New Delhi: In the new age of dining, it is more about experiences than about just going out to eat; people are spending money to go out on experiences such as augmented reality, 3D projection mapping, and turning mealtimes into multisensory theatre. What was once the domain of concerts and art installations has now found a bold new canvas: the dinner plate.
Imagine sitting down to a simple white plate, only to watch a tiny animated chef curate food for you on the table in real time. Or your dessert arriving under a dome, which, once lifted, reveals not just a dish but an entire story unfolding around it—complete with blooming flowers, swirling galaxies, or a journey across continents. This isn’t futuristic fantasy; it’s happening now in some of the world’s most innovative restaurants.
With Delhi also witnessing a great shift in the hospitality industry, Shangri-La Eros Hotel, New Delhi, is the first one in Delhi to come up with the Le Petit Chef experience in India, known for its 3D projection experiences for kids and food lovers alike. During the conversation with Chef Gagandeep Singh Sawhney, executive chef and Culinary Centre of Excellence Cuisine specialist, MEIA Region, at Shangri-La Group, he shared a few insights on how it works and why more people are being drawn towards it each day.
How is the menu curated to complement the digital narrative?
Chef Gagandeep Singh Sawhney shared that, “When we curate a menu that complements a digital narrative like Le Petit Chef, our focus is on creating a multisensory experience where the story and flavours evolve together. Each course is carefully designed to mirror the transformation of the character, from an amateur to a master chef, so you’re not just watching a journey unfold on the table, you’re tasting it too. It’s a collaborative effort between our chefs and the digital storytelling team to ensure that what’s on your plate resonates with what’s projected before you.”
He also told the training and behind the scenes for such 3D Projections are well-trained and planned to not miss a symphony, every element has to be in perfect sync. There’s a dedicated backstage team that works closely with our chefs and the tech crew to ensure that each course arrives at the exact moment the storyline cues it.
We rehearse it down to the second, so when Le Petit Chef sets off on a truffle hunt or whisks through a chocolate fantasy, the corresponding dish lands on the table just in time to bring that moment to life.
Evolution of mindful dining and immersive experiences
Chef Gagandeep said, “I think we’re just scratching the surface of what immersive and mindful dining can be. With experiences like Le Petit Chef, we’re seeing how storytelling, technology, and cuisine can come together to create something that goes far beyond just a meal. As guests seek deeper connections with what they eat – how it’s made, where it comes from, and the emotions it elicits. I see this concept evolving into even more interactive formats, where diners might influence the narrative or participate in the preparation.
Sensory elements that are enhanced through immersive experiences
When you’re creating an experience like Le Petit Chef, every sensory detail matters. We consciously play with textures, like the crunch of a perfectly crisp Truffle Potato Croquette or the silkiness of the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, to keep the palate engaged throughout the journey. Aromas are equally important; the moment a dish is placed on the table, the fragrance is designed to draw guests deeper into the narrative.
Even the temperature and timing of each course are carefully planned so nothing distracts from the immersion. It’s all about making sure every sense is stimulated in sync with the story unfolding in front of them.
Not only are people looking to eat out, they are looking for experiences and with 3D projection mapping taking a great turn, there’s incredible scope for regional Indian storytelling through a format like Le Petit Chef. India has such a richness of culinary traditions, folklore, and craftsmanship, like weaving those elements into a dining journey that’s both visually immersive and deeply local in flavour.
Whether it’s tracing the spice trails of the South, exploring the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, or bringing to life lesser-known cooking techniques from the Northeast, the potential is endless.