Chef Kunal Kapur hardly needs any introduction and was also called the “next big name in kebabs and curries in India” by the legendary Jiggs Kalra long ago. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing him during the second-anniversary celebration of his restaurant, Pincode, in Dubai. In this exclusive interview, we discover the story behind the restaurant’s unique name and reflect on memorable moments from the past two years. Chef Kunal Kapur shares his love for Dubai’s local food scene, highlights his favourite items from the menu, and discusses plans for Pincode. Scroll on!
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What inspired your restaurant’s unique name, “Pincode,” and how does it relate to the overall concept?
With a reminiscent smile, the revered chef says, “About 15-20 years back, handheld GPS or maps didn’t exist, so if you had to send something or read a map, you needed a PIN code for the place. And all of these PIN codes carried some value for a person, especially when it came to food. For instance, I know Delhi 6 is Paratha Wali Gali in Old Delhi, or 110016 is Ramesh Nagar in Delhi is known for its fantastic chole bhature. All of these important PIN codes resonate with certain memories of food. And for me, Pin code is very retro.
So, we wanted to build a restaurant which celebrates regional Indian food. As a result, we picked up certain pin codes from different parts of India and put them together to make our menu, especially those places that are known for their particular food. “
As Pincode reaches its 2nd anniversary, are there any plans for expansion?
We just opened Pincode in Abu Dhabi at the Galleria Mall, and we are expanding in India, with an outlet in Mohali due to open in a month or so. The next destination for us is Goa, which is a fantastic market.
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How has your journey been with Pincode so far? What’s the most unforgettable moment that stands out in your mind?
This journey has taught me so much, and it has also connected me to many people in Dubai, especially in the UAE. In fact, so much love and appreciation have come my way, thanks to Pincode! It’s the opening of this restaurant that has been the most memorable moment. After all, every restaurant is like a child, and every child has their own tantrums, and this restaurant had its own share of some. So, the whole process of sorting out every minute detail right until the end, before you open the doors and say, “we are open”, that’s always the most memorable time.
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If you could open another restaurant in Dubai, what cuisine would you choose besides Indian?
I would try experimental Japanese cuisine. There is a lot of interest, which I don’t see dying down when it comes to this cuisine, and everybody is experimenting with it, like Japanese & Peruvian, Japanese & French, or even Japanese & Indian.
What’s the one signature dish from Pincode that you’d recommend and why?
At Pincode, you must try the Chaat section! There are a couple of them, but my personal favourites include the Dhokla Chaat and the Potato Spiral. After all, chaat is a dish that cuts across ages, and everybody likes it. I am yet to come across somebody saying, “Oh, I hate Chaat”. It delivers the punch, the kick you’re looking for, and is something like a nice dessert, which can lift your mood. A good chaat does the same.
You have cooked for many famous guests over the years. Who has been the most memorable guest?
My parents are the most memorable guests! Especially since they never want to go out of the house, order food from outside, or eat in a restaurant. They are glad to eat home-cooked food, and even though there are several restaurants that I’ve opened, Pincode is the first one where they have actually come, and that’s memorable for me.
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What’s the one dish from the local food scene (in Dubai) that you’ve fallen in love with?
Traditional Emirati food has a lot of flavour and is still very connected to its roots. I like the fact that there is fresh bread and that there are kebabs on the grill, unadulterated, with nothing modern about it. And it is just so simple yet tasty! Once you have it, you want to eat Emirati food again (and again).
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What is that one dish you don’t like to cook but enjoy when someone else prepares it for you?
Rotiya or Phulkay! Every time, you have to ensure that they’re round. But if somebody gives me bread and I don’t have to cook it, I am very happy!
What would you choose if you could explore a different career path besides being a chef?
I don’t know, but if I wasn’t a Chef, my parents would have had their way and made me a banker! So I’d be working in some bank and it would have been very sad!
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What are your favourite restaurants in Dubai other than Pincode? What kind of places do you visit when in Dubai?
With Dubai, the good part is that you can pick and choose! You probably have a few favourite restaurants that you would like to go back to. But personally, I am always on the lookout for a different global cuisine. For instance, just the previous night, I had Bosnian food, and this doesn’t happen in India. The other day, I saw a Georgian restaurant! There is so much on offer in Dubai that, as a customer, one feels spoilt for choice.
Interviewing Chef Kunal Kapur during Pincode Dubai’s second anniversary was an inspiring experience, and it offered an insight into his passion for innovation and local flavours.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pincode Instagram and Shaunfernandes photography
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First Published: March 10, 2025 7:25 PM