Arq Mithai brings a luxurious, modern twist to traditional Indian sweets, blending French patisserie techniques with artisanal mithai-making. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Arq is more than just a modern day Indian sweets brand; it’s the embodiment of the brand and brand owners’ love and passion. They are proud of their Indian heritage and the centuries-old tradition of mithai-making that they celebrate. They have worked hard to preserve the authenticity of their craft and pay homage to the generations that have come before.
As perfectionists, they know that every detail matters, and that’s why they handcraft all their mithai with organic ingredients and only natural flavours. Their passion for using the finest and freshest ingredients is evident in the taste of the products. They source the ingredients locally and ethically, ensuring that they only use the best quality produce.
Their commitment to the environment is a core part of their values. They care about the planet and use only plastic-free and completely recyclable packaging. They understand that every small step counts towards a sustainable future.
At Arq, they believe that their mithai is artisanal happiness. They want to share the joy of their delicious treats with the world and invite everyone to celebrate with them. They understand that their products are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they are about creating unforgettable moments of joy and happiness. Arq invites everyone to join them on this journey of creating artisanal happiness and celebrating the beauty of Indian mithai-making.
In India, the love for sweets is deeply ingrained in the culture. It’s an integral part of every celebration, whether it’s a happy occasion of a daughter getting into a great college or a rather sad one, of a son moving abroad. They believe that no matter what the event is, there’s always room for something sweet. That’s why the first thing we say when we receive good news is “Muh Meetha Karo,” which means it’s time to sweeten our mouths.
Growing up, they watched people come together over boxes of Mithai, relishing the flavours and smells of traditional Indian sweets. They realised that no other region in the world has such a diverse range of sweets with such emotional meaning attached to them.
In 2019, the founders decided to create Arq, an endeavour to bring Artisanal Indian Mithai to enrich your body and soul. Their goal is to grace joyous and emotional moments with the quintessential Indian artisanal sweets.
“I am Ashay, one half of the duo behind Arq Mithai. My best friend and business partner, Neha, and I have spent years mastering the art of fine French food and pastry. But we felt that Indian mithai was still relatively unexplored in the international world of patisserie and boulangerie. That’s why we decided to embark on a journey to rediscover and learn mithai-making for fun. This led us to come up with the idea of Arq Mithai.” Said Akshay.
He further stated “As we delved into the world of Indian mithai-making, we were fascinated by the sheer variety and complexity of traditional mithais. We wanted to bring our own unique touch to this ancient art, so we spent countless hours experimenting and perfecting our recipes. We made sure that every ingredient was carefully chosen, and every step was meticulously executed, resulting in mithais that were not only delicious but also visually stunning and perfectly suited for modern tastes. At Arq, we believe that tradition and innovation can coexist. We draw inspiration from our rich heritage and the changing seasons to create unique and exciting mithais that capture the essence of India. Every mithai tells a story, and we strive to make our mithais not just a treat for your taste buds but also a journey of discovery and delight.”
Arq caters for various festival in the Indian festival calendar. Talking about Modaks as a seasonal special which are in the spotlight at this time Chef Neha Lakhani said “Our Modaks are a celebration of purity and tradition. Made with locally sourced ingredients, pure cow’s milk, and ghee, they are free from artificial flavors and preservatives, offering a truly authentic taste. Each bite reflects our dedication to quality and devotion. This Ganesh Chaturthi at Arq, we’re honouring the festival by crafting these divine sweets with love and care, ensuring every Modak is a perfect offering for your prayers and celebrations. Join us in making your festivities extra special with our handmade delights.”
Meet the Founders
Chef Neha Lakhani is a true Renaissance woman with a diverse skill set that ranges from finance to pastry-making. After completing her Pastry Diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa, Chef Neha has dedicated her life to pursuing her passion for culinary excellence. In addition to her work as a co-founder and Chief Patissier at Arq Mithai, Chef Neha also serves as a food consultant, teacher, and writer on the NDTV Panel of Chefs.
