It was a celebration of several firsts for Mumbai chef Garima Arora, 31, under whom GAA in Bangkok earned its first Michelin star yesterday. Not only is this the maiden star for the restaurant and Arora's career, but it also makes her the first Indian woman to be part of the honour. GAA got its maiden star at a ceremony in Bangkok on Wednesday morning, within a year-and-a-half of its opening on April 1 last year. Meanwhile, 3,000 km away, the news sent a wave of jubilation across culinary circles in India.

The fine-dine restaurant has a menu that explores a connection between India and Thailand, using techniques and flavours from both countries. Arora had originally gone to Bangkok for a different purpose. "I had moved to Bangkok to spend six months in Gaggan's [Indian chef Gaggan Anand] kitchen as I was supposed to head his Mumbai outpost. When that deal fell through, the same owners decided they wanted to open another restaurant in Bangkok. Everything happens for the good," said Arora, who had started out as a journalist in Mumbai, before life took her in a completely unforeseen direction.