Barbeque Nation is known for interactive dining, how do you think this pop-up enhances that signature experience for guests in Delhi?
People truly enjoyed interacting with me and the staff to learn more about this unique pop-up at the outlet. Diners were especially curious and excited to try the various Pahadi starters and main courses they discovered on the triangular standee placed on each table.

If someone were visiting Barbeque Nation Delhi for the very first time during this pop-up, what’s the one must-try item you’d recommend?
Bhaang chicken in starters, Mutton chapchapa & chainsoo in main course and Jhangora kheer in desserts.

Finally, what’s next for you? Can Delhi foodies look forward to more chef-led experiences like this from you at Barbeque Nation?
Of course, the experience has been incredible! People absolutely loved the food, especially those from Uttarakhand now settled in Delhi-NCR. Many dined with their elders and children, reliving cherished memories while introducing the younger generation to their roots and the flavours of their homeland.
At the same time, people from different backgrounds were equally enthusiastic, enjoying the opportunity to explore a cuisine they had never heard of before, discovering the rich, earthy flavours of Uttarakhand for the very first time.