She is a faculty member at Le Cordon Bleu at G.D. Goenka School of Hospitality and holds the position of Chef Patissier at LIT Hospitality in New Delhi.
Chef Neha’s expertise in the culinary arts has been widely recognized, and she has been invited to speak at TEDx events to share her insights and experiences. She is also the co-founder of Troublesome Duo Official, a private consultancy for restaurants and hotels that helps businesses optimise their food and beverage offerings.
Through her various roles, Chef Neha has demonstrated her commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence in the culinary arts. Her passion for food and her deep understanding of the industry have helped her to establish herself as a respected figure in the world of gastronomy.
Chef Ashay Dhopatkar is a highly skilled modern British and Modern European food specialist, with an impressive educational background. He holds a postgraduate degree in Culinary Arts from the Hammersmith & West London College, U.K. as well as an MBA from the University of Wales, U.K.
Chef Dhopatkar has honed his skills while working with several Michelin-starred chefs. He worked alongside the renowned Gordon Ramsay at the Savoy, Chef Mark Hix from the Ivy & Caprice Group at the Tramshed in Shoreditch, and Chef Herbert Berger at the iconic Michelin starred restaurant and brasserie No.1 Lombard Street opposite the Bank of England. He has also worked with Michelin starred Chef Chris & Jeff Galvin at the award-winning Bistro De Luxe at Marble Arch. Over his long career he has also cooked alongside Michelin starred chefs such as Chef Thomas Keller, Chef Raymond blanc, Chef Shane Orborne, Chef John Campbell and so on.
His hard work and ambition led him to Dubai, where he was a part of the early opening team at the acclaimed carnivore restaurant “The Rib Room” in Jumeirah Emirate Towers. He then returned to his homeland, where he spearheaded Delhi’s finest French Bistro “Le bistro Du Parc” in Defence Colony Delhi. He also took on the helm at the Passcode Hospitality Group, curating nibbles and chic menus for the American speak-easy PCO in Vasant Kunj Delhi and designing and executing an ultra-luxury European dining experience for Delhi’s finest at the exclusive members-only club A Ta Maison.
Chef Dhopatkar is a certified judge for international culinary competitions and is an NDTV chef panellist. He has also featured in his very own cookery show, the Zee TV channel ‘Living Foods’ by the name of “Chatpata India,” and has been featured in several telly commercials for the likes of Mcdonalds, India Gate, etc. He has also been featured in several magazines such as Conde Nast Traveller, The Times Of India, The Hindu, The Mid-Day, and several others.
Currently, Chef Dhopatkar is one of the founders and Chef de Cuisine of Troublesome Duo Official, a private consultancy for restaurants and hotels. Arq Mithai is their latest venture.
Arq’s Offerings
Indulge in a variety of sweets, ranging from traditional motichoor laddoo and pinni to modern-day delights such as besan truffle and caramel pedha. Their artisanal sweets are crafted using the freshest and purest ingredients, with recipes handed down over the years. In addition to their year-round selection, they release seasonal and festive specials, as well as savouries that will transport you back to your childhood. With over 40 different types of sweets and 20 Indian savouries, they are constantly innovating and adding new creations to their menu. Each season, they feature a special menu using fresh, seasonal produce.
Their Ethos
By eliminating preservatives and additives, they ensure that our products are healthy and safe for consumption. They believe that the natural flavours and ingredients speak for themselves and don’t require any unnecessary additives.
In short, at Arq, they are committed to using fresh, ethically-sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and promoting healthy, additive-free mithais.
At the end of the day, their goal is simple – to create mithais that bring joy and happiness to people’s lives, and to keep the traditions of our rich culinary heritage alive for generations to come. If you’re looking for a blend of tradition and modern gourmet flair, Arq Mithai is a top contender. Highly Recommended!
