Udit Bagga- an interaction with Travellinkslive
Udit Bagga, the Managing Director of Kakapo, an all-day dining and bar outlet, is a man driven by an
enduring passion for his craft and an unyielding commitment to his work. His profound dedication is prominently showcased, not only through Kakapo but also through his portfolio of esteemed establishments, which encompasses Cafe Out of the Box, founded a decade ago, Station Bar and Zylo, known for its most enchanting and elevated rooftop bar. His ambitious objective is truly noteworthy: to inaugurate a total of 25 restaurants in the upcoming three years, ultimately scaling up to an impressive count of 50 within the subsequent five years. His expansion strategy is astutely concentrated on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, with the aim of extending the accessibility of his culinary ventures.
Udit Bagga, as he shares his passions, his hobbies and intrests with me.
Question You seem to be young, vibrant, full of life, kind of a person. What are your top passions?
Answer. My passions serve as the driving forces that intricately contribute to various facets of my life, adding unique dimensions to my journey. Golf, for me, transcends being a mere game; it is a source of solace and patience, acting as a conduit to connect with nature and find inner peace. Travelling is not just a journey; it’s an immersive exploration of diverse cultures and a delightful indulgence in culinary experiences that broaden my perspective.
Partaking in adventure sports isn’t just about thrills; it instilled in me a sense of fearlessness and compels me to push my limits, fostering personal growth. Food, as a passion, allows me to explore traditions through the rich tapestry of diverse cuisines, serving as a gateway to understanding different cultures and their culinary heritage.
Question - What’s your fascination with cars? May we know a little about your background and your passion for cars.
Cars have been an integral part of my life since the very beginning, given that my family has been deeply immersed in the automotive industry, running successful dealerships for Hyundai and Maruti cars for the past seven decades. Beyond merely driving, my fascination with automobiles extends to the intricate details of their mechanisms, involving hands-on engagement in maintenance and repair. This hands-on experience has cultivated a profound connection with the world of automobiles.
Now, as we embark on a new chapter, our trajectory is set to expand into the electric scooter market, thereby diversifying our dealership portfolio. This strategic move not only aligns with the family legacy but also resonates with my personal passion for automotive technology. More significantly, it reflects our commitment to embracing sustainability within the industry—an imperative for the future.
This leap into the electric scooter market serves as a bridge between my personal interests and professional aspirations. It is a thrilling venture that combines a lifelong passion for automobiles with a forward-looking commitment to environmental consciousness. As we venture into this new frontier, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the evolution of the automotive landscape and being at the forefront of sustainable mobility solutions.
Question - Any special incident/moment during your course of travel experience?
Answer: Amidst the serene hills, a trip took an unexpected turn when someone in our group began choking—a moment that sent a shiver down our spines. Drawing on my first aid training, I instinctively initiated the Heimlich maneuver, combining back blows and abdominal thrusts to dislodge the obstruction causing the choking. The atmosphere became palpably tense, but my swift actions proved to be a lifesaving intervention.
The overwhelming sense of relief that swept over the group as the person regained the ability to breathe was a powerful and poignant moment. It was in that instant that the gravity of knowing basic first aid truly hit home. This experience etched itself deeply into my memory, becoming a special and transformative moment in my life. It underscored the profound impact that a simple skill, learned and applied in a critical moment, can have on the well-being of others.
Question-. Coming back to Kakapo, what are the things that make it really unique and sets it apart from others?
Answer- Kakapo transcends the conventional notion of a dining spot; it is a culinary haven that distinguishes itself in multiple facets. Nestled in a stunning location, surrounded by lush greenery and providing a breathtaking view of the Qutub, Kakapo offers diners an enchanting backdrop for their memorable date nights. The ambience of this establishment is nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the enigmatic allure created by its iconic trees. From the moment one arrives, there’s a palpable sense of stepping into a realm of mystique and charm.
However, what truly sets Kakapo apart is not just its captivating ambience but also the exceptional culinary offerings that elevate the entire dining experience. Each dish is a symphony of flavours, carefully curated to add an extra layer of delight to the overall affair. Kakapo goes beyond being a mere dining spot; it is a destination where the art of gastronomy meets the poetry of nature, creating an immersive experience that lingers in the hearts and palates of its patrons.
Question - Do you have any plans to expand or maybe your vision for the future?
Answer. Our vision for the future is defined by ambition and a commitment to continuous growth. We aspire to expand our presence by embarking on an exciting journey of opening an exclusive restaurant or introducing additional outlets of the same brand on an annual basis. With each outlet we establish, our strategic plan involves cultivating a network of five restaurants, fostering an environment where each location can not only flourish but also contribute to the overall success of our brand.
In addition to this expansion, we have set our sights on enhancing and extending our current ventures—Out Of The Box, Kakapo, and Zylo. However, our goal goes beyond merely building a chain of restaurants. We aim to craft a lifestyle that captivates and resonates with people, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional dining.
This ambitious initiative is not just about geographical expansion; it is about creating a national footprint. Our vision is to take our distinctive brands pan-India, offering elite dining experiences that embody the essence of our culinary excellence. By pushing boundaries and redefining expectations, we are dedicated to becoming a beacon of exceptional dining, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of the country.
Question -Let us know if you have had gastronomical trips? your favourite destination to travel and why?
Answer- Gastronomical journeys have consistently played a pivotal role in my travels. I have a particular penchant for immersing myself in food adventures that encompass the exploration of local cuisines, savouring exquisite wines, and delving into diverse epicurean experiences. Italy, in particular, captures my attention, not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for the captivating wine tours it offers. Similarly, the whisky expeditions in Scotland have proven to be enlightening, providing profound insights into the artistry of whisky crafting.
Undoubtedly, I firmly believe that the exploration of food should transcend geographical boundaries. Whether indulging in street eats or delving into renowned culinary traditions, I actively strive to broaden my culinary horizons. These diverse experiences offer me a more profound understanding of food origins and the rich tapestry of cultures, significantly enriching the depth of my overall travel encounters.
For me, each dish tells a story, and every culinary tradition is a cultural narrative waiting to be discovered. By embracing the diversity of global cuisines, I not only satisfy my palate but also gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world through the universal language of food. In essence, my gastronomic adventures serve as a gateway to understanding the heart and soul of the places I visit, creating lasting memories that go beyond the typical tourist experience.
