Meet Nirvaan

At Miri Mary, we believe in celebrating life, creating lasting memories, and experiencing the finest flavors the world has to offer. Our cocktail menu is already known for its creativity, but the heart and soul of Miri Mary lie in our food—a true celebration of Indian cuisine. Behind this thoughtfully curated menu is Nirvaan, a rising culinary star who was flown all the way from Mumbai to the Netherlands to bring the magic of Indian food to our guests.

When Foram and Anand, the owners of Miri Mary, set out to open this unique space, they knew they wanted to showcase Indian cuisine beyond the fast-casual dining typically associated with it. They envisioned a menu that was refined yet approachable, flavorful yet familiar. To achieve this, they turned to Nirvaan, a kitchen consultant and culinary expert with a passion for transforming traditional dishes into something truly extraordinary.

Nirvaan, just 28 years old, arrived in the Netherlands for the first time to help launch Miri Mary. For three months, he worked closely with our kitchen team, sharing his meticulously designed menu and training them to execute every dish with precision. Although new to the Netherlands, Nirvaan quickly fell in love with Dutch culture, even developing a soft spot for the famous bitterballen. But one thing he feels could enrich the Dutch experience is a little more of India’s welcoming spirit. In Indian culture, the table is always big enough for more people—hospitality, abundance, and togetherness are at the core of every meal.

Nirvaan’s culinary expertise is undeniable, but his journey started long before his formal education at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His passion for food was sparked at the age of six when his family got a new cook who struggled to make dosa, a traditional Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Determined to enjoy his favorite dish, Nirvaan took matters into his own hands. He got the recipe from his grandmother and began experimenting in the kitchen, tracking fermentation times and perfecting the cooking technique until he could make the perfect dosa. His family crowned him “Master Chef” of the house, and his love for cooking was born.

Nirvaan fondly recalls that Sundays in India revolve around food. From breakfast to dinner, meals are prepared and enjoyed in unison, and his first successful dish—dosa—set him on a path to explore more of the culinary world. Of course, not every moment in the kitchen was flawless. On his first attempt at cooking, Nirvaan chopped off the tip of his finger while slicing carrots. But, as he humorously points out, turmeric—an Indian kitchen staple—worked wonders in healing the cut.

While dosa was the dish that ignited his passion, Nirvaan’s current favorite is aloo sabzi, a simple yet flavorful dish made from boiled potatoes and an array of spices like cumin, turmeric, dried chili powder, and sesame seeds. Paired with fresh rotis, this dish is a comforting reminder of home for Nirvaan and many Indians, as it is often made in every household at least once a week.

The connection between food and nostalgia is central to Indian cuisine, and Nirvaan has expertly woven these emotions into the menu at Miri Mary. When asked about his favorite ingredient, his response is simple but insightful— butter. The richness and smooth texture it provides allow dishes to reach new levels of flavor and satisfaction. In Indian cooking, ghee (clarified butter) is a cornerstone of many recipes, adding depth to everything from curries to desserts. Another essential ingredient for Nirvaan is cumin, which is typically the first spice to hit the hot oil in Indian cooking, infusing dishes with its warm, earthy aroma.

At Miri Mary Indian Restaurant, we are proud to have Nirvaan’s expertise and passion shaping our menu. His dedication to creating authentic yet elevated Indian dishes ensures that every meal at Miri Mary is a celebration of flavor, culture, and togetherness. Whether you’re here to try something new or to enjoy the comforting tastes of home, our menu, crafted by Nirvaan, is designed to delight and inspire.

We invite you to experience Nirvaan’s creations and discover the warmth, abundance, and hospitality of Indian cuisine, right here in the Netherlands. Come join us at Miri Mary—where every meal is an opportunity to make memories.